Another Helicopter Pilot Boarding in Bordeaux

Pilot boarding by helicopter

We had another helicopter operation early this morning—and no, not the dramatic kind you might be imagining. Don’t worry, it wasn’t a medical evacuation. This was a routine but fascinating part of ship life: a pilot boarding us by helicopter for our 5-hour transit to Bordeaux, France.

For those who might not be familiar, ships often need a local harbor pilot when entering or leaving a port. These pilots know the waters inside out—every current, sandbank, and tricky maneuver. In Bordeaux, this is usually done the traditional way—by pilot boat, with the pilot climbing a ladder to board the ship. But today was different.

The swell was a bit high, which made a boat transfer risky. So instead, the pilot arrived by helicopter—a safer and more efficient option in such conditions, and honestly, it felt like something out of a movie scene.

The Gironde estuary, which leads to Bordeaux, is long and winding, and sending out pilot boats for every incoming ship isn’t always practical. So today, Bordeaux used helicopter to transfer the pilot directly to us. It’s quicker, and safer in this kind sea condition.

Just a note to myself: in Bordeaux, pilot transfers by helicopter normally happen about 2 nautical miles west of Buoys 1 and 2, with the ship holding a steady speed of about 9 knots.

The pilot boarded around 7:30 AM, just before the end of my watch. From the bridge, I had a perfect view of the helicopter as it approached and hovered over the ship, but since the actual transfer took place on the aft deck, I couldn’t see the pilot stepping onboard. Luckily, our deck cadet was stationed there and managed to capture the moment on camera. Thanks to him, I still got to see the action afterward.

Unlike our previous calls in Bordeaux—where we docked right in the heart of the city, just steps away from shops, restaurants, and cafés—this time we’re at Berth 127, a cargo berth. The reason? The famous Bordeaux bridge, which can be lifted up and down to let ships pass, is currently out of order. So instead of being in the middle of the action, we’re berthed a little further out.