Opinion Pilot transfer arrangements - Sharing knowledge matters – but problems go beyond non-compliance to SOLAS itself
by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 23 September 2020
Like many seafarers I have long been a keen follower of The Nautical Institute’s MARS programme, and along with many other members I listened to the recent webinar on that topic. One theme which was repeated more than once was that it is better to learn from someone else’s misfortune rather than have it happen to you. Having personally been involved in two near misses resulting from unsafe pilot transfer arrangements in a relatively short space of time, I asked how experiences and knowledge specifically about pilot ladder safety could best be promulgated to avoid repeating common accidents or near misses.
Video APL Belgium rolling near the Farallon Islands pilot station
published on 4 February 2024
Article Best practice on rigging pilot ladders (UK MAIB)
published on 7 July 2022
Video Accommodation Ladder Load Testing
published on 25 January 2022
Video Supmar Pilot Boat 12m GRP
published on 11 November 2020
Video Marine Pilots Boarding (Insights from Kuwait)
published on 13 August 2025
Video Dynamic failure of pilot boats: Risk mitigation & management
published on 12 December 2020
Following a surf riding and broaching incident and subsequent collision by an experienced vessel operator, QinetiQ have been undertaking extensive investigations into the risk mitigation and safety management of pilotage operations. This presentation looks to discuss the risks presented during pilotage services, and provide a critical review of vessel design and service delivery approaches to understand the potential risk mitigations and management of pilot boat safety.
Opinion Pilot ladders: Compliance by design, failure by operator
by Herman Broers - published on 10 March 2022
Video 8 Hours in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
published on 6 July 2019
Follow me as I travel around the world working on a container ship!
The mega container ship is alongside Kaohsiung for one day, I had 8 hours off between my watch, so i took the opportunity to explore Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Brought along my drone to take some shots at the beautiful architecture that Taiwan has to offer.