The entrance to Cork Harbour situated on the South coast of Ireland can produce some pretty extreme sea states during the winter storm months. There are two main factors that influence the sea state at the entrance, the first being the ebbing tide, the second being shoaling waters over the Harbour Rock, this is situated at the entrance to the Harbour off Roches Point lighthouse, right in the middle between the Western and Eastern channel entrances.
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....
Today I will discuss a very simple and useful practical trick often used by pilots.
When we have to berth a vessel with small clearances forward and aft (say 20 to 25 mtr fwd and aft) it is very essential that you are able to estimate your position. Now most of the time you have a berthing supervisor on jetty who will help you with position.
It turns out that supertankers and cruise ships have valets. They're called maritime pilots, and they're among the most elite ship handlers in the world. So where does one go to learn how to park the largest ships in the world? To the Maritime Pilots Institute in Covington, La. There, they use mini-versions of the behemoth boats to teach the basics. All aboard!
