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 boat "SEA PILOT"/ BulkCarrierShip "ASL ARK"/ PuntaIndioChannel/ 19.08.2025
published on 29 January 2026
#PilotVessel "SEA PILOT"/ On board #BulkCarrierShip "ASL ARK" #KM239_1 #PuntaIndioChannel #Recalada #RioDeLaPlata #JP #BoardingPoint/ 19th. August 2025 - 09:47 Local Time.- On this video (with original sound), you can watch the moment in which the Pilot Vessel "SEA PILOT" arrived to the Port Side of the Bulk Carrier Ship "ASL ARK" (Approaching Maneuver) to Disembark the Rio de la Plata Pilots, from that vessel at the #BoardingStation #KM239_1 #PuntaIndioChannel #Recalada #RioDeLaPlata.-...
Video Harbor pilots disembarking
published on 21 January 2021
Video Pilot boarding in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Pilot Boat "Minge"
published on 25 September 2022
Article Pilot Tango: New pilotage provider in Denmark
published on 13 December 2022
Video Safe at sea with satellites (AIS)
published on 5 June 2020
At sea, space technology is used to help save lives every day: managing traffic between ships, picking up migrants and refugees in distress or spotting oil spills. The European Space Agency is once again at the forefront developing new technologies and satellites: to keep us safe at sea and to monitor the environment. Space makes a difference here on Earth and certainly at sea where there is no infrastructure.
Recommendation by Marine-Pilots.com
AIS services are offered by, for example: