Monday, May 25, 2009

Pilots

Pilot boarding a ferry from a pilot boat, LivornoLarge ships are very difficult to maneuver through the relatively narrow waterways that lead into a port, where even the slightest error in judgment can cause huge damage.Pilot boats, Molo Mediceo, LivornoUsually a pilot, with extensive knowledge of the port, boards any arriving or departing ship. To qualify as a pilot many years at sea and experience in the area are required.Pilot boat under a cruise ship outside the port of LivornoPilots rely on visual reference points, knowledge of tides, swells, currents, depths and shoals that might not be readily identifiable on nautical charts without first hand experience.

Search labels: ferry
at

20 comments:

  1. cieldequimperMay 25, 2009 at 8:22 AM

    Ah les pilotes ! Very nice post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. TashMay 25, 2009 at 8:40 AM

    Bravo to "pilota uno e due"!
    The Navigator of the Seas is so impressive. Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  3. HildaMay 25, 2009 at 8:42 AM

    Kudos to the pilots! That's a very important task they have and it doesn't sound easy. Especially with ships that huge!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.comMay 25, 2009 at 9:14 AM

    superb photos and i like the first one best. good for you for giving recognition to the pilots.

    ReplyDelete
  5. jooMay 25, 2009 at 9:21 AM

    The first one is my favourite. Super post!
    Have a nice week:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. BaruchMay 25, 2009 at 12:46 PM

    So it seems like tug boats have been disestablished your end of the world too

    ReplyDelete
  7. TinsieMay 25, 2009 at 1:28 PM

    We have them on the Thames too but I don't think they're as clearly marked as that. I'll look out for them next time I'm near the river.

    ReplyDelete
  8. brattcatMay 25, 2009 at 2:07 PM

    That first shot is a particular beauty. The black and white of the boat is surrounded by gold. Really puts the pilot in a very noble light. When I lived in Portland, Maine I would watch the pilots climb off of those enormous ships back onto their little boats after getting the huge vessels into safe waters.

    ReplyDelete
  9. B SQUAREDMay 25, 2009 at 2:12 PM

    A lot of people don't realize that they actually pilot the ships in and out of port.

    ReplyDelete
  10. LowellMay 25, 2009 at 2:39 PM

    Pilots are tugs, right? I have often watched in amazement how these pilots/tugs assist these huge ships enter the port of Fort Lauderdale.

    This series of photos are so well done, VP! The last one is perfect, showing the relationship of a pilot to a cruise ship.

    ReplyDelete
  11. hennyMay 25, 2009 at 4:03 PM

    It's incredible how a tiny boat is able to navigate such a giant ship.
    Your photos are nice :).

    ReplyDelete
  12. FrankMay 25, 2009 at 4:36 PM

    Many of these ships seem to me to be so top-heavy. I can't understand how they stay upright.

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownMay 25, 2009 at 5:55 PM

    Great post and a good tribute to the ones that prevent the ships running aground. I love the first photo with its yellow reflections.

    ReplyDelete
  14. RichardMay 25, 2009 at 9:28 PM

    Well, well.Educative post :).

    ReplyDelete
  15. crocrodylMay 25, 2009 at 10:23 PM

    Wow! The ship in the last photo is so massive and huge! Great shots!

    ReplyDelete
  16. stromsjoMay 25, 2009 at 10:32 PM

    Yes, darn good post. I also like the first shot in particular. Talk about a vessel being dwarfed!

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousMay 25, 2009 at 11:20 PM

    Huge vessel - small pilot. Impressive!

    ReplyDelete
  18. LayrayskiMay 26, 2009 at 4:50 AM

    when I saw the first photo, I thought what a cute toy boat- then I realized its not a toy!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Leif HagenMay 31, 2009 at 2:32 PM

    Now that's a MONSTER boat! I wonder how many passengers it can hold? You have beautiful and interesting blog photos! Grazie mille! Regards from EAGAN daily photo in Minnesota, USA

    ReplyDelete
  20. gate valvesJuly 20, 2009 at 12:32 PM

    i love the photos. they are amazing!

    ReplyDelete