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 Cork Pilot Boat ‘Failte’ Approaches Brittany Ferries ‘Pont-Aven’ During Cork Harbour Departure

published on 14 October 2020

Impressive to see how the Cork Pilot boat ‘Fáilte’ draws parallel to the bow of the moving Brittany Ferries ferry ‘Pont-Aven’, as it departs Cork harbour on a warm sunny afternoon, on Saturday, October 3rd, 2020. Cork harbour is a beautiful place, with plenty of stunning views to enjoy, while departing for the open sea, enroute to Roscoff, France. This particular sailing was very enjoyable, though quiet, due to coping with the Corona virus, which was managed excellently onboard. The ‘Pont-...

Article Colombo Dockyard Completes Pilot BoatFor Japanese operator Kowa

published on 2 March 2022

Colombo Dockyard (CDPLC) of Sri Lanka has completed construction of a new pilot boat ordered by Japanese operator Kowa Company.

Article MVD Harbour Pilots Society signed for two Interceptor 48 pilots by Safehaven

published on 26 March 2021

Safehaven Marine just announced that the ‘MVD Harbour Pilots Society’ who operate pilotage in the River Plate Estuar, Montevideo for two self-righting all weather Interceptor 48 pilots.

Video A Cargo Ship is Guided into Port by The Pilot Boat

published on 24 February 2023

A cargo ship is guided into Port by the Pilot boat on a breezy February morning- Filmed with a Sony RX10 Mk iv
Ship - Fast Sim
Port- Shoreham

Video Pilot launch Griffiths onboard and off Point Lonsdale, Victoria, Australia.

published on 15 October 2025

Pilot launch Griffiths onboard and off Point Lonsdale, Victoria, Australia.
Ship spotting at Point Lonsdale and other water activities by Wally on Water.

Video Introduction to Pilotage

published on 6 January 2021

Pilotage is being able to navigate safely into and out of a harbour/anchorage/port knowing where you are at all times, where your hazards are and a safe route in/out. This is particularly useful if you are heading into somewhere new or a challenging/busy area – or both!

Video The Maryland Pilots between 1950-1965 (a journey through time)

published on 26 March 2020

The Maryland Pilots have guided ships to and from Baltimore since the 1700's. They have been chartered as an organization since 1852. This is an edited except from films about the Pilots shot between 1950-1965 for the Port that Built a City and State. The original films are in the archives of the Baltimore Museum of Industry.