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 Pilots boarding San Francisco Bar Pilots
published on 5 July 2021
Video German Pilots embarking cruise vessel by SWATH Pilot Boat Döse
published on 7 September 2020
Video Pilotage
published on 26 July 2021
Article The Story of the #dangerousladders group on Facebook
by Arie Palmers - published on 21 January 2021
Video Navigator Project - Hike Metal
published on 11 January 2022
Hike Metal is excited to announce the launch a new vessel, here are the specs: Introducing the new HIKE Navigator! This 38' Pilot Boat has an impressive 13.3 ft beam. Powered by two Volvo Penta Diesel engines, this vessel can run at a max speed of 39 knots (45MPH, 72KMH) and has a 300 mile range. Hike Metal is a world Class custom boat builder offering unparalleled design of maritime engineering, production, and manufacturing of a variety of boats and ships for commercial, government, and...
Video Grounding of Orient Centaur
published on 15 November 2019
On 6 November 2017, the fully laden, mini cape-size dry bulk carrier Orient Centaur was transiting the South Channel, Weipa, Queensland, outbound under the conduct of harbour pilots as part of a trial introduction of this size of ship to the port. While in the South Channel, the ship’s main engine shut down due to a loss of water from a cracked engine cooling component, and propulsion was lost. Shortly after, the ship grounded on the northern batter of the channel. The stern then slowly...
Video Theory behind Turning dynamics of ships
published on 6 May 2020
"ISSIMS GmbH - Marine Prediction Technology" SAMMON Lecturing Video describing "Theory behind turning dynamics of ships" ------------------------------------------------------------- SAMMON - the IDEAL tool to identify manoeuvring capabilities of a ship - SAMMON - learning the EFFECTIVE way Comment by Gunter Schütze via LinkedIn: "Prof. Benedict a very interesting video by HS Wismar / Maritime Simulation Center Warnemünde ( MSCW) & Innovative Ship Simulation and Maritime Systems GmbH...
Video 2025-09-10. Mooloolaba Pilots invite 2 of our coast guard members to observe them in action
published on 19 September 2025
Video ETA and EMPA Efficient and safe towage operations
published on 31 August 2022
The European Tugowners Association in collaboration with the European Maritime Pilots Association has produced this informative video on efficient and safe towage operations. These guidelines address the main factors affecting the safety of harbour towage operations such as good communications between pilots, ship captains and tugmasters.