During IMO NCSR1
During the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications, Search & Rescue (NCSR) 1stSession (NCSR1), the subject of ‘Pilot transfer arrangements’ (SOLAS regulation V/23.3.3) provided several lengthy debates.
It was recalled that NAV59, noting the length of the pilot boarding ladder should be calculated inclusive of a 15 degree adverse list, reiterated that when considering pilot transfer arrangements of any distance more than 9 metres above the surface of the water under any circumstances, a combination pilot boarding arrangement would be required, in accordance with existing SOLAS regulation V/23.3.3.2.
NAV59 had not agreed with the IACS unified interpretation (UI) on pilot transfer arrangements and requested IACS to reconsider its proposal. IACS did so and submitted document NCSR1/24 which includes a recommended implementation date due to the fact that a change of the Pilot transfer design arrangement might be involved.
However, commenting on the revised UI tabled by IACS, IMPA expressed the view that the NAV59 decision did not propose a change of pilot transfer arrangements but merely confirmed a situation that had already existed for 40 years. After much discussion, the Sub-Committee agreed with IMPA’s interpretation although the Chairman said that interested parties could make submissions to NCSR 2.
In the interim, the Secretariat was instructed to prepare a draft MSC circular containing the text as provided in the Annex to document NCSR 1/24, the IACS submission but deleting the words ‘installed on or after’, also the text in square brackets, including the brackets, and the footnote. The paragraph (for MSC approval) now reads:
Member Governments are invited to use the UIs provided in paragraphs 1 and 2 above as guidance when applying the relevant provisions of SOLAS regulation V23.3.3 for pilot transfer equipment and to bring them to the attention of all parties concerned.’
For the sake of completeness on this item, the paragraphs 1 and 2 referred to above, address two different and distinct arrangements, the former when only a pilot ladder is provided and the latter, when a combined arrangement of “an accommodation ladder used in conjunction with the pilot ladder” is necessary.
For more information on IMO Sub-Committee outcome, please read the following SAFETY4SEA article