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Video How to Launch a Pilot Boat–Behind the Scenes at Point Hope Shipyard
published on 20 June 2025
Welcome to Point Hope Shipyard in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. In this video, I follow the float off of the Pacific Navigator, a hardworking pilot boat that serves the Port of Victoria and Ogden Point. We watch as the vessel is pulled along the marine railway, rotated on the turntable, and positioned onto the cradle. Once secured, the cradle lowers to float-off depth, and the Pacific Navigator fires up her engines for a short harbour spin before returning to duty. Some segments,...
Video You Won’t Believe How A Pilot Boat Is Hauled Out for Refit
published on 24 September 2025
The Pacific Guardian pilot boat is first seen in Victoria Harbour near Ogden Point before making her way to Point Hope Maritime Shipyard for a full refit. This video captures the entire move process, from the cradle lowering into the harbour, to the careful docking of the vessel, to her move across the turntable and onto the spur line. Some of the footage has been sped up, since the cradle lowering and lifting are slow, deliberate operations where every movement is checked and rechecked....
Video Pivot Point Specials 2 - position for ship moving ahead or astern
published on 12 May 2022
Video Rare 1865 Great Lakes Coast Pilot Restoration - Episode 1
published on 12 November 2020
Join Great Lakes maritime historian and antiquarian Brendon Baillod as he discusses the restoration and conservation of a rare and very early 1865 Thompson's Great Lakes Coast Pilot. Early coast pilot books were kept on every schooner and steamer and Lakes and contain important details about the history of harbors, navigation, obstructions and shipwrecks on the Lakes. This 1865 Thompson's is among the rarest and also badly in need of stabilization. Enjoy this two part series where this...
Article Adding map and speedometer widgets in your time-lapse video
by River Pilot Kris De Decker - published on 29 September 2021
Article Update: "Pilot Ladder Safety" by Herman Broers (07-2021)
by Herman Broers - published on 6 July 2021
Article Wärtsilä simulator upgrade will enhance Le Havre pilot operations
by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 25 May 2020
The technology group Wärtsilä will supply a complete navigational simulator upgrade for the Le Havre pilot station in France. The intention is to provide the pilot station with a totally new simulator specifically adapted to the requirements of the pilots’ operations. The order with Wärtsilä was placed in February 2020.The new unique visualisation system to be supplied is based on 14 DP projectors, comprising seven main circular and seven ground projection systems. It features a panoramic 350-degree screen.