Article

UK Ports and Pilots take firm stand against Non-compliant Trap Door Boarding arrangements


published on 24 March 2021 386 -

UKMPA has released a notice to their members today regarding the so-called "non compliant trapdoors". Vessels have been rejected entrance, talks have started with different shipping companies.

The UKMPA Chairman Captain Mike Morris gave the following statement:

“I am delighted that the firm stance taken by our members with the full backing of their ports and terminal operators has resulted in this positive outcome.


We at the UKMPA will continue to work with all UK stakeholders including the UK Harbour Masters Association, British Ports Association, UK Major ports group, Maritime and Coast Guard Agency and DFT to raise awareness and promote best practice with regard to all aspects of safe Pilot transfer.


In the last few years we have seen several fatalities worldwide and one involving this type of dangerous non-compliant trap-door arrangement. We look forward to the continued efforts of all stakeholders and a time when these types of arrangements are confined to history”.

What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Origins of the IMPA pilot mark

by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 24 October 2019

There are many things in both our everyday and professional lives which we take for granted and never question the origins of, an example of this might be the IMPA recommended ‘pilot mark or pilot line’, which is sometimes seen on the side of vessels indicating where a vessels freeboard exceeds 9 metres.

4

Article Pilot Embarkation platforms

by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 17 December 2019

During the transit time on the pilot launch between the shore and the vessel, marine pilots will spend at least a portion of that time carrying out (either consciously or subconsciously) a risk assessment of the forthcoming operation.

1

Article Securing pilot ladders at intermediate lengths

by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 6 January 2020

Over the past few years a number of pilot transfer accidents have occurred resulting from total failure of the side ropes, one school of thought is that the methods of securing a pilot ladder is a factor in such occurrences.

0

Video Algoluna/Pilot Pickup - Port Huron

published on 22 March 2024

The pilot boat Huron Spirit picking up a District 3 pilot from the downbound oil/chemical tanker Algoluna on the St. Clair River in Port Huron/Sarnia on March 9, 2024 as captured on the StreamTime Live Camera.
https://www.youtube.com/live/eLUGwEv9IBk?si=O_QyOD3sAMvp_SQd

0

Video Interview: Arie Palmers on the Maerks global safety days, Cobenhagen

published on 6 September 2022

For the safety of maritime pilots

1

Video Another non-compliant trap door arrangement

published on 4 October 2021

Some pilots have already lost their lives because of this non-compliant construction. We don't want to see such an arrangement again. Here is a latest video from the Middle East.

0

Video Crazy Pilot Boarding when the vessel is rolling heavy

published on 21 December 2019

What a dangerous situation. Never seen that before.

0

Video CHIRP Pilot Ladders (Landscape)

published on 13 December 2023

We take a look at some of the dangerous ladder arrangements provided by ships when attempting to take maritime pilots on board. Our message is simple: if you are offered an unsafe or non-compliant ladder, do not board!

1

Opinion Fathom Safety: "A Guide to Pilot Ladder Securing"

by Frank Diegel - published on 7 October 2020

Fathom Safety was established as a not for profit organisation dedicated to improving maritime pilot transfer safety. Here is a guide to pilot ladder rigging. We hope you like it!

3