Article

Ship Report Podcasts: Pilot boats - a special breed

published on 6 November 2021 - 56 -

Show comment section |

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.

Pilot Boats

What's your opinion on this?

Article New Volvo Penta D16 IMO III solution powers pilot boats

published on 15 November 2022

In 2020, the Swedish Maritime Administration, Sjöfartsverket commissioned three new pilot vessels to replace retired vessels in its Gothenburg, Marstrand, and Lysekil locations on the country’s west coast.

Video SWATH-Tender WESER PILOT at Elbcam "Grauerort"

published on 10 June 2026

Ein außergewöhnlicher Anblick an der Festung Grauerort am 1. Juni 2026: Das markante rote Lotsenversetzschiff WESER passierte am späten Vormittag unsere Elbcam. Das Spezialschiff, das in der markanten SWATH-Bauweise (Doppelrumpf) konstruiert ist, befand sich nach einem Werftaufenthalt auf dem Rückweg in sein Stammrevier. Mit rund 12,5 Knoten zog der rote Hingucker elbabwärts an der Kamera vorbei.

Video Pilot boat of Berbera

published on 3 February 2024

Video Port Tampa Bay Florida Pilot Boat Wizzes On By.

published on 6 October 2022

Please Consider Leaving Me A COMMENT, LIKE Or A SUBSCRIPTION. Thanks Very Much For Watching. I Appreciate It.

Video Pilot Boat "Draco" from the Netherlands

published on 25 October 2021

Video Santos Pilots

published on 28 February 2025

Article USAID ERA Delivers 2nd Pilot Boat to Ukraine

published on 11 November 2024

USAID, through its Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), delivered a second pilot boat "Lotsman Bolotin" to the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) to improve the efficiency and safety of pilots moving to and from vessels navigating the Danube ports.

Video Maritime Pilot embarking a Bulk Carrier with a 8,95 freeboard.

published on 26 August 2020

Hardest part of getting on board of a ship is climbing up on a maximum height of pilot ladder as 9m. Vessel on that video is a 27kdwt bulk carrier in ballast condition bound for İstanbul strait northbound passage.

Video Columbia River Bar Pilots History

published on 2 January 2023

There are approximately 160 Columbia River Pilots, which are organized into two associations. The Columbia River Pilots Association (CRPA) is made up of 80 pilots, while the Washington Pilots Association (WPA) consists of 80 pilots.

Video Time Lapse: Pilotage of an inbound LNG Carrier, Port of Rotterdam

published on 6 July 2019

Time Lapse Video: An inbound LNG carrier arrives at the Port of Rotterdam. At sea, in the Eurogeul channel, two maritime pilots have joined the vessel. Between the breakwaters four harbour tugs (Smit Harbour Towage) make fast to assist her manoeuvre. In the Beerkanaal channel the LNG carrier is stopped and swung before entering the Nijlhaven harbour. While approaching LNG Jetty 1 the ship's mooring lines are taken ashore by mooringboats (Koninklijke Roeiers Vereeniging Eendracht).
Pilot...