#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 Taking the last Pilot off before heading home
published on 5 May 2023
Video Webinar | Predicting High Cross Currents Near South Florida Ports Using Machine Learning
published on 4 February 2022
Recorded January 25, 2022. Website: https://secoora.org/webinar-series/ ••Abstract•• Major ocean currents can generate hazardous cross-currents near some ports. At the south Florida ports of Miami, Everglades, and Palm Beach, high cross-currents occur irregularly. Cross-currents can persist for hours to days as meanders in the Florida Current / Gulf Stream shift its position westward onto the port access channels. The technical webinar will overview the initial results of a prototype...
Video Pilot boarding by Helicopter in Wilhelmshaven, Germany
published on 14 February 2022
Video Awesome video from USA: Tampa Pilotage
published on 6 October 2021
Video PLA Hybrid Pilot Cutter Leader, sea trials
published on 4 June 2021
Video What happens during a snapback event?
published on 18 February 2022
Case Study Video:
BHP - a global mining company and port owner – asked us to develop a test set-up to see what happens during a snapback event and evaluate their safety protection fence. The test data helped in the development of a safer protection fence and gave real insight into snapback behaviour.
Collaboration with BHP, Geobrugg and Wilhelmsen.
Video Kayleigh Ward - Belfast Harbour Pilot Boat Crew
published on 27 February 2026
Our Pilot Boats play a crucial role in maintaining the daily flow of maritime traffic to and from Belfast Harbour. Working 24/7, 365 days a year, in all kinds of weather conditions, this dedicated team carries out the vital task of bringing the Harbour Pilots out to arriving vessels, where they guide them safely into their berths, as well as disembarking them, often in challenging sea conditions on Belfast Lough.
Kayleigh Ward, our sole female pilot boat crew member, reveals how she gave up...