Tag: ladders

In its 57th issue CHIRP pays attention to several reports concerning safety onboard and accidents. In this one, the attention goes to a large cruise liner operated by one of the major passenger ship operators departing from port. The reporter in this instance was the disembarking pilot.

AMSA issues a marine notice focusing on the topic of pilot transfer arrangements, reminding seafarers that it is crucial to provide safe pilot transfer arrangements in favour of seafarers' safety and prevention of accidents.AMSA refers to a number of accidents that have taken place in Australia from 2017 because of ladders.

As part of the newly-launched Dangerous Ladders campaign, a global initiative to improve the safety of pilot transfer arrangements and in particular the safe rigging of pilot ladders, Fidra Films has developed a series of informational and educational films to illustrate the dangers and also best practice.

In light of several gangway claims, the Shipowners Club issued a revised booklet providing guidance on gangway safety. The booklet notes that gangways should have important information marked on their framework, including manufacturers’ name, safe loading (by numbers and weight), model number and the maximum angle for the gangway to be set at.

CHIRP issued its 54th Maritime Feedback outlining an incident concerning a combination of ladder deficiency and the follow up which involved both the port authority and the regulatory authority, Port State Control. This report demonstrates that when a vessel turns up ill equipped, this regulator is prepared to take immediate action.

Transport Malta's MSIU issued an investigation report on the fatality of a stevedore onboard the bulk carrier 'A Navigation', while in the port of Kelang, Malaysia, on 1st April 2018. The incident stressed hazards associated with enclosed space entry. 

JTSB issued an investigation report on a crew member fatal fall onboard the cargo ship 'Erik', in September 2018. The investigation stressed that the crew was working in unstable posture on the ladder and that the company was insufficient in monitoring that crew members clearly understood Ladder guidelines. 

The Government of Luxembourg's AET issued a report on the fatal occupational accident on the chemical oil tanker Nabucco on 26 June 2017. The Chief Officer was working alone on the platform of the accommodation ladder, when he fell between the vessel and the quay into the water.

Following reports of a number of instances where defective pilot ladders were identified on foreign ships visiting British ports and the regular use of dangerously weighted heaving lines by some vessels at UK ports, the British Ports Association (BPA) has called on the international shipping community to face up to these ongoing safety issues.

In the light of a recent death of a vessel pilot who died when a gangway separated from a vessel, USCG issued a marine safety alert describing measures to ensure safe operation when it comes to gangways and ladders. This reminds that shipboard equipment that seems quite benign can quickly become a hazard.