Offshore Pilot station out of San Francisco

We take a look at some of the dangerous ladder arrangements provided by ships when attempting to take maritime pilots on board. Our message is simple: if you are offered an unsafe or non-compliant ladder, do not board!

The P and O ship Adonia leaving Lisbon on 3-11-14. This was the Pilot's second attempt to leave the ship. A smaller cutter found the seas too rough to take off the Pilot so this larger cutter took over.

A maritime pilot, marine pilot, harbor pilot, bar pilot, or simply pilot, is a sailor who maneuvers ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors or river mouths. They are navigational experts possessing knowledge of the particular waterway such as its depth, currents, and hazards.

Sustainability concerns us all. PTR Holland (c), as a leading manufacturer of pilot and embarking ladders, is committed not only to produce the safest ladders, but also to protect our planet earth through sustainable production. PTR does so by sourcing the timber for the production of the ladders exclusively in accordance with the Federal Stewardship Council (FSC). Look for the FSC logo when buying your ladder. Take responsibility and protect our valuable rainforest! PTR Holland - Often...

An accident occurred in the Kiel Canal lock at Kiel-Holtenau. A freighter crashed into the gate of the north chamber on Saturday. The Kiel Canal is the busiest man-made waterway in the world.

Cost: £600k Built in 2007 Current Owners: Milford Haven Port Authority Outline build design: Camarc Ltd Built by: Mainstay Marine Solutions Ltd Dimensions Length OA (inc fender). 19.75 metres Length (moulded) 18.65 metres Length Waterline 17.00 metres Beam OA (inc fender) 5.70 metres Beam (moulded) 5.25 metres Draught (approx) 1.50 metres Particulars: Min service life: 15 years. Vessel impacts: 1000 impacts per annum Significant wave height: 5m Typical duty cycle: 1000-3000 hour per year....

Goodchild Marine won the order to manufacture and deliver the vessel in 2023 to increase Briggs Marine’s fleet to six ORC-class pilot boats.

Issues like the Covid 19 crisis and the moves towards increased autonomy appear to be driving a renewed interest in Shore Based Pilotage (SBP), nowadays often called Remote Pilotage.