Supmar Pilot Boat 12m GRP

KITTIWAKE ( MMSI 232008570) is a Pilot and currently sailing under the flag of United Kingdom (UK) Here she is speeding down the River this morning.

Spotted some Pilot Boats in the Port of Auckland, New Zealand and Melbourne & Fremantle Australia (Port codes: Auckland:NZ AKL ; Melbourne:AU MEL ; Fremantle:AU FRE).

Pilot boats are an essential part of our maritime world where they provide safe passage for ships to and from the harbor. The Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) has 23 pilot stations in Sweden.

Cost: £600k Built in 2007 Current Owners: Milford Haven Port Authority Outline build design: Camarc Ltd Built by: Mainstay Marine Solutions Ltd Dimensions Length OA (inc fender). 19.75 metres Length (moulded) 18.65 metres Length Waterline 17.00 metres Beam OA (inc fender) 5.70 metres Beam (moulded) 5.25 metres Draught (approx) 1.50 metres Particulars: Min service life: 15 years. Vessel impacts: 1000 impacts per annum Significant wave height: 5m Typical duty cycle: 1000-3000 hour per year....

The Port Phillip Sea pilots launch Torquay out and back again, seen at Point Lonsdale, Vic, Aust.
Ship spotting at Point Lonsdale and other water activities by Wally on Water.

Pilot Boat working close to shore, but not the best of weather.

Pilot boarding submarine HNLMS Bruinvis at North East Spit pilot station.
Pilot Captain Chris Renault.

The article was written by Allen Garfinkle, Executive Director – Board of Pilot Commissioners for the Bays of San Francisco, San Pablo, and Suisun