Article Pilot Transfer Arrangements
by Captain Kevin Vallance MNI - published on 2 October 2019
Video Pilot boat "Griffiths" off Point Lonsdale (Port Phillip - Australia)
published on 5 August 2025
Article New Zealand MPA Guidance to manage COVID19
by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 22 April 2020
Opinion New guidance for PBAs with trapdoors. Released 4.11.2020 by NZMPA
by New Zealand Maritime Pilot's Association - published on 6 November 2020
New guidance for PBAs with trapdoors. Released 4.11.2020 at NZMPA Conference in Dunedin, NZ. Distinct difference to suggestions in many other countries, is that we challenge operators who have the ladder suspended from the accommodation ladder (gangway) and not secured to the ship. SOLAS states that pilot ladder shall be secured to the ship, and securing strongpoints, shackles and ropes shall be as strong as the sideropes.
Video Maritime Piloting in the 17th-Century
published on 25 June 2022
Video PLA River Thames Pilot Cutter Dji Inspire 2
published on 28 January 2021
Pilot cutters are used to take pilots between the three pilot stations (at Gravesend, Harwich and Ramsgate) and ships entering or leaving the Port of London.
Three dedicated pilot cutters Patrol, Guide and our hybrid Leader are based at Gravesend. The six cutters used at Ramsgate are operated by a Estuary Services Limited, which is jointly owned by the PLA and Medway Ports Ltd.
Video North Sea pilot boarding
published on 27 August 2024
Video Miami pilot boat, Ships & Voyager video
published on 21 August 2025
Video Pilot leaves the Regent Seven Seas Navigator at Halifax
published on 12 August 2020
Article #dangerousladders - Using social media to improve pilot transfer safety.
by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 12 December 2019
It remains a sad fact that accidents and near misses continue to occur during pilot transfers with frightening regularity. Most of these fortunately do not result in injury, and a surprisingly high number of them are not even recognised for what they are.
Surveys into pilot ladder safety consistently reveal that unacceptably high numbers of pilot transfer arrangements are not compliant with the regulations.