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 on the deck, such as a pad eye, and the ladder rope threaded through the shackle. Shortening ladders using the D-shackle method causes the weight of the ladder to be taken up by the D-shackle impacting directly against the mechanical securing clamps (widgets) which secure the ladders treads in place, Tokyo MoU explains.
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 on the deck, such as a pad eye, and the ladder rope threaded through the shackle. Shortening ladders using the D-shackle method causes the weight of the ladder to be taken up by the D-shackle impacting directly against the mechanical securing clamps (widgets) which secure the ladders treads in place, Tokyo MoU explains.
Article Pilot Transfer Arrangements
by Captain Kevin Vallance MNI - published on 2 October 2019
Article A contempt for pilot safety and total disregard for the contents of the SOLAS Convention.
by Captain Kevin Vallance MNI - published on 4 October 2019
Article Origins of the IMPA pilot mark
by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 24 October 2019
There are many things in both our everyday and professional lives which we take for granted and never question the origins of, an example of this might be the IMPA recommended ‘pilot mark or pilot line’, which is sometimes seen on the side of vessels indicating where a vessels freeboard exceeds 9 metres.
Video Pilot boarding LAGARFOSS inbound to Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
published on 12 November 2021
Article Securing pilot ladders at intermediate lengths
by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 6 January 2020
Video Vehicles Carrier Ship JASPER ARROW/Pilot Vessel CATAMARÁN ANTARES
published on 17 April 2020
Vehicles Carrier Ship "JASPER ARROW" / Pilot Vessel "CATAMARÁN ANTARES" #ZonaComún #RioDeLaPlata - Maneuvering of Embarking #RioDeLaPlataPilots and Disembarking #RioParanáPilot #Prácticos.- This video was filmed on board Pilot Vessel "CATAMARÁN ANTARES" and shows the moments when the Pilot Vessel was proceeding to the #BoardingStation Zona Común - Rio de la Plata, to the vessel "JASPER ARROW", to start with the Maneuvering of Embarking and Disembarking #Pilots .- Special appreciation to...
Article Pilot Embarkation platforms
by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 17 December 2019
Video Captain David Gelinas presents Penobscot Bay Piloting
published on 8 March 2022
Recorded from a live Zoom program on January 27th, 2022 Captain David Gelinas will discuss Maine's State Pilotage System and how it is practiced on Penobscot Bay. The talk will cover State Law requirements for foreign flag ships, the role of the State Pilot, Training, and local practices. Check out more videos from the Penobscot Bay & River Pilots Association here: https://www.penbaypilots.com/video-gallery/ Captain Gelinas has been a State Pilot for Penobscot Bay and River since 1992. He...