AMPI: Seafarers face critical risks in pilot transfer rigging

AMPI remains concerned about the physical risks faced by seafarers involved in rigging certain pilot transfer arrangements. Capt. Clark highlights that this is perhaps an overlooked aspect within existing regulations and industry guidance. AMPI is committed to developing improved guidelines aimed at reducing these risks and ensuring better protection for those engaged in this vital work. Capt. Clark also highlights the need to challenge stereotypes that discourage women from marine pilotage, including misconceptions about physical demands and isolation. She notes that increasing the visibility of women already succeeding in these roles is essential to attracting more women to the maritime sector.

SAFETY4SEA: What are the biggest challenges in the marine pilotage sector? At this moment, what are your top concerns? 

Capt. Josephine Clark: At its essence, Marine Pilotage is a service, made compulsory by local governments, to protect the environmental, economic and safety interests of the local community. The encroachment of direct competition in the provision of this service in Australia and Papua New Guinea, has presented challenges in recent times. Direct competition leads to a change in thinking, that pilotage is a “customer” service, and whilst there are elements of customer service that have a place in the relationship between pilots and stakeholders, the ultimate role of Marine Pilots is to protect the interests of the coastal state and the people, infrastructure and environment in the areas in which they operate. AMPI remains actively involved in regulatory review processes, development of codes & standards and continuous professional development (CPD) for pilots in Australia and PNG. A second, ongoing challenge, as with the seagoing profession more widely, is the attraction of future generations of Marine Pilots. Pilotage is a highly specialised “second career” in which trainees only commence following years of seagoing experience and qualification. In Australia, AMPI is actively working to encourage more people to enter the profession; through a mentorship program, via alternate pathways and in collaboration with the Australian Maritime College.  

S4S: What common non-compliances regarding maritime pilotage and pilot transfer arrangements have you observed during the past 5 years? 

Capt. J.Cl.: IMPA’s annual pilot transfer survey continues to indicate that the most common issues of non-compliance are those easiest to rectify. This includes the incorrect rigging of retrieval lines. If required, they must be rigged leading forward and above the spreader, this reduces the risk of them becoming caught between the pilot boat and the ship. The use of inappropriate securing points for manropes and ladders (ie. lashed to ships rails or conduit pipe), instead of dedicated strong points, is also far too common. Most recently the sale and supply of pilot ladders with questionable, obviously false, or counterfeit certificates has been a disturbing trend. Just recently DNV published a technical circular warning of incidents involving sub-standard pilot ladders fraudulently bearing DNV certification and markings. 

S4S: Are there any specific incidents or trends that have triggered a focus on pilot transfer safety for the Australasia? 

Capt. J.Cl.: Recent legal prosecution of seafarers and shipping companies where non-compliant pilot transfer arrangements resulted in serious injuries to pilots have led some Australian ports to implement port-specific requirements in excess of SOLAS requirements. AMPI is optimistic that once upcoming improvements to SOLAS V/23 come into force in 2028, there will no longer be a need for port specific requirements, and we can return to a single set of regulations that are fit-for-purpose, clear and enforced. AMPI also remains concerned regarding the physical risks to seafarers engaged in rigging some pilot transfer arrangements (eg. man-overboard risk, manual handling injuries). We see this as perhaps an overlooked piece in the current regulation and industry guidance puzzle. We will continue to share our expertise with industry in this regard, to assist with developing better guidance and to reduce the risks to seafarers engaged in this vital work. 

S4S: What is your wish list for the industry and/or regulators and all parties involved with respect to maritime pilotage? 

Capt. J.Cl.: Continued engagement. The industry faces many challenges, such as decarbonisation, security, technology & automation, skills shortages, etc. To win together we must engage in a collaborative and respectful manner to ensure the free and safe flow of maritime trade. Whilst we may not always agree, clearly all sections of the industry working together is the best way to ensure the best outcomes.  

S4S: In your view, has the industry been successful in enhancing its safety performance? What are the lessons learned and what should be the next steps? 

Capt. J.Cl.: I think on the whole, yes. Despite the few, highly visible and highly publicized incidents, maritime pilotage has an enviable safety record. Each day marine pilots manage the imperfections of industry to deliver a 99.9% success rate in terms of incidents versus the number of acts of pilotage. Globally Pilots deliver more than 1.5 million acts of pilotage each year and reduce accident risks by a factor of at least 528 (TEMS, 2022). However, the environment is always shifting, and new risks emerge;- new technology, increasing vessel size, new vessel types, new fuels, lessons from incidents, climate change etc. Pilots and stakeholders must continue to engage and work together to ensure the continued delivery of safe and efficient services, meeting the expectations of the wider community. 

S4S:  As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career? What is your advice to achieve diversity, equality, and inclusion in the maritime industry? 

Capt. J.Cl.: I feel the biggest barrier to women in seagoing roles and marine pilotage is still the stereotype and doubt held by many peers that they are not “up to the job”. That is that they cannot deal with the physical demands, technical skills, isolation, stress, fatigue etc. There is still an expectation, particularly when you are younger, that you need to prove yourself before you are accepted. When promoted or appointed to a new role you will be questioned about your previous experience and qualifications in a way that male peers will not. Achieving DEI in seagoing maritime roles still has a long way to go. I believe enhancing the visibility of women already in these roles will greatly assist in attracting other women into the industry. 

S4S: What needs to change to raise industry’s profile and attract the future talents?  

Capt. J.Cl.: We often say the marine industry is an invisible industry to the general population who rely upon us. Marine Pilotage is an invisible profession within that industry, and it is often not well understood to those who have not worked on ships. With regards to attracting future talent, AMPI has partnered with a number of organisations to create the Australian Maritime Mentoring program. Many of our members are active mentors. We see this program as a key pillar in connecting younger seafarers and those aspiring to become marine pilots, with experienced people to guide their career journey. This has also led to a number of younger seagoing mentees in turn connecting with aspiring seafarers, which we hope will assist in filling the future pipeline.  

S4S: Do you have any projects/ plans that you would like to share with industry stakeholders? 

Capt. J.Cl.: AMPI are pleased to have one of our Directors working as an integral team member within IMPA’s Remote Pilotage study. We look forward to the report to be delivered next year on Pilotage as a Complex system. The project aims to detail a deeper understanding of the complexity of marine pilotage and provide insights into the current and potential use of remote pilotage on conventional ships and those that might be navigated remotely or by software with autonomy in the future 

S4S: If you could change one thing across the industry from your perspective, what would it be and why?  

Capt. J.Cl.: I would vastly improve the treatment of seafarers. Access to occasional shore leave and internet connectivity should be a normal expectation. Criminalisation for acts which are beyond their control (eg. drug smuggling, oil pollution) should be outlawed. Seafarers should be protected from piracy and military attacks on merchant ships by strong international intervention. And finally, ship operators, charterers and manning companies should work together to eliminate unfair and exploitative recruitment practices.  

The views presented are only those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.