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.

A recorded webinar on the UiT Autonomous Ship Program, including recent research activities by Lokukaluge Prasad Perera. The presentation can be downloaded from : https://www.slideshare.net/LokukalugePrasadPere/uit-autonomous-ship-program-including-recent-research-activities

World Maritime Day Program, Pilotage in Maldives. Documentary Produced by Capt.Mohamed Shahid in association with AMMARI (Association for Maldives Maritime Industry and Maldives Ports Limited. Special thanks to :- Mr. Shahid Ali, CEO, Maldives Ports Ltd. Capt. Ahmed Rasheed, Harbor Master, Maldives Ports Ltd. Mr. Muzni Mohamed, Maldives Ports Ltd. Capt. Hussain Faisal, Senior Pilot, Maldives Ports Ltd. Capt. Ahmed Muaz, Senior Pilot, Maldives Ports Ltd. Capt. Zaid, President, Association...

A handy and simple tool to determine in a minimum time what is really needed as tug assistance, is the Bollard Pull Calculator which calculates in an approximate way the total required tug power for ships in various conditions of wind and current. This tool can be loaded as an app on the smart phone.

One of AMPI’s core missions is to advocate for the safety and well-being of marine pilots, and an essential part of that work is developing Position Statements.

In this article Marine Pilot André Gaillard gives us his vision of the maritime pilotage profession of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

We take a look at some of the dangerous ladder arrangements provided by ships when attempting to take maritime pilots on board. Our message is simple: if you are offered an unsafe or non-compliant ladder, do not board!

A patrol boat of the Navy of Venezuela sank in international waters after apparently shooting and ramming a German cruise ship. Allegedly the "Resolute" was to be diverted off course.