Hammond Pilots

Safehaven Marine have launched another new Pilot boat, there 20th Interceptor 48 and 46th pilot vessel overall for the River Plate pilots in Montevideo, Uruguay. ‘Belgrano’ named after the famous Argentine general, will operate on the River Plate estuary, also famous for being the place of the first naval battle during the second world war, where the German battle cruiser, the Admiral Graf Spee was scuttled.

Drydocking or undocking is always a difficult task, particularly with a “dead” vessel (no power/propulsion) and the wind blowing on the ship's side.

20mt Pilot Boat Concept Design

Due to many incidents involving pilot ladders and man ropes in South Australian ports, and in effort to improve pilot safety, from 1 January 2022 Flinders Ports will require visiting vessels and their Masters to take additional precautions

Today I will discuss a very simple and useful practical trick often used by pilots.

When we have to berth a vessel with small clearances forward and aft (say 20 to 25 mtr fwd and aft) it is very essential that you are able to estimate your position. Now most of the time you have a berthing supervisor on jetty who will help you with position.

Study from 2015: Psychological stressors, in addition to the physical demands associated with the role (e.g., reduced sleep, boarding, and departing vessels), may over time have a damaging effect on pilots' physical and mental health.

River Bann pilots transfer from Athos to pilot vessel Ulidia at Barmouth, River Bann. N. Ireland

Saying goodbye to our new built vessels are never easy. This pilot boat is the 16th delivered to Finnpilot Pilotage by Kewatec AluBoat.

The Federal New York and the M.S. Westcott Sliding through the Detroit River in May 2026, the Federal New York towered over the tiny but legendary M.S. Westcott, a perfect Great Lakes contrast of scale and tradition. Built in 2024 for Fednav, Canada’s largest dry-bulk shipping company, the Federal New York stretches nearly 656 feet long, carries roughly 34,700 deadweight tons, and was designed specifically for efficient St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes service. Alongside her, the M.S....

Unless you were paying attention on your last cruise, you might have missed the pilot boat bringing the pilot out to your cruise ship.