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 Demands made by the Pacific Pilotage Authority on the shipping industry following the death of US Pilot Dennis Sherwood
by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 27 March 2020
Video TOP MARINE/ Disembarking, PilotVessel "COMETA" - 25.07.2024
published on 7 August 2024
Bulk Carrier Ship "TOP MARINE"/ #RioDeLaPlataPilot/ Disembarking Maneuver/ On board #PiloVessel "COMETA" #ZonaComún #LaPlataRoads #RioDeLaPlata - 25th. July 2024 - 10:47 hs. (Local Time).- This video (original sound) was filmed on board Pilot Vessel "COMETA" and shows the Rio de la Plata Pilot, when he disembarked from the Bulk Carrier Ship "TOP MARINE". This maneuver occurred in #ZonaComún #RioDeLaPlata.- #ZonaComún #BoardingStation #RioDeLaPlata.- Date: 25th. July 2024. Time: 10:46...
Article What is a SWASH pilot boat? What's the difference to the SWATH technology?
by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 5 June 2020
Video Pilot going bridge to pilot seafers
published on 19 September 2022
Video Pilot Boat NANIWA (Japan)
published on 15 October 2025
NANIWA (Pilot Vessel) IMO: - MMSI: 431007094 Call Sign: - Flag: Japan [JP] AIS Vessel Type: Other Gross Tonnage: - Deadweight: - Length Overall x Breadth Extreme: 18m × 4m Year Built: - Status: Active Voyage Info https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:3738287/mmsi:431007094/vessel:NANIWA