Pilot boat sails out in Vlissingen

Impressive to see how the Cork Pilot boat ‘Fáilte’ draws parallel to the bow of the moving Brittany Ferries ferry ‘Pont-Aven’, as it departs Cork harbour on a warm sunny afternoon, on Saturday, October 3rd, 2020. Cork harbour is a beautiful place, with plenty of stunning views to enjoy, while departing for the open sea, enroute to Roscoff, France. This particular sailing was very enjoyable, though quiet, due to coping with the Corona virus, which was managed excellently onboard. The ‘Pont-...

Today a look at a special vessel that is commonly seen on the Astoria waterfront: the pilot boat that takes pilots to and from passing ships.

Pilot boat alongside a merchant cargo vessel, a big bulk carrier at canakkale strait, turkey

Pilot boat Razorbill southbound on the River Mersey, returning from the bar.

Fewer vessels in voyage mean less pilotage and this means less income for many Pilots. Not every Pilot is an employee and many pilots are self-employed and organised in a brotherhood per example. They are earning only money if they are piloting a vessel. No vessel – no money.

Ever wonder how Pilots board a massive container ship at sea? Well, like this!
This is done year round in every major Port around the world, in all types of weather.

The first trip of Captain Erik Dalege, the new President of EMPA - European Maritime Pilots' Association, is in Italy. In recent days, at the Rome offices, he met with the top management of Fedepiloti is Italian.

Maritime Education

Many thanks to Capt. Pilot Evan Simkus for the insight into the working day!