Article

Podcast: Maritime Pilot Safety and reducing the risk in pilot transfer operations

published on 4 July 2023 - 323 -

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“The problem with statistics is that it’s a bummer when it’s you!”

― Arie Palmers, Maritime Pilot

This is an in-depth discussion of the risks involved in maritime pilot transfers; an interesting job but with a risky commute to work.

Sadly there have been 7 deaths associated with maritime pilot transfer operations already in the first 6 months of 2023.

What are the current international regulations for ships and what are the barriers to reducing the risk? How can individuals, the industry, ports and ship builders make changes to save lives in the future?

Guests:

Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector at Marine Accident Investigation Branch

Arie Palmers, Senior Maritime Pilot working in the Netherlands

Adam Parnell, Director at CHIRP Maritime Charitable Trust

Listen here

What's your opinion on this?

Article Combinations Ladders: "1,000 combinations around" (by Arie Palmers)

by Arie Palmers, Netherlands - published on 13 July 2020

Before you, you see my third article on pilot boarding arrangements. After my two previous articles
(‘1000 ways to secure a pilot ladder’ and ‘1000 ladders around’, I have received a lot of feedback and
also questions to get deeper into the matter of combinations and embarkation platforms.

Article 1,000 ways to secure a Pilot Ladder

by Arie Palmers, Netherlands - published on 10 January 2020

From that moment on I have been keeping a tally of the non compliant boarding arrangements I see in front of me on a daily base, and off course I participate in the annual safety campaign, conducted by IMPA each october.

Article China wants to change pilot ladder regulations

published on 3 May 2022

China has already submitted proposals to the IMO regarding changes to SOLAS, Chapter 23, and IMO A.1045(27) in early 2021.

Video APL Belgium rolling near the Farallon Islands pilot station

published on 4 February 2024

APL Belgium in rough water near the Farallon Islands pilot station.

Video Pilots boarding MAERSK PENANG (Halifax Nova Scotia Canada)

published on 28 October 2021

#halifax #halifaxnovascotia #pilotboat #ship #shipping #lifeatsea #seafarer #seafarers #sailor #sailors #sailorslife #boat #canada #novascotia #boats #ocean #atlanticocean #nautical #sea #ships #boats

Video Mooring a 200 meter bulk carrier in loaded condition

published on 13 July 2022

A loaded bulk carrier is a bit tricky to handle, do to all that mass: de require a lot of power in order to be stopped. This is why this maneuver are normally slower. Same applies to tankers.

Video Cork pilot boat- Failte

published on 19 January 2021

Article Australian pilot receives IMO commendation for exceptional bravery at sea

published on 17 September 2021

In December 2020, Australian Pilot Captain Ritesh Bhamaria was expertly piloting oil tanker MT Godam through the Torres Strait in adverse weather conditions when he and the vessel crew sighted a distant hand waving for help in the rough sea.

Video Pilot boarding via Helicopter in Melbourne, Australia

published on 4 October 2022

Video by Maksym Kunchev. Thank you!

Article AMSA warns of counterfeit pilot ladders and certificates

by Australian Maritime Safety Agency - published on 9 January 2024

This Pilot Advisory Note (PAN) advises AMSA-licensed coastal pilots and pilotage providers about the existence of counterfeit pilot ladders and associated certification.