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 Embarking Maneuver CABO VÍRGENES
published on 4 May 2022
Crude Oil Tanker Ship "CABO VÍRGENES" / #PilotVessel "SEA MASTER" #BoardingPoint #JoinPoint #JP #Recalada #RioDeLaPlata - Embarking Maneuver of Rio de la Plata #Pilots / 02nd. May 2022. This video was filmed on board Pilot Vessel "SEA MASTER" and shows the Crude Oil Tanker Ship "CABO VÌRGENES" when she was arriving at #JP #Recalada to embark the Rio de la Plata Pilots Special thanks to the Master of the Crude Oil Tanker Ship "CABO VÍRGENES", Mr. Gonzalo HUICI, his Officers and the rest of...
Video Pilot on board by helicopter, France
published on 31 October 2021
Video Pilot Boat Ride in Port Huron, Freighter Captain
published on 8 July 2024
We had an amazing opportunity to go on a pilot boat with Captain Erick Gallagher and Captain Danny Gallagher, where we got a peek into their exciting jobs! Pilot boats transport maritime pilots between land and inbound or outbound ships. Video by bluewater.org, Blue Water Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Video James Whalen 1905 Tugboat Sinks Historic Loss Thunder Bay Ontario
published on 2 May 2022
An unfortunate turn of events for the 117 year old Tugboat James Whalen...
Music "Morning Blue" "Fight the Sea" by Josh Woodward www.joshwoodward.com
Check out Thrunite Lights at https://www.amazon.ca/stores/ThruNite/page/2C3E9682-F7E4-4AC3-9D05-C77D2C4D3D0A?ref_=ast_bln
Outdoor Rob Adventure Channel
Video How Cargo Ships Navigate the World's Most Treacherous Bay
published on 10 December 2025
Play World of Warships for Free! Click my link to join the battle and unlock exclusive rewards. https://wo.ws/SamEckholm For over 150 years, the San Francisco Bar Pilots have guided the world’s largest ships through one of the most dangerous stretches of water anywhere on Earth. In this episode, I'm taking you out to sea with the pilots to see what it actually takes to navigate these vessels through the Golden Gate. Follow Along Here: --------------------------------------------- 📸...