Pilots 11

Here are previous posts in this series.  This post is a tribute to the dangerous but vital role pilots play in shipping.

Below, the docking pilot descends onto Marjorie B McAllister.

The transition from the gangway to the jacob’s ladder is tricky.

Here’s a Moran docking pilot, departing the ship after the ship is underway.

This is a small ship, but the distance to the water is still significant.

When assured the adjustment is right,

the docking pilot begins his descent to Jonathan C. Moran.

And finally, see the gangway from this angle . . .

and the pilot about to step across to Ava.

 

All photos, WVD, who wishes all safety.

 

 

Pilots 5

Maersk Wisconsin headed out,  . . .  my attention is on the figure between the tugboat and the ship.

You know the unseen players on two vessels in this maneuver must be 100% focused here.

The way is prepared and the pilot begins the final steps of egress as all eyes remain on him.

Once he steps back onto Catherine Turecamo, the tug breaks to starboard, and

the Maersk crew begin to retract the passageways as

 

vessel heads to the next port and the next pilots.

I took these fotos and assembled this draft on a cold morning back in March 2013.  Pilots must have one of the more potentially life-threatening jobs in the harbor.