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 Pilotage in Kenya: a really dangerous job
published on 8 March 2021
Video Is this a safe disembarkation?
published on 19 October 2021
Video Suggestions to improve Pilot Ladder Safety
published on 28 June 2021
Ideas from Nasir Khan, Port Pilot: "I would like to suggest that we try an experiment and make some modifications that will result in a better grip on the handrails of the ship's ladder and on the pilot ladder steps. Let's talk about it!" Modifications: Ships Ladder Handrails & Width of the Pilot Ladder steps. "I analyze the subject of fallen Pilots are two main reasons: -Pilot's hands are losing their grip at the ship's handrails. At transfer point mostly pilots lose their grip on Ships...
Video I have suffered a fatal accident and survived. India's only female Maritime Pilot | Reshma Nilofer
published on 1 February 2023
Today CE Praneet Mehta sir and The only Indian maritime Pilot and The Nari Shakti Puraskar achiever Reshma Nilofer ma'am are going to discuss her journey and experiences, failures, and point of view with you. Reshma Nilofer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamreshmanilofer/?hl=en Reshma Nilofer Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reshma-nilofer-mni-75a1ba120/?originalSubdomain=in 00:00- Start 01:19- Introduction of Reshma Nilofer ma'am 03:22- How did she come to know about Merchant...
Video Tees Pilot Boat Chase (UK)
published on 22 September 2025
Follow me on my drone journey always in 4K see what my drone sees from above # dronearielfootage
# drone video #dji drone #mini 3pro
Another boat chase, just me the Little Fella and the Tees Pilot Boat and a bucket load of Seagulls no editing, no transitions, no colour grading, whats not to like.