Marine pilot transfer Port Botany

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the vital work of the Port of Tyne pilot boat crew aboard Collingwood! From sunrise to sunset, these skilled mariners navigate the River Tyne and the North Sea, ensuring the safe passage of massive cargo ships, tankers, and ferries.
Watch as the crew battles the elements, transfers pilots onto moving vessels, and keeps the busy shipping lane running smoothly. This is a rare glimpse into the teamwork, precision, and dedication required to guide ships...

As we all know there is a new regulation established since July 2012, this new regulation refers to pilot transfer arrangements. There are other yearly safety campaigns such as IMPA that include SOLAS V.23 and IMO Resolution A 1045 and Resolution A.1108(29). Unfortunately, in this annual overview there were some accidents reported that could have been avoided.

The following article appeared in AIMPA magazine number 2 about the strength and testing of pilot ladders : There is much more information about pilot ladders in the AIMPA magazine, second issue, if you wish to read more you can download a copy at the bottom of this post.

Pilot going onboard, using pilot ladder port side, 1,5 meters above the water.

NTSB issued an investigation report on the contact of tow William C with a Rock Island railroad bridge protection cell, on Des Plaines River, in January 2020. The investigation established that high speed prevented the pilot to correct the tow’s position after completing the transit through the previous bridge.

Case Study Video:
BHP - a global mining company and port owner – asked us to develop a test set-up to see what happens during a snapback event and evaluate their safety protection fence. The test data helped in the development of a safer protection fence and gave real insight into snapback behaviour.
Collaboration with BHP, Geobrugg and Wilhelmsen.

by The Panama Canal

Cateamaran boat approaches for pilot boarding

The St. Andrew’s Bay Pilots are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Captain Phillip Brady, age 46, on January 12, 2026.