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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
Opinion Pilot transfer arrangements - Sharing knowledge matters – but problems go beyond non-compliance to SOLAS itself
by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 23 September 2020
Like many seafarers I have long been a keen follower of The Nautical Institute’s MARS programme, and along with many other members I listened to the recent webinar on that topic. One theme which was repeated more than once was that it is better to learn from someone else’s misfortune rather than have it happen to you. Having personally been involved in two near misses resulting from unsafe pilot transfer arrangements in a relatively short space of time, I asked how experiences and knowledge specifically about pilot ladder safety could best be promulgated to avoid repeating common accidents or near misses.
Article Update: "Strength of Pilot Ladders and Intermediate Securing of Pilot Ladders"
by Capt. Troy Evans - published on 2 November 2020
An investigation into actual strength of ladders and intermediate securing methods used.
Capt. and Marine Pilot Troy Evans (New Zealand) decided to look into pilot ladder strength and intermediate securing arrangements after MNZ put out what he felt was a confusing and unclear document about securing of pilot ladders.