What happens during a snapback event?

To monitor the vessel’s progress, the pilot had set up his portable pilotage unit (PPU). He had connected the rate-of-turn generator to the vessel’s pilot plug and had set a variable range marker on the radar with a radius of 0.5 nm.

"Analysis of reports indicates that pilot ladders (Pilot Transfer Arrangements, or PTAs) and
intentional deviations from safety procedures remain the main causes of near misses..."

Going down the accommodation ladder with neither lifevest nor safety line must have been based on similar, past, successful operations, which may have never been challenged on board. This ‘slippage’ in safety is a pernicious and common phenomenon.

It has been exactly one year ago that a pilot from Sandy Hook (New York), Dennis Sherwood, died in the line of duty while attempting to board the container vessel Maersk Kensington.
What has happened since then? Has safety been improved for the pilots?

ChirpMaritime has just released their annual analysis of maritime reports (2022-2023).

An investigation into actual strength of ladders and intermediate securing methods used.
Capt. and Marine Pilot Troy Evans (New Zealand) decided to look into pilot ladder strength and intermediate securing arrangements after MNZ put out what he felt was a confusing and unclear document about securing of pilot ladders.

As praticagens que atuam no litoral atingido pelo ciclone extratropical estão em estágio de alerta, avaliando constantemente os efeitos da ressaca e as condições de segurança dos canais de acesso. O objetivo é evitar acidentes e minimizar os impactos na logística e operacionalidade dos portos.
Em São Francisco do Sul (SC), o gerenciamento da situação já ultrapassa 12 horas, monitorando lanchas, navios fundeados e enviando rebocadores para o cais. Em Itajaí (SC), a preocupação inicial...

We take a look at some of the dangerous ladder arrangements provided by ships when attempting to take maritime pilots on board. Our message is simple: if you are offered an unsafe or non-compliant ladder, do not board!

"Discover the Port of Rotterdam with Port Reporter Dave | Short behind-the-scenes excursions | Mainport Rotterdam | Today: Pilotage"
In this video, port reporter Dave van der Wal takes you on a unique behind-the-scenes excursion of Europe's largest port. Commissioned by the Educational Information Centre Mainport Rotterdam, Dave visits various companies in the port and gives you an insight into the fascinating world of the maritime industry. Discover the innovative technologies and...

An article by Arie Palmers highlights his collaboration with Multraship to develop a solution aimed at enhancing the safety of pilot boarding on harbor tugs, ultimately reducing delays.