Tag: 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.

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.

On the occasion of the Maritime Safety Week (July 4-10), UK MAIB's inspector Bill Evans refers to the issue of unsafe pilot ladders, a concern that has been regularly voiced by the industry.

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.

ICS along with the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) published the guide "Shipping Industry Guidance on Pilot Transfer Arrangements", updating maritime pilot transfer safety procedures amid industry concerns about poorly rigged ladders causing severe injuries or fatalities. 

From 1 January 2022, Flinders Ports will require visiting vessels and their Masters to take additional safety measures related to pilot ladders.

Capt. John Pearn, Vice President of IMPA, highlights that pilot transfer operations continue to be a challenging area for pilots. In this context, IMPA conducts annually related safety survey which reflects what industry already knows; that pilots continue to be seriously injured and killed every year.

Following an increase in marine pilot fatalities, American Club released the Good Catch guidance to raise seafarers' situational awareness.