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
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
Opinion Pilot Ladder - The Weakest Link in Marine Pilotage
by Capt. Santosha K. Nayak - published on 10 August 2020
Pilot transfer arrangement is a sensitive topic to be discussed among the pilot’s fraternity. Although ships are designed and operated with compliance to the SOLAS requirements in all respects including the pilot transfer arrangements, there has been numerous deficiencies observed related to pilot transfer arrangements. The small deficiencies from the part of ships cause life threatening accidents for pilots and sometimes to the ship staff themselves. There are many instances of defective ladder and complacency in proper rigging of ladders has been reported almost every day in different parts of the world. Many pilots lost their life, severely injured for life and face many minor to major accidents. The latest incident being the Capt. Timothy Murray of Sandy hooks Pilot.
Article Origins of the IMPA pilot mark
by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 24 October 2019
There are many things in both our everyday and professional lives which we take for granted and never question the origins of, an example of this might be the IMPA recommended ‘pilot mark or pilot line’, which is sometimes seen on the side of vessels indicating where a vessels freeboard exceeds 9 metres.
Video Warsash Maritime Academy: a history of change
published on 24 May 2022
Video Successful overtaking of another ship in a canal - Port Revel Shiphandling
published on 10 May 2020
Manoeuvring large ships at close quarters and on shallow water is one of the most difficult aspects of shiphandling because of the complex hydraulic interactions depending on the ships' speeds, on the water depth and on lateral restrictions like in canals. Training is conducted both on meeting and on overtaking ships in shallow waters. This video shows how overtaking in a canal should be conducted: come in close to the stern and then move away from the bow that will be sucked towards your...