Opinion

Checklist of Root-Cause Pilot fall from the ships Ladder


by Nasir Khan - published on 5 August 2022 1105 -

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.

 

In case Ships Pilot ladder failure

  • 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 failure Due to

  • 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.

 

Prepared by: Nasir Khan
(Marine Officer / Pilot)   -  Pakistan
Email: pilot_nkhan@outlook.com  / capt_nkhan@hotmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasir-khan-9b1b3764
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyjJIE3kheqKRlEpXafrdbg
Editor's note:
Opinion pieces reflect the personal opinion of individual authors. They do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about a prevailing opinion in the respective editorial department. Opinion pieces might be deliberately formulated in a pronounced or even explicit tone and may contain biased arguments. They might be intended to polarise and stimulate discussion. In this, they deliberately differ from the factual articles you typically find on this platform, written to present facts and opinions in as balanced a manner as possible.
Experienced of Harbour Pilot at Aramco Oil Terminal & SPM. 26 Years Experienced at Sea Service. Sailed on world largest Bulk vessels VLOC. STS experienced & Bunkering. active marine pilot


I Marine Pilot have experienced at Aramco Oil Terminal, SPM. Marine officer UK certificate holder UK. Marine Pilotage certificate holder. STS experienced & Bunkering . Sailed on world largest Bulk vessels VLOC. 26 Years Experienced at Sea Service.

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Nasir Khan Saudi Arabia
on 5 August 2022, 14:30 UTC

Thanks 🙏 I grateful to Marine-Pilots.com
Always supportive towards my contents.
Have a wonderful day
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