Video

Pilot Ladder on Ships- Correct rigging procedure 2020

published on 8 January 2021 - 1339 -

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Found on YouTube. Created by "Capt.Vijay".

Correct method of rigging pilot ladder explained.
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.

Pilot boarding

What's your opinion on this?

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published on 29 January 2026

*Testing out a new camcorder. A Canon Vixia HFG70. Picture is fantastic. Shot in 1920x1080p at 60FPS. However, the external (add-on) microphone is terrible. Going to replace it with a much better one.*
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Yes I know I made the "Bahamas" possessive. It's a mistake.

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published on 3 June 2025

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published on 20 January 2021

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by Capt. Troy Evans - published on 14 October 2020

The following article appeared in AIMPA magazine number 2 about the strength and testing of pilot ladders : There is much more information about pilot ladders in the AIMPA magazine, second issue, if you wish to read more you can download a copy at the bottom of this post.

Video The Basics of Ship Handling

published on 17 June 2021

Join our Exclusive Community over on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CasualNavigation In this video we take a look at the basics of ship handling, illustrating how a cruise ship can manoeuvre in a tight space. ---------------JOIN OUR COMMUNITY---------------- We have launched a new community of maritime enthusiasts over on Patreon. ★ https://www.patreon.com/CasualNavigation When you join, you will become part of an Exclusive Community, gain Early Access to our YouTube videos*, receive...