The IMO Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue Eleventh Session (NCSR 11) took place between 4 – 13 June 2024, where key SOLAS amendments were adopted to enhance the safety of pilot transfers.
As explained, the amendments to SOLAS aim to improve compliance and address inconsistencies and ambiguities in existing regulations. The Sub-Committee also finalized a draft MSC resolution on Performance standards for pilot transfer arrangements, including detailed requirements for design, manufacture, construction, rigging, installation of pilot ladder winch reels, operational readiness, onboard inspection and maintenance, familiarization and approval, in relation to pilot transfer arrangements required under SOLAS regulation V/23.
Pilot transfer arrangements and amendments to SOLAS regulation V/23 agreed
Maritime pilots with local knowledge are employed to guide ships into or out of port safely, or wherever navigation may be considered hazardous. Getting pilots on board a ship must be done with the highest safety standards.
To improve compliance and address inconsistencies and ambiguities in existing regulations, the Sub-Committee finalized draft amendments to SOLAS regulation V/23 and associated instruments on the safety of pilot transfer arrangements.
All the above will be submitted to the upcoming session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109) in December 2024, with a view to approval.
Do you know why ships need a marine pilot?
A marine pilot, also called maritime pilot, harbor pilot, port pilot, ship pilot, or simply pilot, is a mariner who maneuvers ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors or river mouths. They are navigational experts possessing knowledge of the particular waterway, licensed or authorised by a recognised pilotage authority.
When a ship needs to enter or leave a harbor, marine pilots are sent aboard via a small pilot boat to safely navigate the vessel through the local waterways. This operation is known as pilot transfer arrangements.
Unlike the captain and crewmembers who travel onboard the ship, marine pilots are usually stationed at the ports. While due to the nature of the work, many pilots have previously worked as a ship’s officer or master.
Safe pilot transfers: An ongoing challenge
Ensuring safe pilot transfers remains crucial for the maritime industry. The results of the 2023 IMPA Safety Campaign show that historical trends in non-compliance continues. The headline non-compliance rate remains over sixteen percent, and the main determinant of noncompliance remains pilot ladders.
Meanwhile, from 10 July to 9 August 2023 the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control conducted a Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) on Pilot Transfer Arrangements (PTAs). According to Paris MoU, a total of 1,262 Port State Control inspections were carried out, during which 100 ships were found with one or more deficiencies with the pilot transfer arrangements.
