Harbor Pilot Nasir Khan from Pakistan has sent his own checklist to Marine-Pilots.com - we share this list for our readers and look forward to an interesting discussion.

• Ships Pilot Ladder broke
• Ships Ladder improperly fast at deck
• Ships Ladder fast to weak point on deck
• Ships handrails & stanchions are in bad conditions
• Ships Ladder side ropes are parted
• Ships ladder steps slippery
• Ships Ladder steps improperly in horizontal position
• Ships Ladder chocks are loose
• Ships Ladder side ropes defected or slippery
• Ships Ladder is twist
• Ships Ladder unstable or not firmly rest to the ships side
• Ships Ladder swing while pilot climbing, incase any speed craft pass near by Vessel
• Insufficient lights at night at Ladder
• Any obstructions near by Ladder which makes pilot uncomfortable to climb up wards such as manropes if rigged or retrieval line

• Pilot hands lose their gripes while climbing
• Pilot feet slip from ladder steps
• Pilot body unstable while climbing
• Pilot uncomfortable by any obstructions such as manropes or retrieval line
• Pilot unstable by any other unusual sudden moments to the ship or ladder
• Pilot caught by medical issues or other’s while climbing

Pre- checks should be carried out of Pilot ladder by responsible ships officer before rigging. I am sharing of safety checks of ladder.  Links: https://youtu.be/gqebDJ1Z9Xg     

Every Ships must strictly follow the IMO, SOLAS & IMPA Regulations. The Ladder Boarding arrangement Poster should be posted in Ships Bridge and as well near by Pilot Access point.

1) When Pilot boarded and vessel passing throw the narrow channel bend , breakwater  or approaching to berth, and pilot given orders  such as

1. a) wheel hard over to port or Starboard
2. b) Engine moments ahead or astern
3. c) Tugs full push or pull

The same time Pilot fell in the Bridge floor by medical issues or any other’s cause.

What’s the ships master will do?

Are there any procedure or check list to be discuss between Pilot and Ships Master before commence pilotage?

(a & b) Ships Master could be taking action instantly and control the ships wheel and ships engine but what about (c)?

Where I analyse that at many ports Pilot and Tugs Master often using their local language. Is there any international emergency signal to use by ships Master to stop Tugs from pull or push instantly?

In case Master failure to orders to Tugs by VHF or miss communications, could be accent & pronunciations issue between Ships Master & Tugs Master

2) Could we consider the person (Pilots) body overweight against the 9 meters climbing?

My opinion:

• Checklist should be prepared regarding above situations (1-a, b & c) while berthing or un-berthing operation incase pilot fell in the ships bridge floor by any cause.
• Every Pilot should onboard the vessel along Assistant Pilot for every berthing /un-berthing.
• International signal to be discussed for the ships Master to stop Tugs from pull or push instantly incase above happened.
• Overweight persons (Pilots) have to test their body parameters after climbing 9 meters at shore testing system to be arrange. The medical experts take examine to check dangerous signs in body. Age factors to be consider.