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.

‘It certainly hurts – using the integrated lifting sling on a life jacket.’

Bulk Carrier Ship "WORLD DIANA"/ #RioDeLaPlataPilots/ Embarking Maneuver/ On board #PilotVessel "SEA MASTER"/ #BoardingPoint #JP #Recalada  #RioDeLaPlata - 24th. June 2025 - 14:40 hs. (Local Time).- This video (original sound) was filmed on board Pilot Vessel "SEA MASTER" and shows the Rio de la Plata Pilots, when they Embarked on board the Bulk Carrier Ship "WORLD DIANA". This maneuver occurred in #JP #BoardingStation  #Recalada #RioDeLaPlata.- Date: 24th.June 2025. Time: 14:40 hours...

This lady came into port in an excellent day, however when I inspected the pilot ladder prior to board I saw that it was rigged using D-Shackles fastened between the side ropes, transferring all the weight and load of the ladder to the clamps and chokes. Truly an unsuitable method of securing the ladder. Retrieval line was also not above the first spreader
After pulling out the pilot boat, the ship was contacted by VHF and the captain was asked to instruct the crew in the usage of ropes and...

#pilotage#change of pilot#approaching to port

This notice reminds shipowners, operators, masters, crews, recognised organisations, marine pilots and pilotage providers of the obligation to provide safe pilot transfer arrangements.

What happens when GNSS fails? In maritime navigation, this isn’t a hypothetical scenario – it’s a growing risk. Spoofing, jamming, and GNSS outages are increasing, especially in the Baltic Sea region. A failure can cripple navigation systems – with potentially serious consequences.