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.
Opinion Pilot ladders: Compliance by design, failure by operator
by Herman Broers - published on 10 March 2022
Video Pilot Vessel "DELTA CHARLIE", Rio de la Plata
published on 5 April 2020
Pilot Vessel "DELTA CHARLIE" Arriving at #Recalada #BoardingStation #KM239,1 #PuntaIndioChannel #RioDeLaPlata #Argentina This video shows the moment when the Pilot Vessel "DELTA CHARLIE" was arriving at #BoardingPoint #Recalada to embark the Rio de la Plata #Pilots. You can watch the full video by clicking on the following Link: / Puedes ver el video apretando en el siguiente Link: https://youtu.be/dCEQcDkgsj8 Special appreciation to the Master of the unknown Ship, his Officers and the...
Video Training Ship Golden Bear Pilot Disembarking
published on 17 January 2022
Video Pilot boat "Perseus" from The Netherlands
published on 8 June 2023
Article Associated Federal Pilots Orders Launch From Gladding-Hearn
published on 13 November 2020
Video Mersey pilot boat runs aground, and Polish ship, Pilsudski, is sunk (1939)
published on 12 November 2020
GAUMONT BRITISH NEWSREEL (REUTERS) To license this film, visit https://www.britishpathe.com/video/VLVAAFMZAJGI7M13SNICC6BXKJPV2-MERSEY-PILOT-BOAT-RUNS-AGROUND-AND-POLISH-SHIP-PILSUDSKI-IS-SUNK Wreckage of a Mersey pilot boat running aground at Southport, killing 20 crew members, and the Polish liner, Pilsudski, whose captain died of exposure after the ship was sunk Full Description: SLATE INFORMATION: Two More Losses on the Sea ENGLAND: Sefton: Southport: EXT LIVERPOOL L'pool Mersey Pilot...