Video Kittiwake Mersey Pilot
published on 22 December 2021
Video Polaris Pilot Boat Antwerp Belgium
published on 15 March 2022
Vessel name: Polaris ; Year built: 2012 ; Flag: Netherlands ; Homeport: Rotterdam Length: 81.2m X 13.3m ; GRT: 2501 ; Callsign: PBZN ; MMSI:245142000 ; IMO: 9496915 Type: Special Vessel / Pilot Ship A "Pilot Ship / Pilot Vessel" is a "special type" of ship in which it accommodates a certain and limited Marine Pilots (Sea, River, Harbor Pilots), it also carries small boats/crafts that are used to tender services to and from the Pilot ship. In a Pilot Vessel, the Pilots can take their time...
Video Behind the Scenes of the Panama Canal with Tugboat Captain Carlos Mata
published on 14 June 2024
Welcome to another exciting episode of A Spotlight to Panama! This week, we dive into the intricate operations of the Panama Canal with Carlos Mata, a Tugboat Captain with the Panama Canal Authority. The Panama Canal is a marvel of global engineering, requiring precise and coordinated efforts to ensure smooth transit for ships from around the world. Tugboats play a critical role in this process, and today, Captain Mata gives us an inside look at what it takes to keep this maritime artery...
Video A Day in the Life: Pilot Crew | Marine Operations at Port of Cromarty Firth
published on 12 August 2026
Join the pilot crew on the water for a behind-the-scenes look at marine operations at Port of Cromarty Firth.
From early starts on the Firth to working alongside visiting vessels, the pilot crew play a key role in supporting safe marine movements in and out of the Port. This video captures the skill, experience and coordination involved in helping vessels arrive, depart and operate safely within the Cromarty Firth.
With deep, sheltered waters and a busy mix of cruise, energy and commercial...
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.
Article EU aims to exempt Pilot Services from Russia Oil Ban
by Bloomberg, Europe - published on 4 October 2022
Article Safer shipping over ice
by Drift + Noise GmbH - published on 16 October 2019
Video Port Revel Ship Handling in France | by National Geographic
published on 27 September 2020
They look like toy boats, but they serve a serious purpose. An outsider at this facility near Grenoble, France, may see grown men riding arounda lake in miniature ships. But these are pilots of the world's largest ships, and they're practicing navigation with meticulously engineered 1:25 scale models of real cruisers, tankers, and containerships. Port Revel Shiphandling Training Centre, in operation since 1967, has had more than 6,000 maritime pilots and merchant ship officers from all over...