#PPUs have two elements: on the one hand, autonomous, wireless sensors that the pilot places on the ailerons of the vessel’s bridge to obtain data about the vessel’s movement; and on the other hand, a portable tablet computer that includes both navigation and voyage monitoring software.
#PPUs have two elements: on the one hand, autonomous, wireless sensors that the pilot places on the ailerons of the vessel’s bridge to obtain data about the vessel’s movement; and on the other hand, a portable tablet computer that includes both navigation and voyage monitoring software.
Opinion Piloting, Autonomous Vessels, AI, and the coffee making machine
by Captain Ricardo Caballero "Themaritimepilot" - published on 15 June 2020
I am not a computer savvy. My knowledge in programming and robotics and those sort of things is nil. I get lost in the sea of social media and easily entangle myself in the web. All I have done for the last 25 years or so is to pilot ships through the Panama Canal. However, during the last couple of years I have done my best to catch up with technology, since it has enhanced our possibilities and improved safety in our field. But still, I have to admit that I am way behind the new guys in this important issue.
Article Qastor: The evolution of pilotage software
by QPS. - Maritime Software Solutions - published on 6 November 2021
Article Operational notes & recommendations on Portable Pilot Units (PPU)
by United Kingdom Maritime Pilots Association - published on 2 December 2021
Video Brazilian Pilotage Maneuver Simulation Center
published on 14 June 2022
Maneuvering ships are complex operations with high-risk involved. Just like nautical projects, they need to be simulated on training centers before approved. In a scenario of growing ships and limited waterways, state-of-the-art technology is essential to safely increase ports efficiency. That is why Brazilian Pilotage brought the most modern bridge simulator next to the maritime regulatory entities. Located a few minutes from government agencies, in the brazilian capital, our training...
Video What Happens Inside America's Most Dangerous Waterway? Columbia River Bar Pilots
published on 8 July 2026
Article Pilot Transfer Arrangements and new Regulations
by Captain Jesus Señeriz Lopez - published on 4 February 2020
As we all know there is a new regulation established since July 2012, this new regulation refers to pilot transfer arrangements. There are other yearly safety campaigns such as IMPA that include SOLAS V.23 and IMO Resolution A 1045 and Resolution A.1108(29). Unfortunately, in this annual overview there were some accidents reported that could have been avoided.
Video SWATH-Tender WESER PILOT at Elbcam "Grauerort"
published on 10 June 2026
Ein außergewöhnlicher Anblick an der Festung Grauerort am 1. Juni 2026: Das markante rote Lotsenversetzschiff WESER passierte am späten Vormittag unsere Elbcam. Das Spezialschiff, das in der markanten SWATH-Bauweise (Doppelrumpf) konstruiert ist, befand sich nach einem Werftaufenthalt auf dem Rückweg in sein Stammrevier. Mit rund 12,5 Knoten zog der rote Hingucker elbabwärts an der Kamera vorbei.