Pilot Boarding

Like many seafarers I have long been a keen follower of The Nautical Institute’s MARS programme, and along with many other members I listened to the recent webinar on that topic. One theme which was repeated more than once was that it is better to learn from someone else’s misfortune rather than have it happen to you. Having personally been involved in two near misses resulting from unsafe pilot transfer arrangements in a relatively short space of time, I asked how experiences and knowledge specifically about pilot ladder safety could best be promulgated to avoid repeating common accidents or near misses.

Pilot boat build by Safehaven Marine

PILOTTENDER GRODEN (MMSI: 211545300). Build by Abeking & Rasmussen, Germany

A maritime pilot, marine pilot, harbor pilot, bar pilot, or simply pilot, is a sailor who maneuvers ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors or river mouths. They are navigational experts possessing knowledge of the particular waterway such as its depth, currents, and hazards.

TRENZ strengthens its international presence with PPU expert Dale Marsh, who joins as International Sales & Marketing Manager focusing on the Pacific region and North America.

17m Self-righting Pilot Boat by Cheoy Lee Shipyards Name: PILOT 68 Designer: Camarc Design Overall length: 17.3m Designed speed: 25 knots https://www.cheoylee.com/product/detail/66/ Performance • Innovation • Reliability • Quality • Service #HKPA #cheoyleeshipyards #cheoylee #pilotboat #selfrighting #shipbuilding #Caterpillar #CamarcDesign Ref: 5217 (sister-ship: 5209)

The Cosco Shipping Galaxy alongside Felixstowe Berth 9 cargo operations come to an end with the cranes beginning to boom up. Mooring gang in attendance and the tugs begin to go to station. The pilot requests for both to make fast on the centre lead fore and aft. Svitzer Kent makes fast centre lead aft while the Svitzer Sky makes fast centre lead forward. The Sky comes under the bow to pick up the heaving line but the crew slackens the head lines before the last crane had boomed up. Sky...