NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that some ships have a pilot transfer arrangement consisting of an accommodation ladder / pilot ladder combination with a trapdoor that does not meet IMO standards in effect since at least 2012. Southampton Pilots have been reminded that they may refuse to use a pilot transfer arrangement that they reasonably believe is unsafe, particularly the offending trapdoor arrangement. All vessels with a trapdoor arrangement are urged to bring their arrangements into compliance with the current IMO standards as soon as possible in order to avoid potential disruptions to ship schedules and port operations.
The relevant documents are SOLAS V Regulation 23, IMO Resolution A. 1045 (27) and guidance from Embarkation & Disembarkation of Pilots Code of Safe Practice.
Non-compliant Arrangement - photo by ABP Southampton