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.
Article Securing pilot ladders at intermediate lengths
by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 6 January 2020
Article Pilot Ladder Maintenance, Use, Replacement & Inspection Record Book (Issue 3 - 10-2022)
by PTR Holland® B.V. - published on 10 November 2022
Opinion A year ago, pilot Capt. Dennis Sherwood died in the line of duty
by Frank Diegel - published on 30 December 2020
Article Mars report: Man overboard while rigging the pilot ladder
by Mars report by Nautical Institute - published on 2 December 2021
Video The #MariTeam of the Port of Rotterdam #1: Harbour Coordination Centre and Dutch Pilotage
published on 26 January 2021
In the first episode of the 3-part series 'The Rotterdam Harbour MariTeam', Portvloggers Steven and Leida take you to the Harbour Coordination Centre and sail with the Dutch Pilotage. How important is teamwork in their work? https://www.portofrotterdam.com Follow Port of Rotterdam also on: Facebook: https://tiny.cc/zdshhy Twitter: https://tiny.cc/peshhy Linkedin: https://tiny.cc/cdshhy Website: https://www.portofrotterdam.com
Opinion Pilot: “Adviser” and/or “Specialist”?
by Ed Verbeek - published on 27 April 2021
I have had the privilege of being at quite a number of meetings, conferences and seminars, sometimes representing The Netherlands, but mostly representing the Netherlands pilots. I have had many discussions about the role of pilots and pilot organisations, which lead me to write an article “What is the added value of pilotage?”, published in the February 2020 issue of Seaways.