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 SeaSafe - Marine pilot falling off a ships ladder with his integrated life jacket coat
published on 4 July 2019
Video PilotBoat "CATAMARÁN ANTARES"/ BulkCarrier "PAN BONITA", ZonaComún RioDeLaPlata/ 27.01.2025
published on 11 February 2025
On this video (with original sound), you can watch the #OilChemicalTanker Ship "SARA H" (First Images) and then, the Pilot Vessel "CATAMARÁN ANTARES", arrived at #boardingpoint #ZonaComún #RioDeLaPlata to change Pilots (Disembarking Maneuver of the Rio de la Plata Pilots and Embarking Manuever of Rio Paraná Pilots).-
Video Proses Jemput Pilot
published on 29 September 2022
Video Maiden call Ever Act, Worlds largest eases from Felixstowe 9 with 4 Svitzer tugs 27th October 2021
published on 29 October 2021
The Ever Act, the worlds largest and the second to be built out of a series of 12 record breaking vessels prepares to depart Felixstowe Berth 9 with a maximum draught of 10.2 metres for her next port of Hamburg. As the DFDS ferry was heading inbound at the North Shipwash, Harwich VTS had asked then to make best speed so they planned to get the Suecia Seaways through before the Ever Act broke away. A Harwich Haven Pilot Launch heads over from Harwich with a pilot for the Ever Act....
Video Not an easy pilot boarding in rough conditions: Milford Haven - 15-01-15
published on 10 March 2021
Video Remotely operated vessels? Seaowl makes it real
published on 30 June 2021
The remote control of ships is in development across the maritime industry and the technology enabling it presents opportunities to improve operations and safety, while reducing costs. In this film, we look at the successful SeaOwl Remotely Operated Services at Sea (ROSS) project, with commentary from some of the many people involved in its development.
Learn more: https://marlink.com/remoteops/
Video Safehaven Marine 'Independent Vision' pilot boarding
published on 8 June 2020
Here’s a nice video of the ‘Independent Vision’ having her pilot embarked offshore by the Cork pilot boat ‘Failte’ an Interceptor 48 before she enters Cork Harbour. We also undertook some alongside handling trials at the same time with ‘San Cibrao’ before she is shipped to Spain. Sure was interesting trying to land the drone back on the boat in the 40kt winds offshore!