Collisions in Western European Rivers

Extract

Captain A. Wepster's able and professional analysis of this subject, contained in the January issue of the Journal, confirms what many seamen have long known. That these rivers—the Schelde, the New Waterweg, the Weser and, finally, the teeming Elbe, from Brunsbuttel seaward—are the world's most difficult and demanding stretches of navigation for seamen and pilots. The Captain's excellent treatment focuses attention on this and in his final paragraph he offers several considerations which, if followed, could reduce the number of collisions.

I refer to page 29; ‘Improving River and Port Authority Organizations and, if necessary, traffic control. On page 17, with reference to changing pilots in Flushing Roads in the Schelde; who has not, when proceeding outbound, ‘overshot’ the mark when approaching the pilot ground off the Commercial Harbour ? There follows the business of making a complete circle midst moving traffic as an apologetic pilot comes a puffing to the bridge, showering abuse on the man he relieved because 'he failed to slow down in time’.

I would add a specific recommendation to those offered by Captain Wepster: For vessels outbound from the Schelde, to disembark their pilots and take on Oostgat or Wandelaar pilots at a point approximately three miles upriver, say at Sloehaven. A pilot station could be maintained at that point in the manner of the present pilot office at the Flushing Mole.