Pilot transfer arrangements

When rigging pilot ladders, the following considerations must be kept in mind:

• The pilot ladder should be situated on the side of the vessel and at a height above the water in accordance with the pilots instructions.
• The pilot ladder should be rigged in an appropriate place, along the parallel body of the vessel and, as far as is practicable, within the mid-ship half length.
• The pilot ladder should be properly secured to the vessel in way of pad eyes or similar. The appliance should not be fastened to ships side rails.
• The rigged pilot ladder should be situated near a gate through the side rails or a bulwark ladder should be placed adjacent to the top of the pilot ladder.
• A simple load test should be carried out once the pilot ladder is rigged to ensure that it is properly secured to the ship. Seafarers are reminded to ensure their own safety in doing so by wearing a suitable floatation device and/or lifeline.
• Means should be provided to ensure safe, appropriate and unobstructed passage for pilots embarking on or disembarking from the ship between the head of the pilot ladder or accommodation ladder.
• If the distance from the waterline to the boarding point exceeds nine metres, then a combination arrangement i.e. the accommodation ladder combined with a pilot ladder, must be used.