Article

UK Ports and Pilots take firm stand against Non-compliant Trap Door Boarding arrangements

published on 24 March 2021 - 386 -

Show comment section |

UKMPA has released a notice to their members today regarding the so-called "non compliant trapdoors". Vessels have been rejected entrance, talks have started with different shipping companies.

The UKMPA Chairman Captain Mike Morris gave the following statement:

“I am delighted that the firm stance taken by our members with the full backing of their ports and terminal operators has resulted in this positive outcome.

We at the UKMPA will continue to work with all UK stakeholders including the UK Harbour Masters Association, British Ports Association, UK Major ports group, Maritime and Coast Guard Agency and DFT to raise awareness and promote best practice with regard to all aspects of safe Pilot transfer.

In the last few years we have seen several fatalities worldwide and one involving this type of dangerous non-compliant trap-door arrangement. We look forward to the continued efforts of all stakeholders and a time when these types of arrangements are confined to history”.

Pilot boarding

What's your opinion on this?

Article Origins of the IMPA pilot mark

by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 24 October 2019

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.

Article Pilot Embarkation platforms

by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 17 December 2019

During the transit time on the pilot launch between the shore and the vessel, marine pilots will spend at least a portion of that time carrying out (either consciously or subconsciously) a risk assessment of the forthcoming operation.

Article Securing pilot ladders at intermediate lengths

by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 6 January 2020

Over the past few years a number of pilot transfer accidents have occurred resulting from total failure of the side ropes, one school of thought is that the methods of securing a pilot ladder is a factor in such occurrences.

Article A study on pilotage risk assessment in Jiangsu Section of the Yangtze River

published on 7 January 2022

In this paper, the risk of ship pilotage in Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River is studied by fuzzy comprehensive evaluation: risk factor identification, risk evaluation and decision making suggestion.

Video Mississippi River Pilot Transfer to Pilot Boat

published on 23 March 2023

Mississippi River Pilot transfer off of south bound ship in the Mississippi River below New Orleans to a Pilot Boat. Pilots climb down rope ladder onto the top of the Pilot Boat while both boats are underway.

Article BW guide to Pilot Ladder compliance

by www.bw-group.com - published on 14 October 2021

Good initiave: A very good summary about Pilot Ladder commpliance by BW group.
Some are aware and are going the extra mile for the safety of pilots, a big shout out for those who do! Worth reading.

Video Lisbon pilot disembarking from Adonia in rough seas (2014)

published on 11 September 2021

The P and O ship Adonia leaving Lisbon on 3-11-14. This was the Pilot's second attempt to leave the ship. A smaller cutter found the seas too rough to take off the Pilot so this larger cutter took over.