Introduction to Pilotage

The term Automatic Identification System (AIS) refers to a radio system that improves the safety and guidance of vessel traffic by exchanging navigation and other vessel data.

Version from 1st May 2021: Ships that require the services of a pilot need to ensure that the Pilot Transfer Arrangements (PTA) they provide are in compliance with the requirements prescribed under SOLAS V/23 and IMO Resolution A.1045(27) [as amended by IMO Resolution A.1108(29)].

With ships as large as 175 feet wide and a channel a maximum of 500 feet wide, how to you safely pass? Former Houston ship channel pilot, Lou Vest, explains how ships fight against hydrodynamics to pass with such narrow margins.
https://houstonmaritime.org

How to get information for wind & current limits to be potentially encountered by thrusters – or current? - this will be described in this movie:
- Measure Drift speed, due to beam wind with no propulsion;
- Measure drift speed using full thrusters
- Estimate wind & current limits to be potentially encountered by thrusters – or current...
- Finally there is a simple formula as Rule of Thumb: the transverse drift speed is about 7-8% of wind speed!

It is not often that this blog is used to show bad practice, however in this case some pictures tell a whole story. Ship is compliant by design for rigging a combination. How about the operator(s)?

Toutes les 40 minutes, un pilote du Saint-Laurent embarque à bord d'un navire de commerce qui transite entre Montréal et Québec. 230 pilotes sont chargés de guider les embarcations dans la voie maritime : une des plus dangereuses au monde. Un métier essentiel à l'économie du Québec, qui est payant, mais qui vient avec son lot de contraintes et de stress. Catherine François nous amène à bord d'un porte-conteneur qui sillonne le fleuve. Le reportage de Catherine François au #TJ18H -- Rendez-...

“Gemide Kılavuzla Seyir | Kaptan ve Kılavuz Arasındaki Kritik İşbirliği (2025 Yönetmeliğiyle)” 📄 YouTube Video Açıklama Metni 🔵 Gemide kılavuz kaptanla seyir nedir? 🔵 Kılavuz kaptan gemiye nasıl çıkar, ne yapar? 🔵 2025 Gemi Adamları ve Kılavuz Kaptanlar Yönetmeliği ne getiriyor? Bu videoda, gemi kaptanı ile kılavuz kaptan arasındaki işbirliğini, liman manevralarının perde arkasını ve mevzuata dayalı zorunlulukları sade ve anlaşılır bir dille anlatıyoruz. Gerçek örneklerle desteklenen bu...

Interesting video by "JeffHK" from Hong Kong about the job of a maritime pilot.

The HamiltonJet waterjet is one of the most advanced and innovative marine propulsion systems in use today, and is at the forefront of waterjet propulsion technology. Now we are also consistently delivering vessel autonomy solutions in conjunction with our waterjet technologies.

Top condition. Quality assurance with label, certificate and registration. Truly exemplary work in the service of safety for pilots. Great to see that.