Marine Pilot

Text and photos by Tonci Regjo
Pilot for the Split Harbour

A new £1.35 million pilot vessel, Stainsby, was added to the Pilot Boat fleet last year. The vessel was built in Wales by Holyhead Marine Services, an experienced builder of pilot boats that delivered Teesport the similar Saltholme in 2014. The 16.5 metre boat is powered by twin Scania DI16 diesels, producing 525BHP @ 1800RPM. Transmission is via Twin Disc “Quickshift” MGX-5136SC Gearboxes.

At the Port of London Authority, an immersive pilot simulator is designed to continuously train and assess pilots to maintain quality and skills in the industry.

Back in August 2022, we received an offer to accompany the Port Colborne Pilot boat to make a video about the process of putting Pilots on board ships sailing on the Great Lakes. Port Colborne is the upbound terminus of the Welland Canal, and opens onto Lake Erie.

Another great education video by Knud Benedict (Germany): Practical experiments for getting useful data for planning.

“The current plight many seafarers are facing, unable to crew change or return home, is being described by many voices within the maritime community as the next humanitarian crisis.”

South Australian port operator Flinders Ports has expanded its fleet of harbour services vessels with the recent acquisition of a newbuild pilot boat constructed by Hart Marine in the neighbouring state of Victoria.

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

Next generation of Navigation. This video shows the new technologies put up on Navigation. #ecdis #lifeatsea #seafarer

Norwegian coast guard said that there is still a risk that the ship may capsize and pose an environmental
hazard.The ship is still drifting, and is located 40-50 nautical miles west of Alesund. KV Sortland is still on
site, and they are the Coastal Administration's eyes and ears.