Product

Practical Ship Handling, Fourth Edition, by Malcolm C. Armstrong

298 -

Practical Ship Handling, Fourth Edition, by Malcolm C. Armstrong
Some ship handlers today use electronic instruments from start to finish and these ships usually have powerful engines and thrusters and an almost unlimited number of personnel on the bridge.

So what is done on such ships if the engines or thrusters fail or if the electronic navigation instruments die? How many tugs do we need? How shall we use them? What type and power are the tugs in this port? How do we communicate with the tugs? Pilots know the answers to these questions as they are applicable to the pilot’s particular district. It takes time to become an experienced pilot and this book will help. Most ships do not have unlimited personnel, in which case the pilot is like a one man band.

Bridge Resource Management (BRM) is the catch phrase of today’s ship handling, but the Resource is often very limited. From this book, ship’s masters and officers can learn a lot about practical ship handling and how they can help the person who has the con and this will be useful knowledge for them whether or not they ever handle a ship themselves; it will certainly help with BRM.

Many of today’s ships, especially very large underpowered ships require assistance from tugs and there are some manoeuvres that are rarely or never executed or observed by some mariners, for example running moor and other anchor work or securing a ship to a single buoy and these are described in this book. There is also good advice about specific helm orders and the need for brevity especially where language is a problem.

Author of the book: Malcolm C. Armstrong, FNI, Hon. Member of IMPA
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video Dublin Port | MOB (Man Overboard) Exercise

published on 3 November 2021

This is an exercise that is carried out at regular intervals by all crews on the Pilot boats and Tugs operating in Dublin Port, it is essential that crews are trained and ready to respond to any eventuality involving a MOB. In some instances it could be a casualty from another vessel. Being familiar with equipment and knowing what to do in any emergency is essential on board any vessel. #IrishPortSafetyWeek #DublinPort Find out more at: https://www.dublinport.ie/irish-ports-host-inaugural-...

0

Video Vessel "ELSE" crashes into closed lock gate in Kiel-Holtenau on 29.08.2020

published on 31 August 2020

Shortly after 5 a.m. local time the vessel “Else” had a collision in the Kiel-Holtenau lock to the Kiel Canal.
The "Else" subject to pilotage passed the pilot's boarding position without taking a sea pilot on board and collided from the outside into the closed gate of the new north lock. The bow bored into the metal construction and the ship was stuck for about six hours.
For more information about this accident see related content below (articles).

1

Video A day in the life of a PLA Pilot (London): 20 August 2025

published on 9 December 2025

A day in the life of a PLA Pilot and the team effort it takes to get the job done

3

Video Pilot boarding in ???

published on 5 November 2020

0

Article Marine Log November 2022 Edition: Focus on Workboats

published on 15 November 2022

MarineL og November 2022 Edition has been published. This issue focusses on patrol boats, pilot boats and offshore support vessels.

0

Video AIS track of MILANO BRIDGE on 6 April 2020 (Busan port)

published on 8 April 2020

According to AIS past track data, the vessel was obviously too fast on 9 knots and also going down the wind (4-5 bft., take a look at the exhaust from the stack) when entered the inner harbour considering the size and displacement. That speed was approximate 3 ship lengths to the pier and there was the on pier wind after the turn. Why the ship entered the port so fast will be the subject of the investigations to be awaited. Knowing South Korea procedures there will be no just marine...

0

Video Torres Pilots - Short video on GNEC operations

published on 8 June 2021

Attached is a short video on our Great North East Channel operation, The video highlights launch operations and the role of the pilot on-board.

1

Video 20m Pilot Boat "Raan" from Belgium

published on 10 October 2025

Following a pilot at fast speed

0

Video MV Commodore Clipper Picks up the Le Havre Pilot, 11/9/26

published on 24 September 2026

The scene on approach to Le Havre as the pilot boat comes alongside and the pilot jumps aboard.

0

Article Gladding-Hearn Delivers New Launch to Galtex Pilots

published on 13 December 2022

The Galveston-Texas City Pilots has taken delivery of its fourth pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. The new launch is equipped with a Seakeeper 30HD stabilizing gyro, which, according to shipyard officials, will reduce up to 80% the vessel’s roll.

0