Opinion Pilot Ladder - The Weakest Link in Marine Pilotage
by Capt. Santosha K. Nayak - published on 10 August 2020
Pilot transfer arrangement is a sensitive topic to be discussed among the pilot’s fraternity. Although ships are designed and operated with compliance to the SOLAS requirements in all respects including the pilot transfer arrangements, there has been numerous deficiencies observed related to pilot transfer arrangements. The small deficiencies from the part of ships cause life threatening accidents for pilots and sometimes to the ship staff themselves. There are many instances of defective ladder and complacency in proper rigging of ladders has been reported almost every day in different parts of the world. Many pilots lost their life, severely injured for life and face many minor to major accidents. The latest incident being the Capt. Timothy Murray of Sandy hooks Pilot.
Video HUGE 400m Container ship requiring 4th tug when navigating out of Port of Southampton
published on 13 November 2025
Experience the sheer power and precision of port operations as a 400-metre container ship — one of the largest vessels to visit the Port of Southampton — requires a fourth tugboat to safely dock. Captured in stunning 4K drone footage, this video highlights the incredible teamwork between pilots and tugs as they guide this giant into position. 📍 Location: Port of Southampton, UK 🚢 Vessel Type: Ultra Large Container Ship (400m class) ⚓ Tugboats: Four assisting tugs 🎥 Filmed in: 4K Ultra...
Video A view to the other side: Pilot Ladder Preparation in South Korea
published on 3 June 2025
Video TRENZ Pilot Plug - Configuring the Pilot Plug (iOS & WiFi)
published on 5 July 2019
This video shows how to change the startup configuration of your TRENZ Pilot Plug using the TRENZ Pilot Plug Manager and an iPad Pro 9.7".
The TRENZ Pilot Plug Manager is downloadable in the Apple App Store. Get it here: https://itunes.apple.com/de/app/pilot...
Please visit https://trenz-pilotplug.com/ for more information.
Video Carnival Breeze pilot boat handoff
published on 1 December 2020
Video Port Colborne Pilot Boat Operations, Nov, 2022
published on 25 November 2022
Video San Francisco Bar Pilots boards off the ATB Cape Ann
published on 10 January 2022
Video How Biggest Ship Crosses STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR in bad weather | Navigation Bridge Of Ship |
published on 13 August 2020
This video includes how we transit STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR on the biggest ship in the world (EMMA MAERSK)
I have included some bridge procedures we are required to carry out PRE-ARRIVAL and how MASTER-PILOT exchange is carried out .
For aspiring sailors , do watch the whole video as you will learn how life at sea works , the challenges we face and the pros and cons of merchant navy .
I conduct Q&A session on my Instagram account, so don't forget to follow me there too