Vessels are being stranded at ports on the river due to the lack of pilots and the line-up of vessels forced to wait in the anchorage outside the estuary is increasing rapidly. Owners are unclear how long the problem will last

Pilot boat Razorbill southbound on the River Mersey, returning from the bar.

This is an interview with Patrick Wilson, a bar pilot who is a part of the Mobile Bar Pilots in Mobile, Alabama. Chapters/Questions 0:00 - Introduction to Patrick Wilson 0:15 - What does a bar pilot do? 0:57 - What is the career path to becoming a bar pilot? What education and experience did you need? 2:13 - What's the most challenging situation you've handled while guiding a ship? 3:48 - How has new technology like GPS or advanced radar changed your job, and how much do you still rely on...

Reflections on his work on the Mississippi River (2014)

South Australian port operator Flinders Ports (FP) has entered into an agreement to purchase three new pilot vessels over the next three years from Melbourne-based boatbuilder Hart Marine.

The Pacific Pilotage Authority says: "There is a common misunderstanding amongst vessel operators that vessels built prior to 2012 are exempt from some of the requirements for pilot transfer arrangements. This is incorrect...".

In my most recent article, I talked about how ports are currently faced with disruptive circumstances that severely impact the day-to-day port operations. The COVID-19 situation and blockage of the Suez Canal lead to increased operational uncertainty and a need for ports to endure the situation rather than planning the future.

Ultra Large Container Vessel EVER GIVEN ran aground in Suez Canal north of Suez, at around 0600 UTC Mar 23, shortly after entering Canal in northbound convoy.

Today a look at a special vessel that is commonly seen on the Astoria waterfront: the pilot boat that takes pilots to and from passing ships.