photo "Improperly rigged pilot transfer arrangement" by Pacific Pilotage Authority
This Statement was found on Twitter.
The original paper can be downloaded at the end of this article.
Here is the statement by the Pacific Pilotage Authority - PPA, Canada:
NOTICE TO INDUSTRY
Date Issued: 4 March 2020
Notice Number: 02/2020
Subject: Standards for Pilot Transfer Arrangements
Geographic Area: BC compulsory pilotage waters
Background
On 30 December 2019, a New York marine pilot fell and sustained severe injuries when he endeavored to transfer from the pilot ladder to the accommodation ladder through a trapdoor in the platform of the accommodation ladder. The pilot subsequently died of his injuries.
The pilot ladder was rigged in a manner whereby it was hanging from a bar near the bottom of the platform. The top step of the pilot ladder was significantly below the level of the platform. In such cases, pilots must pull themselves through the trapdoor while twisting to get a secure footing on the accommodation ladder platform.
Standards for Pilot Transfer Arrangements
The standards for pilot transfer arrangements are defined in SOLAS Chapter V – Regulation 23. In addition, the International Maritime Organization has issued several circulars with respect to pilot transfer arrangements, the latest being Resolution A.1045(27).
The use of trapdoors on accommodation ladders is not new and is mentioned both in SOLAS and the IMO Circular. When a trapdoor is used there are clear requirements which include:
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; the rules for trapdoors have been in place since 1979 and the requirement for the pilot ladder to extend above the lower platform to the height of the handrail has not changed.
Action to be Taken
The combined arrangement of the pilot ladder and accommodation ladder were contributing factors in the recent death of the US pilot. The Pacific Pilotage Authority requires that pilot transfer arrangements be in full compliance with both SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 23, and IMO Circular 1045(27). If trapdoors are used, the pilot ladder steps must extend above the platform up to the height of the handrail and securely fastened to a strongpoint on deck. Vessels with pilot transfer arrangements that do not meet these standards are at risk that the pilot may not board until the transfer arrangement has been corrected and complies with the above requirements.
All member agencies, ship owners, and masters should be advised accordingly.
Please contact PPA at marineops@ppa.gc.ca for queries or concerns.
Links:
Original paper "NOTICE TO INDUSTRY" (PDF 188 KB)
This Statement was found on Twitter.
The original paper can be downloaded at the end of this article.
Here is the statement by the Pacific Pilotage Authority - PPA, Canada:
NOTICE TO INDUSTRY
Date Issued: 4 March 2020
Notice Number: 02/2020
Subject: Standards for Pilot Transfer Arrangements
Geographic Area: BC compulsory pilotage waters
Background
On 30 December 2019, a New York marine pilot fell and sustained severe injuries when he endeavored to transfer from the pilot ladder to the accommodation ladder through a trapdoor in the platform of the accommodation ladder. The pilot subsequently died of his injuries.
The pilot ladder was rigged in a manner whereby it was hanging from a bar near the bottom of the platform. The top step of the pilot ladder was significantly below the level of the platform. In such cases, pilots must pull themselves through the trapdoor while twisting to get a secure footing on the accommodation ladder platform.
Standards for Pilot Transfer Arrangements
The standards for pilot transfer arrangements are defined in SOLAS Chapter V – Regulation 23. In addition, the International Maritime Organization has issued several circulars with respect to pilot transfer arrangements, the latest being Resolution A.1045(27).
The use of trapdoors on accommodation ladders is not new and is mentioned both in SOLAS and the IMO Circular. When a trapdoor is used there are clear requirements which include:
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; the rules for trapdoors have been in place since 1979 and the requirement for the pilot ladder to extend above the lower platform to the height of the handrail has not changed.
Action to be Taken
The combined arrangement of the pilot ladder and accommodation ladder were contributing factors in the recent death of the US pilot. The Pacific Pilotage Authority requires that pilot transfer arrangements be in full compliance with both SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 23, and IMO Circular 1045(27). If trapdoors are used, the pilot ladder steps must extend above the platform up to the height of the handrail and securely fastened to a strongpoint on deck. Vessels with pilot transfer arrangements that do not meet these standards are at risk that the pilot may not board until the transfer arrangement has been corrected and complies with the above requirements.
All member agencies, ship owners, and masters should be advised accordingly.
Please contact PPA at marineops@ppa.gc.ca for queries or concerns.
Links:
Original paper "NOTICE TO INDUSTRY" (PDF 188 KB)
