Pilots go out in heavy weather

by Scheepskijker Havenfotografie

The pilots go out in heavy weather. Their little pilot boat pounds and creaks among the waves, from wave valley to wave crest, as the wind rips foam off the water. Ahead of them, further out to sea, the big ships wait. Grey silhouettes in the rain, bobbing on swells, waiting for that one moment when the pilot steps aboard.

It is routine, but never without risk. Each manoeuvre requires timing, strength and confidence. A misstep can be fatal - a wrong wave, an unsteady hand, and the sea takes its toll.

Between the Maasvlakte and Hoek van Holland, the tail end of the storm still sweeps over. The air is heavy, the water wild, but the pilots know this sea. They know how the currents behave, where the wind turns, how the port smells even before they see it.

Slowly, carefully, they approach the ship. The engine roars, the deck gleams with salt. Then, in a brief window of calm between two waves, the pilot jumps over - a leap of skill, instinct and courage.

Soon the ship will sail safely up the New Waterway, towards the lee of the harbour. But now, in the middle of the storm, it is the pilot who sets the course.

Ship Viewer_Port Photography; raw and honest, just like the port itself. A collection of large ships and details, seafaring, inland navigation and port industry.

Port photos's on the wall of the living room office or study. Also wallpaper-filling!