Article

Ship Report Podcasts: Pilot boats - a special breed

published on 6 November 2021 - 56 -

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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

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Article Gladding-Hearn Delivers High-Speed Launch to St. Lawrence Seaway Pilots

published on 21 August 2020

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation delivered a Chesapeake class pilot boat to the Seaway Pilots Inc. in Cape Vincent, NY. The Seaway pilots navigate ships in and out of the ports and harbors of the St. Lawrence Seaway between St. Regis, NY and Port Weller on Lake Ontario.

Video Next Generation Pilot Boat

published on 1 April 2021

20mt Pilot Boat Concept Design

Video Liverpool Pilot Boat Returning to Liverpool

published on 15 September 2020

Video Pilot boat Lesath in rough sea brings pilot to Container ship

published on 28 September 2021

The pilot boat Lesath brings the harbor pilot to the Allegro. It was windy and the sea was rough, the conditions where not extremely, but the boarding is not whitout risk.
This video is created 2 days after storm Ciara in the Port of Rotterdam. This was also the first day that the containerterminals where open after the storm.
Shipspotting Rotterdam,
Enjoy

Article Associated Federal Pilots Orders Launch From Gladding-Hearn

published on 13 November 2020

The Associated Federal Pilots in Metairie, LA, has ordered a Chesapeake Class pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. The pilots’ first launch, built by the Mass.-based shipyard, is scheduled for delivery in July 2021.

Article London Port Authority: Record year for pilotage

by Port of London Authority - published on 13 January 2022

By the end of this year, our sea pilots are set to have undertaken a record number of pilotage acts. The total number is set to exceed 10,700, with almost 99% of the acts completed without delay.

Video Refusing to board due to a pilot ladder not rigged correctly

published on 20 June 2025

This lady came into port in an excellent day, however when I inspected the pilot ladder prior to board I saw that it was rigged using D-Shackles fastened between the side ropes, transferring all the weight and load of the ladder to the clamps and chokes. Truly an unsuitable method of securing the ladder. Retrieval line was also not above the first spreader
After pulling out the pilot boat, the ship was contacted by VHF and the captain was asked to instruct the crew in the usage of ropes and...

Article Safehaven: New Pilot Boat to Williams Shipping (UK)

published on 19 May 2022

Safehaven Marine of Ireland will soon deliver a new pilot boat to Williams Shipping based in Southampton, UK.

Video A Ship Like No Other: CMA CGM JACQUES SAADE

published on 23 September 2020

The CMA CGM JACQUES SAADE, our new flagship, is the first of a series of nine sister ships, a homogeneous LNG-powered fleet.
An innovation-packed feat, a pioneering choice that aims at preserving air quality.
The result of 7 years of research and development.
More than a flagship, a vision.

Article Marine Accident Investigation Branch (UK): Report 2020

published on 14 June 2021

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) examines and investigates all types of marine accidents to or on board UK vessels worldwide, and other vessels in UK territorial waters. Here is the annual report of 2020.