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AMPI

AMPI serves the professional interests of Marine Pilots and Pilotage in Australasia

Serving the professional interests of Marine Pilots and Pilotage Organisations throughout Australasia.

08/09/2026

The mental and physical strain marine pilots are exposed to

Marine pilotage demands sustained concentration, sound judgement and physical resilience, often while working in challenging conditions where the consequences of getting safety wrong can be significant.

In the latest edition of Safe Passage, United Kingdom Maritime Pilots Association (UKMPA) Chairman Captain Chris Hoyle discusses some of the physical and mental demands faced by marine pilots, alongside the continuing risks surrounding pilot transfer arrangements.

From fatigue, whole-body vibration and hull impact to damaged ladders, poorly secured stanchions and non-compliant transfer arrangements, the article reinforces why pilot safety requires more than simply meeting minimum standards. It requires ongoing vigilance, reporting, effective training and collaboration between pilots, ship operators, regulators and port authorities.

Chris also looks ahead to the implementation of the revised SOLAS V/23 requirements, highlighting the importance of early adoption and a proactive rather than reactive approach to improving pilot transfer safety.

Our thanks to Chris and our colleagues at the United Kingdom Maritime Pilots Association (UKMPA) for allowing us to share this important contribution with the Australasian pilotage community.

This article first appeared in the UKMPA’s The Pilot magazine and has been republished in the latest edition of AMPI’s Safe Passage.

Read the full article in Safe Passage: https://ampi.org.au/publications/

02/09/2026

Planning to join us in Newcastle this November? The AMPI Es**rt Towage Workshop website has recently been updated with more information to help you plan your attendance.

The latest updates include:
💠 Schedule – explore the program across both days, including the Day 1 Industry Forum and Day 2 practical simulator sessions.

💠FAQs – answers to key questions about registration, attendance and the workshop format.

💠Venue Information – everything you need to know about our Newcastle locations and getting there.

Plus, you’ll find further information about our social event, accommodation options, and what Newcastle has to offer.

Please note, Day 2 is now almost at capacity. Places for the practical simulator sessions at the Svitzer Australia Newcastle Kongsberg simulator are extremely limited, so if you are hoping to attend both days, we strongly encourage you to secure your place soon.

There is still availability for the Day 1 Industry Forum at NOAH'S on the beach, bringing together marine pilots, tug masters, towage operators and industry experts for a full day of presentations, case studies and discussion around es**rt towage risk, planning, procedures, training and best practice.

Explore the updated website and register now: https://events.ampi.org.au/towageworkshop2026

If you’re planning to join us, now is the time to book!

**rtTowage

27/08/2026

A special arrival into Devonport recently!

Spirit of Tasmania IV has made her maiden entry into Devonport as part of her ongoing trials, with Tasmania putting on some pretty spectacular conditions for the occasion!

TasPorts Marine Pilot and AMPI Member Captain Callum Waters had the privilege of piloting the vessel into Devonport for this milestone visit.

A great moment for Callum, TasPorts and Tasmania’s maritime community, and an impressive sight coming into port.

Well done to all involved!

25/08/2026

The Australasian Marine Pilots Institute (AMPI) is being represented this week by members from across Australia and PNG for the 27th International Maritime Pilots' Association (IMPA) Congress in Bali.

We are particularly proud to have three speakers from our group contributing to this year’s program:
- Captain Max Stossel
- Captain Damian Laughlin
- Captain Riley Oxenbridge

It is fantastic to see our region so well represented, both among the delegates and on the Congress stage, sharing knowledge and experience with colleagues from around the world.

The Congress also brought further good news for AMPI, with AMPI Vice President Captain Adam Roberts re-elected to the IMPA Board as Vice President. We congratulate Adam on his reappointment.

A sincere thank you to IMPA and INAMPA for a fantastic Congress so far, and for the warm hospitality extended to everyone here in Bali.

We look forward to the conversations and connections still to come throughout the week.

Pictured below Tim Delves, Josephine Clark, Max Stossel, Damian Laughlin, Mathew Kolam, Ruth Philip, Patili Kanawale AFNI, Adam Roberts, Rahul Manglu and Riley Oxenbridge

20/08/2026

Newcastle Es**rt Towage Workshop | Don't Miss Out

Supported by Svitzer Australia and Robert Allan Ltd., there are less than three months to go and registrations for the AMPI Es**rt Towage Workshop continue to build. Day 2 is now very close to capacity.

If you've been considering attending, now is the time to secure your place.

Our Day 1 Industry Forum will bring together marine pilots, tug masters, harbour masters, towage operators and other industry professionals to explore the latest thinking in:
- Es**rt towage risk assessment
- Operational planning and procedures
- Training and competency
- Real-world case studies and lessons learned

Day 1: Industry Forum – NOAH'S on the Beach
Day 2: Simulator Workshop – Svitzer Australia Newcastle Kongsberg Simulator

Registration options:
- AMPI and NZMPA Full Member Pilots: FREE (Days 1 & 2)
- AMPI Full Members and Harbour Masters: FREE (Day 1)
- Non-members: $300 (Day 1 only)

Dates and Details:
- 4–5 November 2026
- Newcastle, NSW

Places for the simulator sessions are limited and almost full, so we encourage anyone planning to attend to register as soon as possible.

