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 Operations at Port of Tyne

published on 6 June 2025

Witness the Historic D/S Hestmanden at the Port of Tyne Experience the majestic arrival and departure of the D/S Hestmanden, Norway's cherished steamship, as she graces the Port of Tyne. This video captures the seamless pilotage operations, showcasing the collaboration between the ship and local maritime pilots. About D/S Hestmanden: Built: 1911 by Laxevaags Maskin & Jernskibsbyggeri in Bergen, Norway Length: 59.47 meters | Beam: 9.17 meters Tonnage: 755 gross tons | DWT: 965 tons...

Video PIlot Boat - MAJURO ATOLL - MARSHALL ISLANDS

published on 5 May 2025

Video New Burnham-On-Sea pilot boat arrives

published on 23 July 2020

Full story at https://www.Burnham-On-Sea.com

Video Pilot leaves the Regent Seven Seas Navigator at Halifax

published on 12 August 2020

Pilot leaves the Regent Seven Seas Navigator at Halifax

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

published on 17 April 2020

Video Vídeo Institucional Oficial da Praticagem do Brasil

published on 3 September 2019

The practice is essential to the safety of waterway traffic, as it avoids or minimizes accidents that can cost the lives of people, cause damage to the environment and enormous material losses.
The structure is fully maintained by the practicing companies themselves, without the contribution of any public resource, related to the maintenance of the speedboats, the 24-hour operation of their Operations Centers, the training of their employees, the acquisition and maintenance of communication,...

Article Future Tug Master Training

by Henk Hensen - published on 11 July 2023

The role of a Tug Master undertaking harbour towage activities is a very specific one. He/she has to, alone or in cooperation with other Tug Masters, assist a ship in a safe and efficient way using his/her tug to the best of its qualities.