Video

Port of Stockton: River Pilots

published on 17 December 2019 - 243 -

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The San Francisco Bar Pilots are one of the important cogs in our supply chain wheel. They are tasked with boarding the vessels eleven miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge via a rope ladder often in rough seas and taking control of the vessels en route to the Port of Stockton. Once on the bridge of the ship, the Pilot oversees navigation and ensures the safe passage of ships into the Bay and through the Delta until it is secured alongside its berth at the Port. Without these Pilots the Port could not perform its mission to provide jobs and economic stability for the region. Within the larger San Francisco Bar Pilots Association there is a smaller subdivision that is approved to take vessels all the way to the Port of Stockton. They are called the River Pilots and this is their story…

San Francisco, Port Stockton

San Francisco Bar Pilots

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Video History: Trinity House Buoys (1966)

published on 18 May 2020

Harwich, Essex. Several shots of buoys at a warehouse on the quay. Various shots show the Trinity House Vessel 'Siren' setting out to sea to carry out maintenance on buoys; a naval flag showing the Union Jack and the Trinity House Jack is hoisted; officers are seen using sextants and plotting their course on a chart. Nice M/S of a sailor tying on a life jacket. Sailors drop anchor beside a buoy, hoist weather balloons and ring bells on the ship. The buoy is cleaned of mussels and limpets...

Video Bristol Pilots LLP - Video

published on 18 September 2019

What does a Bristol Pilot do? This is a short film we made for Bristol Pilots LLP to show what it is these guys do - from climbing up the side of oil tankers in the middle of the night, to bringing in huge ships through a lock with inches to spare either side - the Bristol Pilots do an amazing job.

Opinion Hybrid War at Sea

by Frank Diegel - published on 25 March 2025

Electronic warfare in the Baltic Sea is escalating rapidly, with GPS and AIS disruptions posing growing risks to maritime navigation. Russia’s hybrid strategy is targeting both safety and stability in one of Europe’s most critical shipping regions. Pilots and crews now face a new reality: navigating under threat.

Video 8 Hours in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

published on 6 July 2019

Follow me as I travel around the world working on a container ship!
The mega container ship is alongside Kaohsiung for one day, I had 8 hours off between my watch, so i took the opportunity to explore Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Brought along my drone to take some shots at the beautiful architecture that Taiwan has to offer.

Video Florida Harbor Pilots - Imagefilm from 2010

published on 26 May 2020

Video Luke Pollard tests out the new pilot boat

published on 31 January 2022

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Video A Pilot Boat alongside a Cruise Ship (Norway)

published on 4 August 2025

A Pilot Boat alongside a Cruise Ship

Article Kiel Pilots Operating on Emergency Basis

published on 3 June 2024

Since October, pilots from Kiel have been unable to use their offshore transfer station. Long detours and limited rest periods have complicated their workdays, with no end in sight.

Article Reminder: The 134th UKMPA Conference

published on 1 September 2022

Program, Speakers & Booking here

Video Harken Man Overboard Rescue System

published on 22 July 2024

Harken introduces the man overboard recovery system, developed in collaboration with the Genoa Port Pilots. Specifically designed for pilots and pilot boats, this innovative system is ideal for all operators working in marine environments where there is a risk of falling into the water.