This is how marine pilots go to work (found on Twitter, by Capt. Ed Enos)

Most pilot embarkations and disembarkations around the world, are still carried out using a traditional pilot ladder, consisting of wooden steps supported and secured by side ropes.

Tuesday, October 1st is the start date of the latest International Maritime Pilot Association's annual Safety Campaign.

Previous campaigns by the association have consistently shown results of pilot ladder deficiencies around the 20% mark.

There are many things in both our everyday and professional lives which we take for granted and never question the origins of, an example of this might be the IMPA recommended ‘pilot mark or pilot line’, which is sometimes seen on the side of vessels indicating where a vessels freeboard exceeds 9 metres.

AIMPA in association with IMU has organized a Research Paper Competition (SAMIPTA) for cadets of MTI from all disciplines on Pilot ladder risk mitigation and suggest innovative measures to Mitigate risks.

We take a look at some of the dangerous ladder arrangements provided by ships when attempting to take maritime pilots on board. Our message is simple: if you are offered an unsafe or non-compliant ladder, do not board!

The name tag plate on this ladder displays a few important items that can be cross referenced with the certificate: Type, Model, Length, Production date, as well as the serial number (Prod.No) and the approval standard.

2 48° South 074° West
"Angostura Inglesa" is, without a doubt, the most important natural obstacle in navigating the South American channels, as it is a winding step that requires two changes of course close to 90 °, subject to a tidal regime and Considerable currents, which is also affected by the frequent bad times of the Gulf of Penas, forces sailors to face it with caution and take adequate security measures.

The vessel "ELSE" didn't stopped at the pilot station and tried to enter the closed lock without a pilot.
Following the crash on 29.08.2020, the official investigations into the accident are now beginning on site.