The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) upcoming amendments to SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 23, represent a significant step forward in enhancing the safety of pilot ladder operations. Scheduled for adoption in 2025 and enforcement from 2028, these regulations demonstrate a prescriptive approach to addressing long-standing safety concerns. The meticulous work of […]
News
IMPA Safety Survey 2024 results
Introduction The International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) has been conducting an annual safety campaign since 2015, focusing on the safety of pilot transfer arrangements. The 2024 campaign, held from October 1-15, was supported by a new native application to increase participation. Executive Summary Non-compliance rate: 13% Number of reports: 4052 […]
London Pilots issue Quick Reference Guide for PTA’s
London Pilots (PLA) have issued an excellent quick reference guide for Pilot Transfer arrangements, which can be used for pilots as well as ship’s crews. Please take not of this document and if you can, try to incorporate it into your procedures. The Pocket Pilot ladder Refence Guide can be […]
AMSA advisory note on fake Pilot Ladders (January 2024)
Counterfeit pilot ladders and certificates—advisory note This Pilot Advisory Note (PAN) advises AMSA-licensed coastal pilots and pilotage providers about the existence of counterfeit pilot ladders and associated certification. Background In March 2019, one of AMSA’s Port Marine Surveyors identified a pilot ladder onboard a vessel which appeared (on initial inspection), […]
IMPA Safety Campaign
Message from the International Maritime Pilots Association: Dear Colleagues, Today marks the beginning of the IMPA Safety Campaign! We strongly encourage all Maritime Pilots to report both compliant and non-compliant transfer arrangements. Your active involvement is essential for enhancing safety! Submit your reports here ➡️ https://survey.impahq.org/ To download the IMPA […]
Port of New South Wales issues new PTA Regulations
On July 3rd, 2023 The Port of New South Wales Harbour Authority issued Harbour Master Instruction HMI 23-03E, named ” Safe Marine Pilot Transfer (MPT) Arrangement – Pilot Ladder “. Scope Vessel Masters and Operators – All vessels arriving and departing the port of Newcastle Background The substandard condition of the pilot ladders and […]
A comparison: Manila Rope vs. Sisal Rope for Pilotladder Ropes
Introduction When it comes to producing pilotladder ropes, selecting the right material is crucial to ensure strength, durability, and safety. The most popular choice is Manila rope, which is also prescribed for use in ISO 799:2019. There are also pilotladders made from sisal rope on the market, which obviously does […]
Blunt edge technology
It is no secret that sharp deck edge of a ship will cause damage to the pilotladder and that is a dangerous and costly thing. Recently Capt. Arie Palmers came across a ship where the sharp deck edge had been covered by a rounded plate. A very simple, cost effective […]
Master and company convicted after pilot ladder injury
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has secured a win for marine pilot safety, following the successful prosecution of a master and company in the Perth Magistrates Court on 23 May 2023. On 24 August 2022, the Cyprus-flagged cargo ship AAL Dampier (owned by AAL Dampier Navigation Co Ltd) was departing the Port of […]
Is your point strong enough?
The issue of the proper securing of a pilot ladder is one of the main topics of the website pilotladdersafety.com. Using a designated strong point on deck is always the best possible way to go. Given the fact that the combined sideropes have a SWL of 9,6 tonnes, these strong […]