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.

Video Galtex Pilot Boat transferring pilot

published on 16 June 2023

Time for shift change. Captain Henry transferring from Pilot boat Texas City to Pilot boat Texas. Turn the sound up towards the end and hear those twin V12 Cummins sing.

Article Port of Ferrol (Spain) welcomes new pilot boat

by Baird Maritime - published on 2 December 2024

Irish boatbuilder Safehaven Marine recently handed over a new pilot boat to the Port of Ferrol in northwestern Spain. Named Punta Do Cruceiro, the vessel was designed for operation even under challenging conditions in the waters in that region of the Atlantic.

Video Virtual Reality Beleving - Beloodsing

published on 23 November 2020

Vlaanderen is één van de drukste scheepvaartregio’s ter wereld. Loodsen assisteren schepen bij het aanlopen en verlaten van de havens in Vlaanderen. De bemanning van Vloot zorgt ervoor dat de loodsen aan en van boord geraken van de te beloodsen schepen. Op zee maken ze hiervoor gebruik van de Wandelaar, een SWATH en een jol.

Video Pilot Boarding with POLARIS in Steenbank pilot station, Netherlands

published on 29 November 2021

PILOT BOARDING in STEENBANK PILOT STATION NETHERLANDS
#netherlands #steenbank #pilotboat

Opinion The IMPA Pilot Ladder Poster: Suggestions for Improvements

by Arie Palmers - published on 31 December 2020

In this article I would like to share my thoughts on this pilot ladder poster. Is it as good as we think or is there room for improvement? By taking you through this poster step by step I hope to explain what needs to be changed to make it similar to IMO an SOLAS regulations.

Opinion Pilots are not Advisors to Masters

by Karolina Cirjak, Consultant Master Mariner at KC Maritime Consultancy Ltd. - published on 30 November 2024

This article was first published back in February 2022: According to the International Group of P & I Clubs’ “Report on P&I claims involving vessels under pilotage 1999-2019”, over the last twenty years, there were 1,046 incidents in which pilot error either caused or contributed to those events.