Source: Ship Report Podcasts
Today a look at a special vessel that is commonly seen on the Astoria waterfront: the pilot boat that takes pilots to and from passing ships. These boats are specially designed for demanding work that other boats avoid at all costs – coming in contact with the hull of a moving ship, and transporting pilots safely as they do a dangerous job.
Read more...
Video Pilot boarding at Manila, Philippines
published on 23 September 2022
Article Gladding-Hearn Delivers Sixth High-Speed Launch to Delta Pilots
by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 15 July 2020
Delta Launch Services, the operating company for the Associated Branch pilots on the SW Pass of the Mississippi, has taken delivery of a new pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. This is the sixth St. John’s Class launch built for the Delta pilots by the Somerset, Mass. shipyard.
Video PLA River Thames Pilot Cutter Dji Inspire 2
published on 28 January 2021
Pilot cutters are used to take pilots between the three pilot stations (at Gravesend, Harwich and Ramsgate) and ships entering or leaving the Port of London.
Three dedicated pilot cutters Patrol, Guide and our hybrid Leader are based at Gravesend. The six cutters used at Ramsgate are operated by a Estuary Services Limited, which is jointly owned by the PLA and Medway Ports Ltd.
Video Collision with Holtenau high bridge (Video in German)
published on 2 December 2022
Article Fall overboard during pilot transfer, Moreton Bay, Queensland, on 2 July 2025
published on 19 September 2025
Article Pilots sound alarm on proposed federal right whale rules
by Clay Diamond - Executive Director - General Counsel at American Pilots’ Association - published on 1 August 2024
Video Self-righting test and arrival of Pilot Boat "Hirondelle de la Manche" (2017)
published on 20 September 2021