IMPA is hosting examples of best practice and protocols during Covid-19 times

The United Kingdom Maritime Pilots' Association (UKMPA) has all been inundated with CV19 communications from all manner of sources in the last few weeks. Here is a condensed collection of information from the UKMPA.

On Monday, March 23, 2020, Admiral Osama Rabie announced the successful transit of the Italian passenger ship COSTA DIADEMA in the northbound convoy through the new Suez Canal, coming from the United Arab Emirates heading to Italy. Special measures were applied, as 65 Coronavirus cases were reported on board which required piloting the vessel remotely through pilotage team boarded on two escorting tugs in full coordination with the transit control offices and navigation monitoring stations in a first of its kind scenario in the history of the Suez Canal.

Fewer vessels in voyage mean less pilotage and this means less income for many Pilots. Not every Pilot is an employee and many pilots are self-employed and organised in a brotherhood per example. They are earning only money if they are piloting a vessel. No vessel – no money.

On April 20, 2026, the Columbia River Bar Pilots conducted a MOB drill with the U.S. Coast Guard Station Astoria.

‘It certainly hurts – using the integrated lifting sling on a life jacket.’

February 23, 2020.
During high seas, smaller ships board Maritime Pilots in the mass entrance to Port of Rotterdam.

Vehicles Carrier Ship "JASPER ARROW" / Pilot Vessel "CATAMARÁN ANTARES" #ZonaComún #RioDeLaPlata - Maneuvering of Embarking #RioDeLaPlataPilots and Disembarking #RioParanáPilot #Prácticos.- This video was filmed on board Pilot Vessel "CATAMARÁN ANTARES" and shows the moments when the Pilot Vessel was proceeding to the #BoardingStation Zona Común - Rio de la Plata, to the vessel "JASPER ARROW", to start with the Maneuvering of Embarking and Disembarking #Pilots .- Special appreciation to...

The role of a Tug Master undertaking harbour towage activities is a very specific one. He/she has to, alone or in cooperation with other Tug Masters, assist a ship in a safe and efficient way using his/her tug to the best of its qualities.