Page 9 - Navigator 2021

COMMEMORATION AT PILOT MONUMENT
In memory of those who perished in the tragedy with the Eems 2 exactly one hundred years ago, a comme- morative service was held at the Pilot Monument on the 22nd of October 2021. Following speeches and the laying of wreaths, interested parties could visit the pilot cutter Eems 1, an exact replica of a sailing pilot vessel from the past.
SAFETY FIRST
“The biggest difference between our current times and a century ago when the tragedy with the Eems 2 struck is that back then, pilot vessels were obliged to stay out at sea under all weather conditions,” says Bert Oldebeuving, chairman of the pilots in Region North. “The principle of a pilot station off the coast that is manned 24/7 no longer exists in the Northern Netherlands anyway. We pilot the ships directly from the Eemshaven with tenders. If the weather becomes too severe, we switch to pilotage via helicopter. In such situations, we
can use the radio (VHF) and radar to guide smaller vessels to a sheltered position from where we can pilot them into the port.”
QUALITY AND TRAINING AS A BASIS
It is a much safer operational approach; of course, a similar qualification also applies to the current equipment. Without exception, it meets the highest quality and safety standards. What’s more, all Dutch pilots and crews regularly practice their safety skills. Arjen te Nijenhuis, pilot and coordinator of edu- cation & training in Region North: “As a pilot, you complete a personal safety training once every four years. To this end, you go to a swimming pool which offers a full range of equipment and where any scenario can be practiced: rubber boats, pilot ladders, wave and storm simulations, etc. You jump into the deep end wearing your full pilot outfit and learn what to do should you really end up in the water. Safety truly comes first.”
9