New Pilot Boat for the Alabama’s Mobile Bar Pilots by Gladding-Hearn

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.

The Tampa Bay pilot association has returned its first Chesapeake Class pilot boat to Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding. Tampa was built in 2003 when the shipyard introduced the class of mid-size, high-speed launches.

Join Sir Boats Yacht as we take you aboard the legendary Gladding-Hearn Chesapeake Class Pilot Boat 🚤—a true workhorse of the seas! In just 7 minutes, we break down everything you need to know about this powerful, durable, and mission-critical vessel. From design to interior, performance to customization, this boat is a perfect example of world-class marine engineering ⚓ Whether you're a maritime professional, boat lover, or just curious about the vessels guiding mega-ships safely to port,...

After a six day hitch, we work our last ship before heading home https://instagram.com/sea_weathered?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Here’s a nice video of the ‘Independent Vision’ having her pilot embarked offshore by the Cork pilot boat ‘Failte’ an Interceptor 48 before she enters Cork Harbour. We also undertook some alongside handling trials at the same time with ‘San Cibrao’ before she is shipped to Spain. Sure was interesting trying to land the drone back on the boat in the 40kt winds offshore!

Pilots Association for the Bay and River Delaware Pilot Boat JP Virden heading out to put a Pilot on a ship.

The new 56-ft. Virginia Pilots launch is powered by a pair of Volvo Penta D13 700 hp EPA Tier 3 engines matched with IPS-3 steerable pod drives with forward-facing counter-rotating props. The propulsion system includes Volvo Penta’s EVC electronic steering and control system with a three-axis joystick. Top speed is 33+ knots.

Watch also (video of the accident)
Unofficial internal company timeline report

Chapter 3 from the book "Crossing the Bar, The Adventures of a San Francisco Bay Bar Pilot" by Captain Paul Lobo, available on Amazon (link below)