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we require the deckhand to test the securing and integrity of the pilot ladder before the pilot commenced his disembarkation - in this case the vessel had limited descent as using the gunport door as is accepted practice for pax vessels
Video Kittiwake Mersey Pilot
published on 22 December 2021
Video MV LYRIKA (Lithuania) and Harbour Pilot Cutter leaving Port of King's Lynn
published on 14 May 2021
Opinion Suggestions to improve Pilot Ladder Safety
by Nasir Khan - published on 28 June 2021
Video Refusing to board due to a pilot ladder not rigged correctly
published on 20 June 2025
This lady came into port in an excellent day, however when I inspected the pilot ladder prior to board I saw that it was rigged using D-Shackles fastened between the side ropes, transferring all the weight and load of the ladder to the clamps and chokes. Truly an unsuitable method of securing the ladder. Retrieval line was also not above the first spreader
After pulling out the pilot boat, the ship was contacted by VHF and the captain was asked to instruct the crew in the usage of ropes and...
Video Cosco Shipping Galaxy breaks away from Felixstowe as showers passes through. 11th October 2020
published on 13 October 2020
The Cosco Shipping Galaxy alongside Felixstowe Berth 9 cargo operations come to an end with the cranes beginning to boom up. Mooring gang in attendance and the tugs begin to go to station. The pilot requests for both to make fast on the centre lead fore and aft. Svitzer Kent makes fast centre lead aft while the Svitzer Sky makes fast centre lead forward. The Sky comes under the bow to pick up the heaving line but the crew slackens the head lines before the last crane had boomed up. Sky...