Senior Marine Pilot - Deputy Harbour Master

Over the course of 4 days this August, I was afforded the opportunity and privilege of riding with the Savannah Bar Pilots for an article I was writing for a major maritime magazine. The pilots are given the responsibility of boarding a vessel in the Atlantic Ocean and safely navigating the vessel up the Tybee Road 9 (a name for the shipping lane that leads into the Savannah River), into the Savannah River, and into the Port of Savannah. The same is done in reverse when a ship is outbound...

"A routine pilot task"

Escada usada pelos práticos soltou durante entrada do Maersk Letícia em Itajaí. Saiba mais: http://nsctotal.com.br/
Crédito: Reprodução, Redes Sociais
Container ship MAERSK LETICIA, IMO 9526916, dwt 106043, capacity 7450 TEU, built 2011, flag HK, manager MAERSK LINE A/S.

The 16.3-meter aluminium pilot boat includes features aimed at performance and crew safety: • Twin Caterpillar C18 engines (2 x 400 hp) • Traditional shaft and propeller system • Top speed of 25 knots, cruising at 22 knots • Air suspension seats, autopilot, and interceptor system • Heated decks, rails, and windows • Crew accommodation for six • Galley for two and diesel heating for cold-weather operation • 2 x 1300-liter fuel tanks for extended range “This is not just a boat. This is a...

We take a look at some of the dangerous ladder arrangements provided by ships when attempting to take maritime pilots on board. Our message is simple: if you are offered an unsafe or non-compliant ladder, do not board!

As the world struggles with the Covid-19 virus, the maritime world is being hit hard, not only economically, but also socially and operationally. Iin shipping there are no borders.

USA-based shipbuilder Metal Shark and Sea Machines, a Boston-based leading developer of autonomous marine technology, have partnered on the introduction of a new 29-foot autonomous vessel now being offered through Metal Shark’s “Sharktech” autonomous division. Full story here: http://bit.ly/seamachines

In this episode, we are joined by Arie Palmers, a maritime pilot with over 16 years of experience. Arie provides an in-depth overview of the safety and challenges faced daily by maritime pilots. Check out Arie’s LinkedIn profile for access to the "Weekly Ladder Misery", where you’ll find golden insights into the safe practices that maritime pilots should follow. We’ll cover crucial topics such as: 1️⃣ Challenges and dangers of being a maritime pilot 2️⃣ Understanding good practices for...