12 Pilot ladder
In all ships, when it is intended to embark and disembark pilots or other personnel by means of the pilot ladder, the pilot ladder shall be secured to the dedicated strong points meeting the requirements of paragraph 6.1 and positioned that:
.1 it is clear of any possible discharge from the ships and at all times hangs vertically, free and without obstruction;
.2 it is within the parallel body length of the ship and within the midship half-length of the ship;
It is now explicitly required that pilot ladders must be rigged in the midship section of the vessel. Previously, this was stated as “as far as practicable.” This change represents a significant improvement in safety by reducing the risk of pilot tenders being drawn under the stern of the vessel being boarded. However, it also means that many ships will need to adjust their pilot entry points. Ultimately, this amendment enhances overall safety standards.
.3 each step rests firmly against the ship’s side and is horizontal in all planes throughout the entire vertical length of the ladder;
.4 when used in conjunction with ship’s side openings, the ladder shall be secured in accordance with section 14;
.5 when a retrieval line is considered necessary to ensure the safe rigging of a pilot ladder, the line shall be secured to the forward end, at or above the lowest spreader step and shall lead forward. The retrieval line shall not hinder the pilot nor obstruct the safe approach of the pilot boat; and
.6 the lowest step of the pilot ladder, by using the means of paragraph 6.3, is at the height above the surface of the water requested by the pilot or personnel being transferred.
13 Combination arrangements
13.1 The combination arrangement shall be so positioned and secure that:
.1 the pilot ladder complies with the requirements in section 12;
.2 the accommodation ladder leads aft and is clear of any discharges;
.3 the lower platform of the accommodation ladder is secured to the ship’s side by means of permanent fixtures or removable fixtures within the parallel body length of the ship and within the midship half-length;
.4 the lower platform shall be in a horizontal position when in use and shall be a minimum of 5 m above the surface of the water in all seagoing conditions of draught and trim;
.5 the pilot ladder and manropes are secured to the ship’s side at a point of nominally 1.5 m above the lower platform of the accommodation ladder except as outlined in paragraph 5.5.7;
.6 the pilot ladder and manropes are not secured to the lower platform of the accommodation ladder at any time; and
.7 the pilot ladder shall be rigged immediately adjacent to the lower platform of the accommodation ladder and the highest step of the pilot ladder is at least 2 m above the lower platform. The horizontal distance between the pilot ladder and the lower platform shall be between 0.1 and 0.2 m.
13.2 In the case of a combination arrangement using an accommodation ladder with a trapdoor in the lower platform, the lower platform shall be positioned and rigged in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs 5.5 and 13.1.
14 Ship’s side openings
14.1 Pilot ladders rigged from ship’s side openings without a boarding platform shall not extend above the lowest deck of the opening and shall not be rigged from any other position, including the freeboard deck.
14.2 Pilot ladders used in conjunction with ship’s side openings with a boarding platform complying with paragraph 7.3 shall be rigged aft of such platforms and may be rigged from the freeboard deck provided that the ladder and manropes are secured above the platform in accordance with paragraphs 13.1.5 and 13.1.7.
15 Associated equipment
15.1 The following associated equipment shall be available and ready for immediate use at the point of access whilst the pilot or other personnel are being transferred:
.1 two manropes complying with the requirements stipulated within section 11 which shall:
.1 be free from contamination and knots; however, knots used to tie or secure manropes to strong points are acceptable;
.2 when required by pilots or other personnel embarking or disembarking, be rigged and secured in accordance with relevant requirements of these performance standards; and
.3 when rigged, be fixed at the rope end to dedicated strong points on the deck and pass through the ring or eye fitted at the top of the stanchions at the point of access to the deck. When rigged from a ship side opening, manropes may be rigged from the deck head, provided that the manropes pass through the ring or the eye at the top of the stanchions at the point of access.
.2 a lifebuoy equipped with a self-igniting light; and
.3 a heaving line free from contamination and having a length which can reach the waterline in any seagoing condition of draught or trim.
15.2 When required by section 8 of these performance standards, stanchions and bulwark ladders shall be provided.