Tag: ladders

RightShip presents four different case studies to highlight an alarming trend has emerged from incident & inspection data over the last two years with regards to ladders and pilot transfer arrangements.

The IMO Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue Sub-Committee (NCSR) 10, took place 10 to 19 May 2023 where matters related to the safety of pilot transfer arrangements were discussed, highlighting the need to revise SOLAS regulation V/23.

As the Nautical Institute reports, the deck crew of a bulk carrier were undertaking hold cleaning while at sea in ballast. Based on the completed risk assessment, the PPE required for the job included a safety harness with lifeline.

IACS will participate in the tenth session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR 10).

Lloyd's Register(LR) has published a video to showcase the safety checks that should be carried out before using a pilot ladder to ensure a safe boat transfer. 

This year's IMPA Safety Campaign on pilot ladders highlights that still a lot of work is required as the requirements of SOLAS regulation V/23 (Pilot transfer arrangements), its associated IMO Assembly resolutions, and the ISO 799 series standards are considered as the minimum requirement and not an aspirational target, IMPA stressed.

USCG has issued Safety Alert to address the importance of verifying the correct arrangement of handholds in embarkation gate arrangements aboard merchant vessels.

AMSA published a marine notice reminding shipowners, operators, masters, crews, recognised organisations, marine pilots and pilotage providers of the obligation to provide safe pilot transfer arrangements.

Whenever a pilot or other person embarks or disembarks from a ship by ladder, they entrust their safety to the pilot transfer arrangements provided by the ship and the pilot boat crew. AMSA has noted with concern that since November 2017 several pilots’ lives have been placed at risk, in six separate incidents where man ropes have parted, or its securing point has failed.

United States Coast Guard (USCG) issued a marine safety alert on the importance of verifying the correct arrangements of handhold stanchions at the embarkation gate.