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Belfast Pilot Boat Ben Madigan

published on 17 May 2022 - 143 -

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Found on YouTube. Created by "Tom McClean Positive Belfast". Recorded on 2022-05-14. Originally published on 2022-05-16.

This is the Ben Madigan pilot boat, one of the hard working fleet of Belfast Harbout pilot boats. ( I'm not sure but I believe this might be a Redbay Stormforce, built by Redbay boat builders at Cushendll. )

These fast, sturdy, boats have to ferry Belfast pilots out to large vessels coming in to Belfast harbour. Piloted vessels range from large tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, ferries and cruise liners, right down to barges and fishing boats. Not only this, Belfast Harbour pilots are frequently called upon to do other tasks such as command, plan and co-ordinate various sea trials for new buildings, oil rigs and numerous conversions for the Harland & Wolff Shipyard in Belfast. It goes without saying then that Belfast Harbour pilots are extremely well qualified/skilfull men/women.
At present, Belfast Lough Pilotage Services has 12 pilots at their disposal, 9 of whom are fully authorised, "unlimited tonnage" pilots. The other are 3 junior pilots, progressing through the joint BLPS/BHC Pilotage Training Programme.

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