Opinion Book review: Practical Ship Handling, Fourth Edition, by Malcolm C. Armstrong
by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 5 June 2020
Opinion New book on Ship manoeuvring techniques: "Theory and Practices of Marine Pilotage" by Capt. Santosha K Nayak
by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 18 June 2020
This book investigates the science behind each component of manoeuvring a ship in confined waters, especially in port limits and the art to master it. Based on practical observations and analysis of each major and minor aspect of the manoeuvring of different types of vessels in different types of situations, this book put all relevant knowledge together for the reference of all concerned with pilotage and ship handling.
Article Our Book Recommendations on Marine-Pilots.com
by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 4 July 2020
Article Houston Pilots Practice Part Art, Part Science in Guiding Ships to Port
published on 11 November 2020
Maritime pilots trace the roots of their profession back to the ancient Greeks and Romans when incoming ship captains employed experienced local fisherman to guide their merchant vessels safely into port. It’s a legacy of skill, strength, and sharp wits, and our Houston Pilots (“Pilots”) have been meeting vessels at Galveston’s bar to carry on these proud traditions for just shy of 100 years.
Video Safety at Sea: Live Man Overboard (MOB) Drill on Pilot Boat Trais Leopard
published today
🚤 Safety at sea starts with preparation. Our Marine Operations team recently carried out a live Man Overboard (MOB) drill using the new recovery platform on our pilot boat, Trais Leopard. Regular training exercises help ensure our equipment, procedures and crews are ready to respond effectively in an emergency. These drills are a vital part of maintaining the highest standards of marine safety and operational readiness. ⚓ Prepared. Practised. Ready to respond. #MarineSafety #ManOverboard...
Video Wind Impact on Ships Turning Motion
published on 20 January 2021
This video complements the earlier demonstration of wind effect on straight track and shows now wind effect on turning circles. It can be seen that during a turn under strong wind the ship reduces turning when it comes close to equilibrium on straight track - if the Wind-to-ship speed ratio is big enough then the ship even goes straight instead of turning. This is shown for three samples for Head, Stern wind and Beam wind. The turning can be increased if the ratio of Wind speed-to-ship...
Article Navigation alternative in the event of GNSS failure due to jamming or spoofing
by TRENZ GmbH - published on 7 April 2025
Video Very descriptive: Piston Effect when entering lock.
published on 10 May 2020
Two new locks were introduced in 2009 for training in the new Panama lock conditions with or without tug(s). This video shows the famous "piston effect" when entering the lock at an impressive speed of 10 knots with a high blockage factor.
Port Revel provides shiphandling training using manned models for maritime pilots, masters and officers: http://www.portrevel.com
Video 2025-09-10. Mooloolaba Pilots invite 2 of our coast guard members to observe them in action
published on 19 September 2025
Video Grounding of Orient Centaur
published on 15 November 2019
On 6 November 2017, the fully laden, mini cape-size dry bulk carrier Orient Centaur was transiting the South Channel, Weipa, Queensland, outbound under the conduct of harbour pilots as part of a trial introduction of this size of ship to the port. While in the South Channel, the ship’s main engine shut down due to a loss of water from a cracked engine cooling component, and propulsion was lost. Shortly after, the ship grounded on the northern batter of the channel. The stern then slowly...