Pilot boat in the port of Burgas

Today a look at a special vessel that is commonly seen on the Astoria waterfront: the pilot boat that takes pilots to and from passing ships.

Australian Pilot Disembarking Ship Using Pilot Ladder With Man Ropes

pilot boat general cargo ship seaman captain marine

The vessel "ELSE" didn't stopped at the pilot station and tried to enter the closed lock without a pilot.
Following the crash on 29.08.2020, the official investigations into the accident are now beginning on site.

Fewer vessels in voyage mean less pilotage and this means less income for many Pilots. Not every Pilot is an employee and many pilots are self-employed and organised in a brotherhood per example. They are earning only money if they are piloting a vessel. No vessel – no money.

USCG Station Yaquina Bay in Newport, OR
Surf Training from 12/19-1/20

The man-overboard manoeuvre includes all measures to rescue a person who has fallen overboard from a watercraft.

"An old experienced pilot sometimes loses a ship by his assurance and over confidence of his knowledge, as effectually as a young pilot does by his ignorance and want of experience."
Let us remind ourselves every day of the principles of safe seamanship...