puget sound pilot boat wild ride

KITTIWAKE ( MMSI 232008570) is a Pilot and currently sailing under the flag of United Kingdom (UK) Here she is speeding down the River this morning.

Spotted some Pilot Boats in the Port of Auckland, New Zealand and Melbourne & Fremantle Australia (Port codes: Auckland:NZ AKL ; Melbourne:AU MEL ; Fremantle:AU FRE).

Earlier this year ABP announced an investment of around £9 million to build nine new pilot boats. These vessels were ordered from Goodchild Marine Services Limited and are being built in Norfolk along with much of the supply chain coming from East Anglian suppliers.

HamiltonJet unveiled its new Electro-Hybrid Drive (EHX) system – innovative technology that offers all the advantages of electric drive with the full capabilities of diesel.

This unique system delivers lowers fossil fuel consumption (reduced further when dock charging, as infrastructure allows) combined with the speed, manoeuvrability, efficiency and safety waterjets are renowned for.

Cost: £600k Built in 2007 Current Owners: Milford Haven Port Authority Outline build design: Camarc Ltd Built by: Mainstay Marine Solutions Ltd Dimensions Length OA (inc fender). 19.75 metres Length (moulded) 18.65 metres Length Waterline 17.00 metres Beam OA (inc fender) 5.70 metres Beam (moulded) 5.25 metres Draught (approx) 1.50 metres Particulars: Min service life: 15 years. Vessel impacts: 1000 impacts per annum Significant wave height: 5m Typical duty cycle: 1000-3000 hour per year....

Great pictures from Estonia

transfer of Marine Ship's Pilots by helicopter hoist is a demanding task.
Berthing means bringing a vessel to her berth until the ship is made fast. ... The berthing and unberthing manoeuvres require great knowledge and skill by the master, officers and the crew, as well as an excellent team-work with the rope-runners and the mooring party ashore

Training video I on the correct behaviour in case of man overboard