Pilot Transfer Arrangements - International Maritime Pilots' Association

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Shipping Industry Guidance onPilot TransferArrangementsEnsuring Compliance with SOLASThe following guidance has been produced by the International Maritime Pilots’ Association(IMPA) in collaboration with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).GeneralPilots come aboard ship to assist the crew during the mostcritical and potentially hazardous phases of a voyage.Qualified pilots possess particular local knowledge and havethe necessary ship-handling skills to assist the safe arrivaland departure of vessels.Normally, pilots board and disembark using a traditionalrope ladder from and to a pilot boat. However, this can be avery dangerous procedure if those involved do not adhere toInternational Maritime Organization (IMO) standards or failto practise acceptable seamanship skills.A number of pilots have died as a result of accidents whileboarding/disembarking from ships, and many more havebeen seriously injured.Furthermore, deficiencies with regard to boardingarrangements and unsafe rigging of pilot ladderscontinue to be detected during port state controlinspections, resulting in delays and financial penaltiesfor the ship operator.Nevertheless, pilot ladders remain the most safe andefficient way to board ships at sea and there is usually noalternative, except on occasions when a helicopter is used.The following guidance is intended to remind seafarers andshipping companies of the vital importance of adheringto the rules and established procedures concerning theprovision of safe boarding arrangements for pilots.A good arrangement
Ensuring Safe Rigging for PilotsThe IMO Convention for Safety of Life at Sea(SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 23) sets out theprincipal requirements for the rigging of pilot ladders.These provisions are set out in the diagram containedin this brochure. This diagram can be downloaded atwww.impahq.org (on home page, click ‘Downloads’).It is also reproduced in the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide.There is further detailed technical specification forpilot ladders in IMO Resolution A.1045(27). Shippingcompanies have a legal obligation to provide aconforming ladder and ship-borne fittings. If seafarersare uncertain about any of the requirements, they shouldalways ask their supervising officer for advice.The two major causes of accidents are defects in theladder treads or sideropes (see diagram) or a lack ofproper attachment of the ladder to the vessel.Seafarers should always check the condition of theladder before it is rigged and also ensure it is secure tothe ship. Whilst this is done, seafarers should always takecare of their own safety, wearing a life jacket (and alife-line if appropriate).Poor and incorrect securing methodManagement IssuesShipping companies should ensure that: on board have a full understanding of the requirements.IMPA is able to provide an advice document for newconstruction designs.On Board IssuesThe Master and officers should: ladders, ensuring that SOLAS requirements are met At all times during the rigging, use and de-rigging of anypilot transfer arrangements there should be no risk tothe ship’s crew. Crew members should not normally berequired to leave the protection of the ship’s safety railsor bulwarks. A life line or safety harness should be worn ifthere is any risk of falling.New SOLAS requirements from 1 July 2012Ships constructed after the 1 July 2012 mustcomply with the new equipment and arrangementrequirements of SOLAS Regulation V/23. Equipment andarrangements replaced on or after the 1 July 2012 onexisting ships, shall, so far is reasonable and practicable,comply with the requirements of this regulation.These requirements include the securing of anaccommodation ladder to the ship’s side, whenused in conjunction with the pilot ladder, and theprohibited use of mechanical pilot hoists.SummaryPilots have the right to decline to board vessels offeringdefective ladders, which can result in serious delay.Pilots are also entitled to report defects in boardingladders to port state control authorities, which couldlead to a full PSC inspection with the risk of delay andfinancial penalties.A pilot who has climbed a sound ladder, well rigged,and attended by an officer and a deck party will be inthe right frame of mind to give his best attention to thesafety of the vessel.
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Pilot Transfer Arrangements - International Maritime Pilots' Association

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