Article

Product Pirates risk the lives of Marine Pilots!


by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 17 December 2019 676 -

All photos by Arie Palmer

Marine-Pilots.com got another report on dangerous fake ladders.

One of the leading manufacturers PTR Holland is affected, whose products are copied up to the certificate and the brass plate.

Arie Palmers, pilot at Nederlands Loodswezen, reported an suspected incident on LinkedIn over the weekend:
“here we see a typical counterfit fake boarding arrangement... tag is ptrholland... sample certificate is ptrholland but without numbers on it.... basically a cheap unsafe ladder was purchased and the ptrholland tag was attached on the ladder. a damgerous and shameful practice!!! ship:**** on her way to ****.... crew had no idea about this matter and 2 new certified ladders have been ordered to be delivered in Izmir...feel free to share and comment...”
Read the original post on LinkedIn

Information of the editorial office (12/19):
The name of the ship is known to the editors of Marine-Pilots.com. We take this process very seriously!

Summary of this incident by Marine-Pilots.com:
Thanks to Arie Palmers for reporting this. The technical vessel managers contacted us and we spoke to Mr. Stuip the Vice President of PTR Holland.
It is obvious that the ladders in question were no longer in their original condition and were not compliant. Only the brass plate with the serial number is still original. Who repaired and rebuilt the ladders unprofessionally cannot be conclusively determined now.
But the technical vessel managers have reacted immediately and in an exemplary manner and the ladders are being replaced. Many thanks for the quick reaction for the benefit of pilot safety.
Also many thanks to PTR Holland for the quick reaction and the information provided.
Again two dangerous ladders could be scrapped. This is a good thing, but it is a constant battle.

The manufacturer suffers a great deal of damage and the pilot risks his life because the ladders do not meet the high standards of the original manufacturer.
Please help the pilot community and the manufacturer to remove life threatening fakes from circulation!

Report other incidents to info@marine-pilots.com. Thank you .


Announcement of the manufacturer today on its website:

Important Safety Notice:
We are the originator of the long-established (1984) PTR Holland® clamping system used on our wide range of high quality MED/steering wheel by bureau veritas approved pilot and embarkation ladders. PTR Holland® are aware that certain parties have copied and supply, low-quality imitations of our rope ladders through several ship-chandlers in Rotterdam, Houston, Greece and in Turkey.

If you have recently taken delivery of a rope ladder we strongly recommend that you confirm that you have received an original product which originated from PTR HOLLAND GROUP. If not, we respectfully suggest that it be returned for replacement with an real approved ladder. Equally we would be pleased to provide an offer for a pilot or embarkation ladder, that is guaranteed as authentic and which fully complies with the relevant regulations. We have production plants in Rotterdam, Singapore, Newcastle UK and Houston Texas. All other worldwide destinations will be supplied by airfreight delivery within 48 hours available. Any questions or doubts please contact us: info@ptrholland.com
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Opinion Why do we see so many unapproved and low-quality pilot ladders?

by Frank Diegel - published on 4 September 2020

Statement von Joris J. Stuip, Senior Vice President PTR Holland and a comment by Frank Diegel, CEO & Founder of Marine-Pilots.com

0

Video "Rope Ladders" by PTR Holland

published on 17 December 2019

"Rope Ladders" by PTR Holland

0

Video Sustainability in pilot and embarking ladders - PTR Holland (c)

published on 5 November 2020

Sustainability concerns us all. PTR Holland (c), as a leading manufacturer of pilot and embarking ladders, is committed not only to produce the safest ladders, but also to protect our planet earth through sustainable production. PTR does so by sourcing the timber for the production of the ladders exclusively in accordance with the Federal Stewardship Council (FSC). Look for the FSC logo when buying your ladder. Take responsibility and protect our valuable rainforest! PTR Holland - Often...

0

Video Maritime Voices: Clint Winegar, Presiding Officer, Houston Pilots

published on 10 October 2025

Clint Winegar, Presiding Officer, Houston Pilots, discusses the organization in the round, explaining how the Houston operation remains one of three in the country that still utilizes station boat.

0

Video Podcast: Jeanine Drummond, Integral Maritime, MD & Principal Marine Advisor

published on 5 November 2021

In this episode, you will be meeting a true leader, an experienced Harbour Master, Master Mariner, Experienced Marine Advisor, General Manager and Non-Executive Director; her name is Captain Jeanine Drummond. We speak about the importance of modern leadership, which is somewhat different from traditional leadership, which has been prevailing in our industry for such a long time. We also speak about the importance of not just trying to blend in but also speaking up to seize the...

1

Video Pilot's Diary Frank 1 3

published on 5 February 2021

A maritime pilot tells us about why he loves switching ships in midstream.

0

Article Five questions for John Redman, Co President at Jacksonville Docking Pilots

published on 26 February 2021

In our new new section “Five questions for ..." Marine-Pilots.com introduces pilots and other market players to our readers in short interviews.

Today we have talked to John Redman, Co President at Jacksonville Docking Pilots.

1

Video Leaving Brixham for Another Pilotage - Dolphins Joined the Journey!

published on 12 August 2026

⚓ Leaving Brixham for another pilotage assignment! Shortly after departing Brixham, I was lucky enough to be joined by a pod of dolphins, making the journey even more unforgettable. 🐬 In the distance, you can also see Berry Head, one of the most iconic landmarks overlooking Brixham Harbour, before heading out into open waters. If you enjoy life at sea, pilotage operations, ship handling, and beautiful coastal scenery, don't forget to like, subscribe, and join me for more adventures! 🌊⚓...

0

Video Pilotage on Sabine River (USA)

published on 19 May 2022

Great filmed voyage along the river Sabine. Normally it takes 6 to 7 hours from the terminal to Sabine pilot bay with 2 pilots assisted by 1 tugboat to Sabine inner pilot station....

0

Video Port of Stockton: River Pilots

published on 17 December 2019

The San Francisco Bar Pilots are one of the important cogs in our supply chain wheel. They are tasked with boarding the vessels eleven miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge via a rope ladder often in rough seas and taking control of the vessels en route to the Port of Stockton. Once on the bridge of the ship, the Pilot oversees navigation and ensures the safe passage of ships into the Bay and through the Delta until it is secured alongside its berth at the Port. Without these Pilots the...

0