Opinion

Pilot ladders: Compliance by design, failure by operator

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

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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

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Pilot ladders: Compliance by design, failure by operator

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