Dedication Of Pilot Boat “St. David”

February 22, 2012

This morning [Feb.22] the official dedication of the pilot boat “St. David” — a 61 foot pilot boat which replaces a smaller vessel of the same name — took place.

Minister of Transport Derrick Burgess said, “Bermudians have a proud tradition of piloting. Everyone knows about Jemmy Darrell, ‘Warbaby’ Fox and other famous pilots – many of who came from the east end and St. David’s in particular.

“The tools of a Pilot’s trade have changed significantly during the past few hundred years. In the early days, pilots were rowed out to ships and risked being injured or drowned trying to scramble on board to guide ships into port.

“By the 1950s we at least had engines, but the coxswain had to ring a bell to tell the engine room forward, neutral or reverse. Flags were used for communications between the pilot boats and ships. And of course, every pilot was based in St. David’s

“Fast forward to 2012 and we have this magnificent new vessel the “St. David” a 61 foot pilot boat which replaces a smaller vessel of the same name.

“The boat was delivered to Bermuda from the Gladding-Hearn Shipyard in Somerset, Massachusetts where she was built and represents the largest and most capable Bermuda pilot boat to date. This state of the art vessel is equipped with all the latest navigation and communication equipment.

“The St. David is also equipped with a stepped recess well in the stern for recovering persons from the water and the ability to carry an optional 12 foot inflatable dinghy add to her capability.

“Powered by twin turbo diesels and capable of 30 knots, this vessel is designed to provide excellent handling and seaworthiness in heavy weather conditions offshore.

“In addition to pilotage functions – the St. David will also assist with medical evacuations from ships that often divert to Bermuda to land sick or injured crew. The St. David will also be a front-line resource in local offshore search and rescue operations.

“Indeed, one of the first operations for the St. David was to assist in the search and recovery of the two fishermen tragically lost off St. David’s head in January.

“This vessel will undoubtedly help protect the lives of local seafarers as well as the ships that ply our treacherous waters.

“I am immensely proud to be here today with such a distinguished group of Bermudian pilots who have spent countless hours on the ocean – on calm, sunny days and in wicked winter gales.

“And I know all of us are proud of this beautiful new vessel. May she perform to the best of her capabilities and may Good Fortune smile on her and all who sail in her.”

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Comments (9)

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  1. Out to sea says:

    What had to the rest of the crew that ACTUALLY runs the boat? Such as the coxswain , engine driver and deckhand? I guess since they just do the work every day they are not important enough for the picture. The pilot does not spend as many hours on the boat as they do.

  2. On the Dock says:

    Ya but if the ship went down the Pilot will be the one responsible.

    • Out to sea says:

      The pilot is not in charge of the ship, the CAPTAIN is. The pilot stands behind the captain and guides him into our waters.
      Been there done that.

  3. Common sense says:

    Your both wrong the Coxswain is responsible for this vessel, the St. David. The pilot boat is only a transport vessel for the channel pilot to enable him to get onboard Ships traveling to and from Bermuda. Also when a local pilot gets onboard a ship in bermuda the Captain of the ship still retains responsibility of his ship while the pilot advisises him safe Passage and local water knowledge. I also agree that the pilot boat crew should also be in the picture being it is the vessel they will be working on daily

    • Out to sea says:

      You do realize it is a pilot/rescue boat, Not, only a transport vessel for the channel Pilot? Which boat do you think went out on the last search and rescue? As said before be there done that.

  4. Nice says:

    Missing a lot of crew members. Some is better than none I guess.

  5. Wandering says:

    It sure would have been nice for the St. David Islanders to know that this was taking place just as they were for the christening of the “Warbaby Fox Ferry” – which is now serving the other end of the Island. I feel the Seniors who have great memories of the early pilots and situations in which our proud boaters played a part should have been invited.

    Yes, also to the suggestion that all of the boats crew should have been photographed. May the Lord continue to Bless and protect our well abled crew and the Pilots!

  6. rubber bong says:

    Maybe the reason only the pilots are in the picture is because as the Minister says, the pilot boat is a tool of the pilot’s trade (which is true)…even tho there is a crew that man’s the actual boat.

  7. Be For Real says:

    We just have to say something in Bermuda. I love it.