Cargo ship crushes tugboat in Panama Canal

The transfer of pilots to and from seagoing vessels should not rely solely on mutual trust and good intentions.

A marine pilot who sadly died after a ‘fall from a pilot ladder’ in the Humber Estuary has now been named. Video credit: BBC Look North/BBC News Hub

A Filipino crew member of a Capesize bulk carrier HELLASSHIP fell into water while trying to assist pilot boarding bulk carrier in rough weather, off Gijon, Spain.

U.S. Coastgard has published an update of their Recommendation for Pilot Transfer Arrangements in latest Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB).

"Recent deaths of maritime pilots while embarking commercial vessels highlight the risks of operating in an
unforgiving maritime environment. To ensure the safety of all personnel boarding a vessel at sea, the Coast
Guard reminds vessel owners and operators of the requirements contained in the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter V, Regulation 23 and strongly recommends that owners and operators follow the recommendations within IMO Resolution A.1045(27) – Pilot Transfer Arrangements. "

"Rope Ladders" by PTR Holland

Gabon, Baie du Prince, 2012.
Getting that nice fat lady alongside

Comment and photos by Reshma Nilofer Naha
India's first female Marine Pilot (Kalkata Port Trust)

French shipbuilder OCEA today launched the first of twenty "OCEA FPB 98 MKI" patrol boats for the State Border Guard service of Ukraine at its shipyard in Les Sables d'Olonne. ===================== In November 2019, an intergovernmental agreement between France and Ukraine has been signed to support the reinforcement of the maritime safety and security in Ukraine. OCEA won the international consultation launched by the Ukrainian Ministry of Interior. The acquisition contract is for 20...