Opinion

Pilot ladders: Compliance by design, failure by operator


by Herman Broers - published on 10 March 2022 359 -

Text and photos by Herman Broers (Author) and pilotladdersafety.com

It is not often that this blog is used to show bad practice, however in this case some pictures tell a whole story. Ship is compliant by design for rigging a combination. How about the operator(s)?
  • he recessed supporting points are not used for securing the ladder at 1,5 meters above the combination platform.
  • The securing point for the platform itself is not properly used.
  • To solve the problem, a makeshift device is used to attach the pilot ladder to the platform. That is not required / compliant. This solution is not working anyway, as can be seen in the attached pictures.
That is three failures in one go. The fact that a makeshift solution has been made shows that the ship’s management from top to bottom is unaware of the proper rigging of the combination ladder.

There is only one solution: Training! ( and maybe a little TLC for the crooked pilot ladder )

Have a safe day.
Herman Broers
Editor's note:
Opinion pieces reflect the personal opinion of individual authors. They do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about a prevailing opinion in the respective editorial department. Opinion pieces might be deliberately formulated in a pronounced or even explicit tone and may contain biased arguments. They might be intended to polarise and stimulate discussion. In this, they deliberately differ from the factual articles you typically find on this platform, written to present facts and opinions in as balanced a manner as possible.
Unlimited License Maritime Pilot, Port of Rotterdam. Pilot ladder safety, active marine pilot - Loodswezen Rotterdam - Rijnmond


Maritime Pilot in port of Rotterdam, Author of www.pilotladdersafety.com
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video Kittiwake Mersey Pilot

published on 22 December 2021

KITTIWAKE ( MMSI 232008570) is a Pilot and currently sailing under the flag of United Kingdom (UK) Here she is speeding down the River this morning.

0

Video Polaris Pilot Boat Antwerp Belgium

published on 15 March 2022

Vessel name: Polaris ; Year built: 2012 ; Flag: Netherlands ; Homeport: Rotterdam Length: 81.2m X 13.3m ; GRT: 2501 ; Callsign: PBZN ; MMSI:245142000 ; IMO: 9496915 Type: Special Vessel / Pilot Ship A "Pilot Ship / Pilot Vessel" is a "special type" of ship in which it accommodates a certain and limited Marine Pilots (Sea, River, Harbor Pilots), it also carries small boats/crafts that are used to tender services to and from the Pilot ship. In a Pilot Vessel, the Pilots can take their time...

1

Video Pilot Leaving Ship Vigo

published on 31 March 2023

0

Video Pilot Ladder Safety Webinar by The Nautical Institute

published on 12 May 2022

The Nautical Institute (NI) and the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) have been concerned for many years at the needlessly high rate of Pilot Ladder casualties. The NI is continuously reminded of the problem from its Members and through its Mariners’ Alerting and Reporting Scheme (MARS). The issue features frequently in our publications, and we recently dedicated an edition of our award winning magazine The Navigator to the topic, emphasising the importance of good...

0

Video Chart Projections and Chart Accuracy - ECDIS

published on 11 July 2020

With the increasing accuracy and reliability of navigational receivers, this part of the video module will try to establish a better understanding of the mathematical definition of the Earth’s surface and mapping of this curved shape onto a plane surface. Chart Projections and Chart Accuracy https://youtu.be/kOaWimnAN-U Principle Used For Creating Electronic Charts https://youtu.be/xY_MBubhUFs Display of Electronic Charts https://youtu.be/qnoFO0T-cLo Route Planning With ECDIS https://...

0

Video S-100 in confined waters: an official IHO testbed and sea trial

published on 27 April 2026

What happens when next-generation maritime data is put to the test in some of the most complex navigational environments? This video shares insights from a major international S-100 simulator trial, delivered in collaboration with Carnival Corporation’s CSMART training facility and a wide network of global partners. Together, we explored how S-100 data sets perform in realistic, high-pressure bridge scenarios—particularly in confined waters where precision and timing are critical. Bringing...

0

Video CMMI Chennai Chapter |Technical Meeting | BRM During Pilotage

published on 27 July 2021

The Company of Master Mariners of India - Chennai Chapter, cordially invites you to a virtual meeting on "BRM During Pilotage" by Capt. Russell D'Cruz.

0

Video Yaw Stability of Ships - Basic Principles by Knud Benedict

published on 18 November 2021

Another very good explanatory video by Knud Benedict. Absolutely worth seeing.
Yaw Stability is an important element of Ships Manoeuvrability - both for course keeping and turning ability. This first video in a series explains the Basic Principles of stability in steady state equilibrium conditions and the forces / moments involved

1

Video Pilot Boat "Pacific Scout" in Victoria, BC

published on 30 May 2024

Found on YouTube. Created by "Capt Larry ". Originally published on 2024-05-24.

0

Article Unconfirmed reports say a pilot boat collided with the container ship GODSPEED in Taipei, Taiwan.

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 9 March 2020

Apparently there were two crew members on board, but no pilot. One of crew was recovered and declared dead, another one, skipper of the boat, is missing.

0