Article

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


published on 4 July 2023 -  323 -

“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

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

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.

3

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.

0

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.

0

Video Harken Man Overboard Rescue System

published on 22 July 2024

Harken introduces the man overboard recovery system, developed in collaboration with the Genoa Port Pilots. Specifically designed for pilots and pilot boats, this innovative system is ideal for all operators working in marine environments where there is a risk of falling into the water.

2

Video ONE INTEGRITY to Port of Rotterdam

by Herman Broers - published on 22 July 2024

On September 6th, 2023 the ONE INTEGRITY made her maiden call to rotterdam. With a length of 400m, 61,5 meters beam and a drift of 16,5 meters, she is one of the largest containerschips afloat today. Assisted by KRVE boatmen class of 2023 and three Boluda tugs, as well as an excellent ship’s crew, the inbound voyage was a real pleasure.

0

Video Pilot Boat "Claude Berry" at St Croix (US Virgin Islands)

published on 20 June 2025

Pilot jumping from cruiseship to the Pilot boat in St Croix #susieandreginaadventures #cruising #cruiseline #bonusqueens #cruiseship #travel #cruising #thingstodoatsea #thingstodowhencruising #thingstodoinportcanaveral #pilot #pilotboat #pilotjumping #cruise #cruiselife #cruiser #stcroix

0

Video Pilot Ladder on Ships- Correct rigging procedure 2020

published on 8 January 2021

Correct method of rigging pilot ladder explained.
As explained, a large number of reports related to the use of pilot ladders which are too long relative to the vessel’s draughts. As a result, the excessively long ladders require shortening up before being deployed for boarding pilots. In these cases, ship crew shortens the pilot ladders, using D-shackles to choke the side ropes at the required height along the ladder’s length. In this method, the D-shackle is first secured to a hard point...

1

Article Improving Teams Performance in Pilotage Waters

by Herman Broers - published on 31 March 2022

This paper aims to explore the possibilities of improving team performance on the bridge in pilotage waters. The pilot and the bridge team have a common goal: to navigate the ship safely and smoothly.

0

Video PilotBoat "CATAMARÁN ANTARES"/ BulkCarrier "PAN BONITA", ZonaComún  RioDeLaPlata/ 27.01.2025

published on 11 February 2025

On this video (with original sound), you can watch the #OilChemicalTanker Ship "SARA H" (First Images) and then, the Pilot Vessel "CATAMARÁN ANTARES", arrived at #boardingpoint #ZonaComún #RioDeLaPlata to change Pilots  (Disembarking Maneuver of the Rio de la Plata Pilots and Embarking Manuever of Rio Paraná Pilots).-

0

Article A Collision that Should Not Have Happened

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 10 April 2025

Based on MAIB Safety Digest 1/2025, Case 12, published April 2025 by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

2