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 PilotBoat "CATAMARÁN ANTARES"/ BulkCarrier "PAN BONITA", ZonaComún RioDeLaPlata/ 27.01.2025
published on 11 February 2025
On this video (with original sound), you can watch the #OilChemicalTanker Ship "SARA H" (First Images) and then, the Pilot Vessel "CATAMARÁN ANTARES", arrived at #boardingpoint #ZonaComún #RioDeLaPlata to change Pilots (Disembarking Maneuver of the Rio de la Plata Pilots and Embarking Manuever of Rio Paraná Pilots).-
Video Pilot Boarding Bulk Carrier SAMMY in Saudi Arabia.
published on 5 July 2021
This video was kindly provided by a friend of Pilot Captain Haitham Alzahrani, Saudi Arabia. Pilot Ladder Check: non-compliant, no retrieval line Editor's note: A backpack on the back in combination with a lifejacket is usually not a good idea. There are only a few lifejackets that unfold in the water without any problems even with a backpack! More Information: SAMMY (IMO: 9582491) is a Bulk Carrier that was built in 2012 (9 years ago) and is sailing under the flag of Panama. It’s carrying...
Article Shore Based Pilotage, a matter of trust
by Ed Verbeek - published on 14 October 2021
Video Old Dutch Pilot Boat, NorthSea Trials, Old Marine Engine 750HP@300RPM
published on 29 August 2020
WWW.LOODSBOOT.EU Newly revised Smit-MAN marine diesel aboard the Dutch Pilot Boat "Castor" taken to sea for trials. De oude loodsboot Castor van Rotterdam naar Delfzijl om daar het EemsDollard havenfestival 2008 bij te wonen. De eerste keer dat de onlangs gereviseerde hoofdmotor draaide! WWW.LOODSBOOT.EU