The Marine Safety Forum (MSF) has issued a safety alert regarding the safe boarding arrangements for marine pilots.
A number of incidents / safety concerns / observations have been reported recently indicating an increasing trend of vessels presenting unsafe pilot boarding arrangements which do not meet the requirements set out in The International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Regulation V / 23 and IMO Resolution A. 1045(27) (as amended).
Deficiencies and non-compliant boarding arrangements, unsafe rigging of pilot ladders and a notable increase in poor quality rope ladder management has been recognised and detected within the industry. The transfer of a Marine Pilot between a pilot boat and a ship presents significant risks that need to be managed carefully.
Furthermore, pilot ladders are specifically designed for the purpose of safe embarkation and disembarkation of Pilots (or personnel). Ships have a duty to rig their pilot ladders in accordance with the regulations and legislative requirements.
Responsibility for the safe transfer of Marine Pilots rests with each person directly involved in the activity which includes pilots, pilot boat crew, master & crew, pilotage providers, Competent Harbour Authorities (CHA), vessel owners & operators as well as the individual being transferred.
All parties should be conversant with the regulations and ensure safety is not compromised. Shipping companies have a legal obligation to provide a conforming ladder and ship-borne fittings. Non-compliant or (potentially) unsafe ladders and boarding arrangements or any near miss incident associated with a Pilot transfer, must be reported to the Competent Harbour Authority (CHA) and Maritime & Coastguard Agency as soon as it is safe to do so.
