Bernard Shipyards – ORC 140 and ORC 136 pilot boats

ORC 172 Pilot launch performances

The pilot boat ORC 172 Gavy is the latest pilot launch (2015) arrived at the Saint Nazaire pilot station. This pilot boat ORC 136 is built according to European Merchant Marine and French standards and to the regulations of Bureau Veritas.

The pilot boat ORC 172 Gavy is an "all weather" pilot launch. She is built to serve between 1,500 and 2,500 working hours per year.

The ORC 172 is powered by two Caterpillar engines with two gearboxes and two shaft lines over two 5 blades propellers. It provides its work between 20 and 25 knots.

It is extremely comfortable as the inside noise level in the lauch is 74 decibels

This pilot lauch is built monolithic polyester foam sandwich hull and polyester for the bridge and wheelhouse. The wheelhouse is set on silent-blocks ensuring acoustic comfort.

The ORC 172 is fitted with electronic navigation instruments and radio type sonar, radar, AIS, GPS, VHF, etc. It is equipped with a hydraulic fixed ladder for an easier and safer passage for the driver to the pilot ladder.

Self-righting

This pilot boat ORC 172 is unsinkable and self-righting and provides greater security for service at sea in bad weather conditions.

Tasks

The shipowner of the pilot launch ORC 172 Gavy is the Pilotage Station Loire. Its work area is the estuary of the Loire - Saint-Nazaire and Lower Loire. The pilot station of the ORC 172 Gavy is about 15 nautical miles from the port of Saint Nazaire.

The pilot station supports all vessels upstream or down the Loire. Pilotage is mandatory for all vessels over 72 meters in length and / or carrying dangerous goods.

Piloting includes 32 drivers in Lower Loire. The pilot boat " La Couronnée IV " (video) is an offshore station. Throughout the year, the station is a forward base for pilots to join the mother ship on the 3 pilot launches built by Bernard Shipyards.

1°- Loire 18

2°- Lambarde

3°- Gavy

The pilot boat is equipped for the chief of the launch and his mechanic, plus 4 pilot of the Station, to serve the waiting ships.

The launch ORC 172 Gavy is an extremely modern pilot boat and very pleasant to drive, even in rough sea conditions. The exterior and interior design is very innovative and modern.