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 Smooth pilot boarding
published on 7 October 2021
Video Bulk Carrier Ship "SBI ZEUS" /Pilot Vessel "CATAMARÁN ANTARES" #ZonaComún #RioDeLaPlata / "VIVALDI"
published on 14 August 2020
Bulk Carrier Ship "SBI ZEUS" / On board Pilot Vessel "CATAMARÁN ANTARES" #ZonaComún #ZonaComúnAnchorageArea #RioDeLaPlata #Argentine #Summer #Vivaldi #TheFourSeasons #MariSamuelsen Buque de Transporte a Granel "SBI ZEUS" / A bordo de la Lancha de Prácticos "CATAMARÁN ANTARES" - Zona Común - Fodeadero Zona Común, Río de La Plata #Argentina This video was filmed on board Pilot Vessel "CATAMARÁN ANTARES" and shows the moments when the Pilot Boat proceeded to the #BoardingStation #ZonaComún...
Video Fathom Safety (UK): New Online Pilot Ladder Training
published on 13 February 2024
Opinion Pilot safety: a crucial component of navigation safety
by MS Amlin Marine - published on 22 October 2024
Video How to Launch a Pilot Boat–Behind the Scenes at Point Hope Shipyard
published on 20 June 2025
Welcome to Point Hope Shipyard in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. In this video, I follow the float off of the Pacific Navigator, a hardworking pilot boat that serves the Port of Victoria and Ogden Point. We watch as the vessel is pulled along the marine railway, rotated on the turntable, and positioned onto the cradle. Once secured, the cradle lowers to float-off depth, and the Pacific Navigator fires up her engines for a short harbour spin before returning to duty. Some segments,...