Assistant Harbour Master

In our new section "five questions to..." we would like to introduce pilots and other market players to our readers in short interviews.

Today we have talked to  Mamdouh Albaiji, Senior Harbor Pilot at "Ras Tanura at Aramco“

What happens when GNSS fails? In maritime navigation, this isn’t a hypothetical scenario – it’s a growing risk. Spoofing, jamming, and GNSS outages are increasing, especially in the Baltic Sea region. A failure can cripple navigation systems – with potentially serious consequences.

When the bow thruster has been in operation for a while, pilots often notice that the ship not only turns but also gains speed. But why is this? Opinion by Capt. Hugues Cauvier.

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...

A marine pilot who sadly died after a ‘fall from a pilot ladder’ in the Humber Estuary has now been named. Video credit: BBC Look North/BBC News Hub

The Port Phillip Sea Pilots launch Torquay off Point Lonsdale.
Ship spotting at Point Lonsdale and other water activities by Wally on Water.

"The Hidden Heroes: How Tugboats Keep Ports Running Smoothly"Did you know that tugboats are the unsung heroes of our ports? They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the safe and efficient movement of giant ships and cargo vessels. From navigating treacherous waters to providing emergency assistance, tugboats play a vital role in keeping our global supply chain running smoothly. In this video, we're shining the spotlight on these mighty machines and the brave men and women who...

At the A&R shipyard in Germany, the successful principle of SWATH boats was further developed in 2013: The SWASH principle allows sea-going, smaller and more economical boats.

Found on YouTube:

Tom Mellor - C​hairman of the IHO Electronic Navigational Chart Working Group (ENC WG) and Head of Digital Standards at the UKHO - explains what the IHO's ECDIS and ENC Standards mean.

Gabon, Baie du Prince, 2012.
Getting that nice fat lady alongside