Article

Podcast: Maritime Pilot Safety and reducing the risk in pilot transfer operations


published on 4 July 2023 323 -

“The problem with statistics is that it’s a bummer when it’s you!”

― Arie Palmers, Maritime Pilot


This is an in-depth discussion of the risks involved in maritime pilot transfers; an interesting job but with a risky commute to work.

Sadly there have been 7 deaths associated with maritime pilot transfer operations already in the first 6 months of 2023. 

What are the current international regulations for ships and what are the barriers to reducing the risk? How can individuals, the industry, ports and ship builders make changes to save lives in the future?

Guests:

Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector at Marine Accident Investigation Branch 

Arie Palmers, Senior Maritime Pilot working in the Netherlands

Adam Parnell, Director at CHIRP Maritime Charitable Trust

What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Combinations Ladders: "1,000 combinations around" (by Arie Palmers)

by Arie Palmers, Netherlands - published on 13 July 2020

Before you, you see my third article on pilot boarding arrangements. After my two previous articles
(‘1000 ways to secure a pilot ladder’ and ‘1000 ladders around’, I have received a lot of feedback and
also questions to get deeper into the matter of combinations and embarkation platforms.

2

Article 1,000 ways to secure a Pilot Ladder

by Arie Palmers, Netherlands - published on 10 January 2020

From that moment on I have been keeping a tally of the non compliant boarding arrangements I see in front of me on a daily base, and off course I participate in the annual safety campaign, conducted by IMPA each october.

0

Article China wants to change pilot ladder regulations

published on 3 May 2022

China has already submitted proposals to the IMO regarding changes to SOLAS, Chapter 23, and IMO A.1045(27) in early 2021.

0

Article Dissertation: Reducing the subjective impact in maritime simulator assessment (2020)

published on 14 October 2021

"A performance assessment tool for maritime pilotage operations" - by Jørgen Ernstsen, Norway
When the ship is approaching or leaving a port, a local navigational expert, the pilot, is often provided for assisting the bridge team to safely and efficiently navigate the littoral waters.

0

Video PD Ports Pilot Boat Salthome (UK)

published on 11 May 2026

Follow me on my drone journey always in 4K see what my drone sees from above # dronearielfootage # drone video #dji drone #mini5pro #pilotboat #shippingtips PD Ports has invested over £1M into this new vessel, built by Anglesey based Holyhead Marine Services Limited, which will enable the Tees Bay Pilots to continue to assist Teesport and the Port of Hartlepool. Benefiting from the most up-to-date navigation technology and powered by twin Scania marine diesel engines, the vessel can...

0

Opinion Comment of Harry Klenner: Harbour pilots and climate change

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 16 June 2020

Comment of Harry Klenner (Presidente de la Asociación Chilena de Prácticos de Puerto): Nowadays, apart from having to take measures to avoid contagion with the Covid-19, port pilots have to consider another factor that has become present on the planet and which, by the way, our country has not been unaware of.

0

Video Columbia River Bar Pilots conduct man overboard training

published on 28 April 2026

On April 20, 2026, the Columbia River Bar Pilots conducted a MOB drill with the U.S. Coast Guard Station Astoria.

0

Article Lessons learned: Failure of outboard side combination railing

published on 17 February 2022

According to the International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA), the ship “Grand Radiant” suffered an incident where the accommodation ladder entire outboard side railing fell away due to a pin becoming loose.

0

Article UKHO signs MoUs with Port of London Authority and Peel Ports Group

published on 19 June 2023

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) signs MoUs with Port of London Authority and Peel Ports Group, strengthening collaboration in port sector.

0