As you are probably aware, there is no legislation about the way a pilot ladder should be secured on deck at intermediate length. As a result, we as pilots see many different ways of securing in use every day. Some ways are considered safe, some unsafe.
Recently Capt. Troy Evans did a research into the breaking strength of various securing methods. To quantify the problem of unsafe practices, now is time to have a survey into the number of the various securing methods used worldwide.
I call on you to participate and report every pilot ladder that is secured on deck in your next working week, using the online survey form here:
We need as many responses as possible. Spread the word amongst fellow pilots, let’s make it safer together.
Stay safe and healthy, very best regards,
Herman Broers
Maritime Pilot, Port of Rotterdam