Equipment

The Loodswezen has the disposal of sea-going pilot vessels, SWATHs, tenders, launches and a helicopter.

Helicopter
When weather conditions are so poor that neither a tender nor a launch can reach the vessel (suspended pilotage), the solution is the helicopter.
Technical information

Jet propelled tender (Aquila class)
A jet propelled tender is used to drop off and pick up pilots from sea-going vessels. A jet propelled tender is faster and larger than a launch.
Technical information

Jet propelled tender (Discovery class)
A jet propelled tender is used to drop off and pick up pilots from sea-going vessels. A jet propelled tender is faster and larger than a launch.
Technical information

Launch
On the side of the pilot boat a launch is suspended. A davit (cranelike device) is used to lower the launch down to the water. These small boats transport the pilots to or from the vessel requiring pilotage.
Technical information

Pilot boat
The pilot boats are located at an intersection point (PILOT STATION) at sea. In case of incoming vessels, pilots are transferred from the pilot boat to the vessel by tenders or launches. Pilots on outward-bound vessels will be picked up by the tender or launch and be brought back to the pilot boat.
Technical information

SWATH
Dutch Loodswezen has decided to make use of a new type of ship with regards to the piloting of sea-going vessels. As a result of employing these SWATHs (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull), the trustworthiness of the pilots’ services will be further enhanced.
Technical information

Conventional tender
A conventional tender is used to drop off an pick up pilots from sea-going vessels. These tenders are only used as back-up.
Technical Information