Opinion Pilot transfer arrangements - Sharing knowledge matters – but problems go beyond non-compliance to SOLAS itself
by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 23 September 2020
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.
Video Pilot Boat "SEA MASTER"& General Cargo Ship "BBC MONT BLANC"- 12.04.2025
published on 15 April 2025
#PilotVessel "SEA MASTER"/ On board #GeneralCargoShip "BBC MONT BLANC" #JP #Recalada #RioDeLaPlata/ 12th. April 2025 - 07:47 Local Time.- On this video (with original sound), you can watch the moment in which the Pilot Vessel "SEA MASTER" arrived to the Port Side of the General Cargo Ship "BBC MONT BLANC" (Approaching Maneuver) to Disembark the Rio de la Plata Pilots, from that vessel, at the #BoardingStation #JP #Recalada #RioDeLaPlata.- This video was filmed on board the following...
Video Pilot Boarding Bulk Carrier SAMMY in Saudi Arabia.
published on 5 July 2021
This video was kindly provided by a friend of Pilot Captain Haitham Alzahrani, Saudi Arabia. Pilot Ladder Check: non-compliant, no retrieval line Editor's note: A backpack on the back in combination with a lifejacket is usually not a good idea. There are only a few lifejackets that unfold in the water without any problems even with a backpack! More Information: SAMMY (IMO: 9582491) is a Bulk Carrier that was built in 2012 (9 years ago) and is sailing under the flag of Panama. It’s carrying...
Video SAMIPTA briefing to AMET - safety and innovation in Pilot Ladder.
published on 8 September 2021
Video Inbound Musi River MV. Homanzan
published on 6 February 2022
Video Hvide Sande Rescue Team as Pilot Boat
published on 7 May 2021
Article Gladding-Hearn Builds New Class of Launch for Maryland Pilots
by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 30 January 2020
SOMERSET, Mass, − December 18, 2019 – The Association of Maryland Pilots has ordered a new class of pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. Called the “Baltimore Class” after the pilots’ base of operations at the Port of Baltimore, the vessel’s delivery is scheduled for April 2021.