Pilotage in a strong current

The following article appeared in AIMPA magazine number 2 about the strength and testing of pilot ladders : There is much more information about pilot ladders in the AIMPA magazine, second issue, if you wish to read more you can download a copy at the bottom of this post.

The Viking Mars is a brand new cruise ship, built this year (2022). While it is a relatively small ship when it comes to cruise liners, it's still an imposing vessel. It's big enough to enable them to fit a planetarium, fitness center, hair salon, a spa, and the usual shops, restaurants and cabins. We have filmed quite a few vessels coming in and out of Holyhead port now, and the Viking Cruise Line ships are, without doubt, some of the most classy and good looking vessels about. Lovely...

Most harbours require a pilot taking control of the bridge when entering or leaving their harbour, since currents, shoals and traffic maybe tricky. The busy harbour of Las Palmas is no exception to this rule and in this clip you see how these pilots are on standby day and night to safely accompany incoming and outbound ships. Now that the pilot has secured our safe exit from the harbour we are on our own again and ready to head South towards our first station! See: https://www.nioz.nl/en/...

The latest edition of the ISPO Code and Control Manual has just been published: From January 1st 2022, the new ISPO Code and ISPO Control Manual will come into effect.

Study from 2015: Psychological stressors, in addition to the physical demands associated with the role (e.g., reduced sleep, boarding, and departing vessels), may over time have a damaging effect on pilots' physical and mental health.

19 M Pilot Boats designed and built at Bilimora, Gujarat by A. H. Wadia Boat Builders. Vessels meets the requirements set by Indian Register of Shipping and is registered as RSV Type 4 Vessel of MS Act. Hull is constructed in steel and Superstructure is in Composite. Boats were able to achieve speeds above 22 knots. Unique hull form is responsive and easily maneuverable. Custom accommodation layout is spaciously arranged for 8 Crew members. Engine room hosts 2 Main Diesel Engines and 2...

How do marine pilots work? Example: Bringing a bulkcarrier alongside to „Hansaport“ in Hamburg. Here the tugboats „Prompt“, „Resolute“ and „Bulldog“ are involved. The master has to rely on the pilot. One reason is, that he can‘t know how to deal with these tugs. A maneuver like this is only safe, when the pilot has a lot of practical experience. A master who is doing a maneuver like this only about once or twice a month and each time with tugs he doesn’t know in areas he hasn’t been to...

The U.S. Coast Guard found the local pilot on the Ever Forward was distracted and the ship’s captain had left eh bridge before the massive cargo ship ran aground in the Chesapeake Bay. News4’s Mark Segraves reports. _______ NBC4 Washington / WRC-TV is the No. 1 broadcast television station and the home of the most-watched local news in Washington, D.C., the country’s seventh largest television market. NBCWashington.com is the market’s most-visited local television station website across all...

According to AIS past track data, the vessel was obviously too fast on 9 knots and also going down the wind (4-5 bft., take a look at the exhaust from the stack) when entered the inner harbour considering the size and displacement. That speed was approximate 3 ship lengths to the pier and there was the on pier wind after the turn. Why the ship entered the port so fast will be the subject of the investigations to be awaited. Knowing South Korea procedures there will be no just marine...