Article

Humphree stabilization for Louisiana Pilots

published on 16 November 2020 - 179 -

Show comment section |

Text and photos by Humphree

The Associated Federal Pilots in Metairie, La., has ordered a Chesapeake-class pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding. The pilots’ first launch, built by the Massachusetts-based shipyard, is scheduled for delivery in July 2021.

Since the Chesapeake-class pilot boat was introduced by the shipyard in 2003, 21 have been delivered to 12 pilot associations throughout the United States. With a deep-V hull designed by Ray Hunt Design, the new all-aluminum launch measures 52.6 feet overall, with a 16.8-foot beam and a 3.10-foot draft. The vessel is powered by twin Volvo Penta D-16 EPA Tier 3-certified diesel engines, each producing 641 bhp at 1,800 rpm. The top speed is expected to reach over 26 knots. A Humphree interceptor trim control system, with its automatic trim optimization, will be installed at the transom.

Humphree AB

Pilot Boats

What's your opinion on this?

Video Safehaven Marine: Rough weather sea trials of Svitzer Oued Martil.

published on 17 March 2021

Here’s a nice little video of the sea trials of ‘Svitzer Oued Martil’ including some cool on-board 360 camera footage of her going through some pretty big breaking seas during rough weather testing, and some nice foggy day drone footage and trials alongside the Brittany Ferry ‘Armorique’.

Video Montrose Port Authority Pilot Boat Arrival

published on 29 December 2022

Montrose Port Authority's new pilot boat was welcomed by water cannons as it arrived at its new home at the port of Montrose on Thursday 22nd December, making its journey from Ireland where the boat was constructed.
Read more about the pilot boat arrival on the Montrose Port Authority website: https://montroseport.co.uk/2022/12/23/pilot-boat-new/

Video Storm Agnes and pilot boat Safehaven Marine

published on 11 October 2023

Here’s a nice little video of rough weather sea trials that coincided with ‘Storm Agnes’ last week in the Interceptor 48 pilot boat ‘Svitzer Oued Laou’. The storm produced some pretty big waves at the entrance to Cork Harbour, and strong winds during the height of the storm. We managed to capture some cool footage from Roches PT lighthouse. It was fairly rough, although by not coinciding with the ebbing tide conditions aboard were quite comfortable, and our Pilot 48 handled it effortlessly...

Video Dutch pilot boat LYRA boards a pilot on to a dredger

published on 6 May 2024

Video Pilot Boat in Kuantan / Malaysia

published on 1 April 2020

Video Tanger Med Pilots in bad weather doing a great job

published on 15 December 2021

The pilots make docking mega-ships look easy despite the meteorological disturbance.
Great pictures from Morocco

Article NTSB Investigation: Towing vessel pilot never reported hitting bridge in Louisiana

published on 13 March 2023

The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the contact of the Miss Mollye D tow with the Route 182 bridge was a loss of control of the tow by the pilot at the helm of the towing vessel, likely due to impairment by factors such as fatigue or drug use.

Video Pilots, Ship Job Description

published on 4 July 2019

What does a pilot do? Job description

Video Navigating on St Lawrence River towards cargo ship Federal Kumano

published on 8 November 2022

Waiting on the porch of boat pilot cabin. Putting on life vest and embarking on boat pilot speedboat. Navigating on St Lawrence River towards cargo ship Federal Kumano. Embarking on cargo ship. Talking stairs up tp navigation bridge. Meeting crew.Taking over controls of Federal Kumano.

Video Maritime Voices: Clint Winegar, Presiding Officer, Houston Pilots

published on 10 October 2025

Clint Winegar, Presiding Officer, Houston Pilots, discusses the organization in the round, explaining how the Houston operation remains one of three in the country that still utilizes station boat.