Falmouth Pilots operate two coded pilot vessels. Both are extremely well maintained and capable of working across the full weather range experienced within semi-exposed pilotage areas such as Falmouth Bay and approaches.
VT HALMATIC 16M
Pilot Boat (Arrow)
The Arrow is our newer vessel, designed by Carmarc and built in Portchester shipyard by VT Helmatic. She has everything expected of a fast, modern pilot boat with excellent operating capability, crew comfort and safety features incorporated throughout her design.
DIMENSIONS
16.73M x 5.25M x 1.5M
YEAR BUILT
2006
TOP SPEED
22 KNOTS
ENGINES
SCANIA D16 x 2, POWER(KW) 423
APPROX. WEIGHT
24 TONS
OPERATING AREA
CATEGORY 2
CAPACITY
15 PERSONS
CALL SIGN
MPHQ7
MMSI
23503738
NELSON 17M
Pilot Boat (L K MITCHELL)
The LKM is much older than the Arrow, but no less usable. It is a heavy-built pilot vessel which has particularly good sea-keeping capabilities. Following an extensive refit by Pendennis Shipyard in 2009, including new Scania D16 engines, extensive re-wiring and wheelhouse re-design, the vessel performs to the standard of a modern boat.
DIMENSIONS
17M X 4.27M X 1.5M
YEAR BUILT
1978
TOP SPEED
20 KNOTS
ENGINES
SCANIA D16 X 2, POWER(KW) 423
APPROX. WEIGHT
32 TONS
OPERATING AREA
CATEGORY 3
CAPACITY
12 PERSONS
CALL SIGN
2PCB
MMSI
232004476
Both vessels are equipped with high-quality sailor DSC VHFs and Furuno radars and chart plotters, and are driven by 2x Scania D16 engines with relatively low running hours that are regularly maintained and serviced. Despite the age difference, each vessel’s equipment mirrors the other, in order to ease crew transitions between them.
The level of safety equipment carried aboard is of the high standard expected of coded pilot vessels and work boats, including comprehensive man-overboard recovery systems, fire-fighting and suppression equipment and life rafts, flares and survival suits. Extras have been added outside of the coding requirements, including engine-room CCTV.
The pilot boats are primarily responsible for the shipping of pilots to and from vessels and ensuring that the operation runs smoothly. The efficient running of the port is the priority, but they can be utilised for other services, such as:
The vessels are backed up with an extensive range of spares held in stock, and in-house expertise in technical problem-solving, with a range of experienced contractors to call on, to reduce any threat to the vessels’ reliability and their ability to provide a comprehensive 24/7 service.
Our fully coded pilot boats are available for short-term charter, subject to operating requirements, and we would welcome enquiries from any interested parties.
Both vessels are equipped with full shock-absorbing seating, galley, heads and crew accommodation to ensure durability of crew and pilots over long periods on duty.
Both vessels are certified by the MECAL coding authority and undergo annual inspections both in and out of the water, in addition to the mandatory mid-term and five-year renewals.
