Video

Belfast Pilot Boat Ben Madigan

published on 17 May 2022 - 143 -

Show comment section |

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.

Pilot Boats

What's your opinion on this?

Video Kittiwake Mersey Pilot

published on 22 December 2021

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.

Video Pilot Leaving Ship Vigo

published on 31 March 2023

Video Pilot Transfer - New Zealand (Auckland) & Australia (Melbourne/Fremantle)

published on 21 October 2021

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).

Video Pilot Boat "Servus", Denmark

published on 11 March 2021

pilot boat

Article Ship Report Podcasts: Pilot boats - a special breed

published on 6 November 2021

Today a look at a special vessel that is commonly seen on the Astoria waterfront: the pilot boat that takes pilots to and from passing ships.

Video New pilot boat "Harbor Thunder" transporting to San Juan

published on 17 April 2020

Article Cromarty Firth Port Authority (CFPA) is seeking for new pilot boats

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 17 April 2020

Cromarty Firth Port Authority (CFPA) is seeking a contractor to build and deliver a new pilot vessel as part of a major project to upgrade its fleet of vessels. The contract for the work is currently being put out to tender and interested parties are encouraged to apply before the deadline of 8 May, 17.00.

Video M/V PILOT 68 (CHEOY LEE shipyards 17m Self-righting Pilot Boat)

published on 24 November 2023

M/V PILOT 68 (CHEOY LEE shipyards 17m Self-righting Pilot Boat)

Article Pilot Walter del Río: "I work 24 hours and book the next four days".

published on 19 October 2021

Experiences of a Pilot: The port's chief pilot talks about his work, "what we do is not well known in the city", and about the risk they run, "on a bad day we can get scared", he says.