Halifax pilot boat in big swells alongside a ship

This is one common method to board the pilot. And here it is a special boat which is very fast with new technology

"A performance assessment tool for maritime pilotage operations" - by Jørgen Ernstsen, Norway
When the ship is approaching or leaving a port, a local navigational expert, the pilot, is often provided for assisting the bridge team to safely and efficiently navigate the littoral waters.

"Analysis of reports indicates that pilot ladders (Pilot Transfer Arrangements, or PTAs) and
intentional deviations from safety procedures remain the main causes of near misses..."

A beautiful day, climbing up the (not-so-well-rigged) pilot ladder and then the stairs of the accommodation towards the bridge.

ChartWorld's Information Overlay+ service, CIO,+ builds on the success of our automated T&P NtM service launched last year. Additional features include safety and environmental overlays. CIO+ is the only service in the market which solves the problem of plotting missing T&P NMs into the ECDIS. CIO+ means that the T&P NM is already applied in a simple updated Chart

Some ship handlers today use electronic instruments from start to finish and these ships usually have powerful engines and thrusters and an almost unlimited number of personnel on the bridge.

Jacobsen Pilot Service and Los Angeles Pilot Station published a notice to all ships to inspect pilot ladders before the pilot boards.

Reason is an incident happened at the port of long beach in July 2020. Pilot ladder rope broke while the pilot was on the ladder - luckily the pilot was able to hold on.

⚓ Leaving Brixham for another pilotage assignment! Shortly after departing Brixham, I was lucky enough to be joined by a pod of dolphins, making the journey even more unforgettable. 🐬 In the distance, you can also see Berry Head, one of the most iconic landmarks overlooking Brixham Harbour, before heading out into open waters. If you enjoy life at sea, pilotage operations, ship handling, and beautiful coastal scenery, don't forget to like, subscribe, and join me for more adventures! 🌊⚓...