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we require the deckhand to test the securing and integrity of the pilot ladder before the pilot commenced his disembarkation - in this case the vessel had limited descent as using the gunport door as is accepted practice for pax vessels
Video Kittiwake Mersey Pilot
published on 22 December 2021
Video Refusing to board due to a pilot ladder not rigged correctly
published on 20 June 2025
This lady came into port in an excellent day, however when I inspected the pilot ladder prior to board I saw that it was rigged using D-Shackles fastened between the side ropes, transferring all the weight and load of the ladder to the clamps and chokes. Truly an unsuitable method of securing the ladder. Retrieval line was also not above the first spreader
After pulling out the pilot boat, the ship was contacted by VHF and the captain was asked to instruct the crew in the usage of ropes and...
Video Safe boarding of vessels
published on 25 February 2021
Video Pilot Embarkation: Unusual Manoeuvre
published on 25 March 2024
Video Otaru/Sapporo Marine Pilot Disembarkation
published on 6 October 2024
We bid farewell to our Otaru marine pilot just outside Otaru Harbor, Japan. The crew of the pilot tug were particularly fastidious about not marking up the side of the Viking Orion during the operations, spraying the interface with water, even though that might have made the transfer more hazardous for the pilot. From the Viking Orion, October 2024
Article Change in Brisbane: Poseidon Sea Pilots wins tender
published on 10 February 2021
Video Kenya’s First Female Marine Pilot Elizabeth Marami
published on 13 January 2021
Elizabeth Marami, 28, has made history by becoming Kenya’s first female marine pilot. Born and bred in the coastal city Mombasa, Marami initially studied law at the University of Nairobi, but later changed course and went on to pursue navigation in Alexandria, Egypt for 5 years. “I always grew up knowing that I wanted to do something different, Something out of the ordinary. Being awarded a scholarship to pursue this career was God’s answered prayer…,” she says.