Opinion

Pilot ladders: Compliance by design, failure by operator

by Herman Broers - published on 10 March 2022 - 359 -

Show comment section |

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

www.pilotladdersafety.com

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.

Author: Herman Broers Member

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

Visit member profile

What's your opinion on this?

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.

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...

Video Pilot Leaving Ship Vigo

published on 31 March 2023

Video The Physics of Golden Ray Capsize - Part 2 Mechanism and Solution

published on 5 June 2021

This video provides the detailed explanation of the phenomenon showed in Part 1 of this topic and a solution for this problem at the end. This phenomenon was recently disocovered by Dr. Steve Shaojie Tang and published in his book by Faiteve inc in 2018. The book info can be found at Faiteve inc https://www.faiteve.com/ The testimony of the captain on duty in the public hearing of Golden Ray capsizing at https://livestream.com/uscginvestigations/events/9252896/videos/211109207 in the time...

Article Shipping Industry Guidance on Pilot Transfer Arrangements, Version 3

published on 13 January 2022

This guidance is intended to remind seafarers and companies of the vital importance of adhering to the rules and established procedures concerning the provision of safe boarding arrangements for pilots.

Video Port Aransas in Corpus Christi, Texas Ship MT Seaways Yellowstone | Berthing | Mooring | Discharging

published on 12 August 2022

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫: The lecture or topic found in this video is my personal experience and I am just sharing my knowledge. To this date, whatever is said in here is still applicable. All content on this channel is provided for entertainment purposes only.. However, it is for educational purposes and that for cross referencing and comparison, it would be advisable to read or view related post or the Creative Common Video as per link below. The content should never be used to substitute...

Video Physical Pilot Ladder Simulator (Chile)

published on 2 January 2020

This video has already been published for the first time in 2020. Please also note the second, more recent video in the appendix. This physical ladder simulator was designed for crew training in the ladder arrangement and for all the users especially for pilots.

Article NAUTITEC Shiphandling Simulator and Training Centre, Germany

published on 9 February 2021

NAUTITEC as a maritime simulation and training centre offers various services for shipping companies, port authorities, captains and for pilots and tug crews.

Video Pilot Boat Draco. Port of Rotterdam, February 23, 2020.

published on 1 April 2020

February 23, 2020.
During high seas, smaller ships board Maritime Pilots in the mass entrance to Port of Rotterdam.

Article NTSB Report: Fatal accident under pilotage in Galveston, Texas (Jan 2020)

by NTSB National Transportation Safety Board - published on 5 November 2021

The National Transportation Safety Board issued Marine Accident Brief 21/21 Thursday for its investigation of the Jan. 14, 2020, fatal collision of the tanker Bow Fortune and commercial fishing vessel Pappy’s Pride near Galveston, Texas.