Article

Death of Pilot Dennis Sherwood: IMPA President statement to IMO. New photos of Maersk Kensington.


by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 23 January 2020 2464 -

Screenshot from IMPA Statement on Twitter

According to information from social networks, nothing has changed at Maersk Kensington even two weeks after the tragic death of Sandy Hook Pilot Captain Dennis Sherwood on December 30th of 2019. This can be proven by the available pictures of the the so called trapdoor arrangement taken by Tom Rutter (Pilot at Virginia Pilot Association).

photo by Tom Rutter "

IMPA President makes a statement to IMO on January 17th regarding the passing of Captain Dennis Sherwood. A letter to IMO was published via Twitter today. Saying: “This controversial trapdoor arrangement has long been considered unsafe by pilots. It is clearly not in compliance with current SOLAS requirements.” … “Captain Sherwood’s death is a tragic reminder that much more needs to be done.” He demands further that all flag states, port states and ship operator organizations should support an initiative “to get rid of this arrangement, immediately”.

click picture for full view

Marine-Pilots.com also supports all efforts to change these absolutely unsafe circumstances. Stories of these “widow maker” – as some pilots say - trapdoor arrangements must be told to everyone who is involved. It’s time to change. These accidents must not be repeated.

So far, Maersk has only expressed their regrets about the death of Dennis Sherwood in a small note on a maritime news site. The Maersk Kensington reached the nearest port on time after the accident. All Maersk K-class ships have the same trapdoor arrangement as the Maersk Kensington has. To our knowledge no further official statements by Maersk on the trapdoor arrangements on their vessels followed after the accident.

How will Maersk react to the fatal accident?
What steps will the company take for the future and how will they act and react concerning the tragic incident?


Photos from Maersk Kensington by Tom Rutter:

"The Widow Maker"


What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Sandy Hook pilot Dennis Sherwood has died after falling during embarking

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 30 December 2019

A pilot of Sandy Hook, Dennis Sherwood fell off a ladder while boarding a ship today at 4:30 a.m. and died of his serious injury in Staten Island hospital.

0

Article In Memoriam of Captain Dennis R. Sherwood (1955 - 2019)

by Bianca Reineke, lutheran Pastor, Germany - published on 3 January 2020

Ladders are the bridges for crossing the rough seas of our lives.
When you are a Marine Pilot at work, hoping and praying that the ladders which let you embark the vessel are stable, safe and not dangerous.
In Memoriam of the late Captain Dennis Sherwood who passed away on Monday the 30th of December.

1

Article Demands made by the Pacific Pilotage Authority on the shipping industry following the death of US Pilot Dennis Sherwood

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 27 March 2020

The Pacific Pilotage Authority says: "There is a common misunderstanding amongst vessel operators that vessels built prior to 2012 are exempt from some of the requirements for pilot transfer arrangements. This is incorrect...".

0

Video Grounding of Orient Centaur

published on 15 November 2019

On 6 November 2017, the fully laden, mini cape-size dry bulk carrier Orient Centaur was transiting the South Channel, Weipa, Queensland, outbound under the conduct of harbour pilots as part of a trial introduction of this size of ship to the port. While in the South Channel, the ship’s main engine shut down due to a loss of water from a cracked engine cooling component, and propulsion was lost. Shortly after, the ship grounded on the northern batter of the channel. The stern then slowly...

0

Article Turkish pilot loses his life on duty

published on 5 February 2024

The pilot fell into the sea from the cross at around 04.30 (04.02.2024) in the morning, while being transferred to the Cook Islands-The ppilot flagged 176 m long ship called NEW SIHAM, at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus.

1

Article MARS-Report: Paltry PPU position predictor

by The Nautical Insitute - published on 18 August 2023

To monitor the vessel’s progress, the pilot had set up his portable pilotage unit (PPU). He had connected the rate-of-turn generator to the vessel’s pilot plug and had set a variable range marker on the radar with a radius of 0.5 nm.

0

Video Maritime Training: Pilot Ladders: Safe Rigging Procedures

published on 25 February 2020

Pilot transfer operations always involve risk, even when conditions are favorable. Learn the essential safety procedures involved in this operation.
Visit https://www.maritimetraining.com/Course/Pilot-Ladders-Safe-Rigging-Procedures to purchase the full-length version.

0

Video Dublin Port | MOB (Man Overboard) Exercise

published on 3 November 2021

This is an exercise that is carried out at regular intervals by all crews on the Pilot boats and Tugs operating in Dublin Port, it is essential that crews are trained and ready to respond to any eventuality involving a MOB. In some instances it could be a casualty from another vessel. Being familiar with equipment and knowing what to do in any emergency is essential on board any vessel. #IrishPortSafetyWeek #DublinPort Find out more at: https://www.dublinport.ie/irish-ports-host-inaugural-...

0

Video The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway Shipping System

published on 16 October 2022

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System is a 2,340 mile “marine highway” that extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. This integrated navigation system serves mariners, farmers, factory workers, and commercial interests from the western prairies to the eastern seaboard. Today, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System serves as a Key Supply Chain for the world’s 3rd largest economy. Visit greatlakesseaway.org/our-system/ to learn more!

0