China: Accident caused by mass pilots quarantines

Vessels are being stranded at ports on the river due to the lack of pilots and the line-up of vessels forced to wait in the anchorage outside the estuary is increasing rapidly. Owners are unclear how long the problem will last

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.

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.

Maritime pilots work in an irregular deployment system (rotation system) with unpredictable work assignments under high levels of physical and mental stress. Fatigue or chronic diseases, e.g. coronary heart disease, peptic ulcers or gastritis can occur as a consequence.

What’s expected to be the first autonomous container ship is at the beginning of a two-year pilot. Norwegian fertiliser giant Yara is behind the vessel, which will gradually transition to fully autonomous navigation. The global maritime industry is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, and it is thought this could be one step towards a green shipping revolution. Please subscribe HERE http://bit.ly/1rbfUog #ClimateChange #Norway #BBCNews

AURIGA Group on Friday announced it had appointed the first female pilot in its business, as well as the first female leader of a reef pilotage business.

LOC, part of AqualisBraemar LOC Group, is pleased to announce it is launching a new digital solution to enhance safety of marine operations within ports and harbours.

LEIGH ANN MORAN - Towing Vessel and the YELLOW ROSE - Pilot Vessel