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 ICS Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations
published on 13 July 2021
The ICS Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations is the industry standard best practice guide for shipping companies, ships’ crew and helicopter operators. Written for both those in the air and at sea, the Guide helps all those involved in these operations become familiar with the important technical aspects of these complex operations.
This video, produced by ICS and Ocean Technologies Group (https://oceantg.com), highlights the impact of the guide and its contribution to safety on board and in...
Video Rotterdam pilot boards a tanker thats entering the port
published on 23 May 2025
Video Golden Ray Salvage 1st Section Cut: 11/29/2020
published on 1 December 2020
They finally completed cutting the 1st section (the bow) and transported it via barge to Brunswick Ga. The Golden Ray (a vehicle ship) capsized on 9/8/2019 and is being cut and dismantled to remove it from St Simons Channel, St Simons Island Ga. Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe for more videos.
Article Southeast Alaska Pilots’ simulator exam, May 22-28, 2021
published on 7 February 2021
Video Corryvreckan Maelstrom & Thunder Child II documentary
published on 28 July 2020
Safehaven Marine undertook an 800nm 4 day cruise in Thunder Child II to Scotland, living off the boat to visit a place called the Gulf of Corryvreckan. A pretty wild yet beautiful place. The Corryvreckan whirlpool, or ‘Maelstrom’, as would be a more appropriate description, is formed as the tide enters the narrow stretch of water between the Islands of Jura and Scarba that is the Gulf of Corryvreckan. Here the tidal flow speeds up to 8.5kts as it is squeezed between the islands, and there...