Register here: https://events.ampi.org.au/towageworkshop2026

**rtTowage

18/08/2026

Many of us complete routine tasks every day without giving them a second thought. But as this article in our most recent edition of 'Safe Passage' reminds us, even the most familiar operations can change a life in an instant.

In Routine Climb, Life-Changing Fall, Seine River pilot Dominique Vaugrenart shares a personal account of a pilot transfer accident that resulted in multiple fractures, extensive rehabilitation, and a complete reassessment of pilot ladder safety. This story is not only one of recovery, but also a call for change across the maritime industry. Drawing on the findings of the official investigation, Dominique highlights the importance of proper pilot transfer arrangements, stronger safety cultures, better reporting of near misses, and a renewed focus on risk awareness.

It's a good reminder that safety is a shared responsibility. Every pilot transfer involves a chain of people, procedures and decisions, and when one link fails, the consequences can be severe.

First published in The Pilot magazine by the United Kingdom Maritime Pilots Association (UKMPA), we're pleased to share Dominique's story again through Safe Passage, helping these important safety lessons reach pilots and maritime professionals around the world.

You can read the full article below, along with the latest edition of Safe Passage: https://ampi.org.au/publications/

14/08/2026

A special thank you to Captain Andrew Burn and Captain Mike Watson for sharing with us these photos, which show an incredible behind-the-scenes look at one of the most amazing maritime operations to take place in Tasmania in recent years.

Rather than departing under its own power, the China Zorrilla (the world's largest battery-electric ship) was carefully floated onto the deck of the semi-submersible heavy-lift vessel MV Black Marlin for its journey from Hobart to South America. The highly complex loading operation marked another major milestone for Tasmanian shipbuilder Incat and the future of sustainable maritime transport.

Thanks again to Andrew & Mike for sharing these outstanding photographs with the AMPI community and capturing a fantastic moment on the River Derwent.

11/08/2026

Newcastle Es**rt Towage Workshop – Registrations Filling Fast!

Planning to join us in Newcastle this November? Now is the time to secure your place.

Registrations for Day 2 are almost at capacity, with only limited places remaining for the simulator-based practical sessions at the Svitzer Australia Newcastle Kongsberg simulator.

There is still good availability for our Day 1 Industry Forum, however places are filling quickly. Day 1 will bring together marine pilots, tug masters, towage operators and industry experts for presentations, case studies and facilitated discussions focused on es**rt towage risk, planning, procedures, training and best practice.

Date: 4–5 November 2026
Location: Newcastle, NSW

Day 1: Industry Forum – NOAH'S on the beach
Day 2: Practical simulator sessions – Svitzer Australia Newcastle

With Day 2 close to full, we encourage anyone planning to attend to register as soon as possible.

AMPI Full Member Pilots (inc. NZMPA) can attend both days FREE, while Day 1 is also free for AMPI Full Members and Harbour Masters.

Register now: events.ampi.org.au/towageworkshop2026

**rtTowage

06/08/2026

Ever wondered what it looks like to witness international maritime regulation in action?

In the latest edition of Safe Passage, Alex Coombs shares her experience attending the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) in London as part of the Australian delegation, alongside the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), with support from AMPI.

In her article, Alex reflects on the complexity of developing international maritime regulations, the importance of collaboration and diplomacy between member states, and how the experience reshaped her understanding of how change is achieved within our industry.

She also highlights the significance of attending during IMO's Women in Maritime Day celebrations, recognising the growing contribution of women across the maritime sector and the positive steps being taken to build a more diverse and inclusive profession.

A sincere thank you to Alex Coombs for sharing her reflection with the Safe Passage community. We're proud to support opportunities that broaden perspectives, strengthen professional development, and contribute to the future of pilotage and maritime safety.

Read Alex's full article in the latest edition of Safe Passage

https://ampi.org.au/publications/

03/08/2026

The Australasian Marine Pilots Institute (AMPI) is pleased to announce the release of our latest Position Statement:

PS-07 – Pilotage of Domestic and Foreign Military Ships in Australian Ports

As the professional body representing marine pilots throughout Australasia, AMPI develops position statements to provide guidance on important issues affecting pilotage, safety and the protection of our ports and waterways.

This latest paper outlines AMPI's position on the pilotage of both Australian and foreign military vessels operating within Australian ports. It considers the unique operational, security and safety considerations associated with these movements, while reinforcing the importance of consistent pilotage practices and effective collaboration between all stakeholders involved.

The publication forms part of AMPI's ongoing commitment to supporting best practice, informing industry discussion and contributing to the safe and efficient movement of vessels in Australian waters.

Read the full position statement, and other statements here: https://ampi.org.au/publications/

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