Article

Santander Pilots ISPO certified (since July 2020)


by ISPO - International Standard for Maritime Pilot Organisations - published on 17 November 2020 183 -

Santander Pilots gaining its ISPO accreditation
photo and text by ISPO

The International Users Group of ISPO certified pilot organizations (IUG) congratulates the Corporación Prácticos del Puerto de Santander (Santander Pilot Service) on gaining its ISPO accreditation. It is another step forward for the International Standard for Maritime Pilot Organizations that the Santander Pilots have been recognised for their standards of best practice.

The ISPO is a quality and safety management system produced for pilots by pilots and provides performance criteria for Risk Management, Training & Qualification, Pilot Operations, Customer Relations and Emergency Preparedness. These operational procedures which are audited by a classification society, ensures a continuous improvement cycle and provides self-regulation and transparency in pilotage standards to all port stakeholders.

This month, Lloyd’s Register conducted external audits of the Santander Pilots operations and procedures, and its Integrated Management System were deemed satisfactory. The Santander Pilots has received accreditation from Lloyd’s Register for its commitment to providing the shipping industry, the Spanish coast and Santander Port with a pilotage service that is quantifiable with respect to the safety management of its operations and its commitment to maintaining a safe environment.

The Santander Pilots is the 23nd ISPO certified pilot organization in the world and there is a growing trend for Pilotage Service Providers to adopt the ISPO as the providers begin to see the benefits of quality and safety management systems.

The IUG, responsible for ISPO, hopes this trend continues and that more pilot organizations will voluntarily opt for this quality and safety management system.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article ISPO code and Control Manual (latest edition 1/1/22)

by ISPO - International Standard for Maritime Pilot Organisations - published on 4 January 2022

The latest edition of the ISPO Code and Control Manual has just been published: From January 1st 2022, the new ISPO Code and ISPO Control Manual will come into effect.

0

Article ISPO 2022 conference program and topics published

published on 17 June 2022

On 21st and 22nd September, the ISPO conference 2022 will be held at Cork in Ireland. Now the conference program and topics have been published.

1

Article Ships are manoeuvred in remote mode in Klaipeda Port

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 28 April 2020

Klaipeda is one among few seaports in Europe, where maritime pilots are able to carry out operations in remote mode. As it is attempted to avoid contact with other persons as much as possible during the quarantine, several trials have already been performed in the seaport. They revealed that such assistance for the vessels sailing in Klaipeda Port is effective and safe.

0

Article Capt. Kevin Vallance awarded the Merchant Navy Medal

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 13 November 2020

Captain Kevin Vallance awarded the Merchant Navy Medal for services to Maritime Safety.

3

Article Sea Pilots From 24 Nations at EMPA General Meeting In Antwerp

published on 9 May 2022

Representatives of sea pilots from 24 nations organized in the European Maritime Pilots Association held their general meeting in Antwerp.

0

Video Port of Dundee Welcomes New Pilot Boat Tay Discovery

published on 22 September 2025

At a special dedication ceremony at the Port of Dundee today, the new Tay Discovery pilot boat was given a traditional marine blessing for its service on the River Tay.
With the Dundee Heritage Trust and National Oceanography Centre present, the pilot boat has been named Tay Discovery which highlights the important role the port plays in the City of Discovery. The naming also coincides with the centenary of the original Discovery ship receiving its Royal Research designation.
The Chaplain,...

0

Opinion The IMPA Pilot Ladder Poster: Suggestions for Improvements

by Arie Palmers - published on 31 December 2020

In this article I would like to share my thoughts on this pilot ladder poster. Is it as good as we think or is there room for improvement? By taking you through this poster step by step I hope to explain what needs to be changed to make it similar to IMO an SOLAS regulations.

3

Video Malta Maritime Pilots

published on 4 July 2019

Malta Maritime Pilots

0

Video Tyne Pilot Boat Collingwood

published on 5 March 2025

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the vital work of the Port of Tyne pilot boat crew aboard Collingwood! From sunrise to sunset, these skilled mariners navigate the River Tyne and the North Sea, ensuring the safe passage of massive cargo ships, tankers, and ferries.
Watch as the crew battles the elements, transfers pilots onto moving vessels, and keeps the busy shipping lane running smoothly. This is a rare glimpse into the teamwork, precision, and dedication required to guide ships...

0

Opinion Piloting and the unstoppable wheel of technology.

by Captain Ricardo Caballero "Themaritimepilot" - published on 25 June 2020

Surely, the new invention also reduced the amount of time and hands (manpower) previously required to perform such a task. Now those idling "extra hands" could dedicate the "extra time" that was made available, to take care of other issues important for the community.

0