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Podcast: Maritime Pilot Safety and reducing the risk in pilot transfer operations

published on 4 July 2023 - 323 -

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“The problem with statistics is that it’s a bummer when it’s you!”

― Arie Palmers, Maritime Pilot

This is an in-depth discussion of the risks involved in maritime pilot transfers; an interesting job but with a risky commute to work.

Sadly there have been 7 deaths associated with maritime pilot transfer operations already in the first 6 months of 2023.

What are the current international regulations for ships and what are the barriers to reducing the risk? How can individuals, the industry, ports and ship builders make changes to save lives in the future?

Guests:

Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector at Marine Accident Investigation Branch

Arie Palmers, Senior Maritime Pilot working in the Netherlands

Adam Parnell, Director at CHIRP Maritime Charitable Trust

Listen here

What's your opinion on this?

Article Combinations Ladders: "1,000 combinations around" (by Arie Palmers)

by Arie Palmers, Netherlands - published on 13 July 2020

Before you, you see my third article on pilot boarding arrangements. After my two previous articles
(‘1000 ways to secure a pilot ladder’ and ‘1000 ladders around’, I have received a lot of feedback and
also questions to get deeper into the matter of combinations and embarkation platforms.

Article 1,000 ways to secure a Pilot Ladder

by Arie Palmers, Netherlands - published on 10 January 2020

From that moment on I have been keeping a tally of the non compliant boarding arrangements I see in front of me on a daily base, and off course I participate in the annual safety campaign, conducted by IMPA each october.

Article China wants to change pilot ladder regulations

published on 3 May 2022

China has already submitted proposals to the IMO regarding changes to SOLAS, Chapter 23, and IMO A.1045(27) in early 2021.

Video Pilot Ladder 30 month retest explainer

published on 4 March 2024

Video by Fathom Safety: "When a pilot ladder reaches its 30 month anniversary it needs a retest certificate. It must be returned to the manufacturer or an approved testing station to be weight tested and inspected."

Video Launching Forth Ports Pilot Boat (2018)

published on 19 April 2021

Time lapse video of the launching of our latest 16m Pilot Boat which now features a resiliently mounted superstructure which lowers noise levels and improves crew comfort.

Video Pilot Vessel BAYPILOT1 12 2020

published on 31 December 2020

Gross Tonnage:？
Flag:Japan
Home Port:Sumoto
Boat to pick up and drop off pilots

Video Maritime Pilot Tribute (Cape Cod Canal)

published on 2 December 2019

Training sometimes years, the pilots of the world never get enough credit...especially those of the Cape Cod Canal! This ones for you! Compiled from video taken over the past 4 years, this features a unique collection of various types of vessels that go through the canal. Enjoy!

Video La prima donna d'Italia diventata Pilota del Porto

published on 4 June 2021

La Comandante Roberta Coppa è la prima donna d'Italia a essere diventata Pilota del Porto. La abbiamo incontrata a Venezia, dove lavora, per scoprire il suo percorso di vita e professionale

Article Incident on 31 January 2020 : A rope of the pilot ladder breaks. Pilot could still reach the vessel

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 3 February 2020

Itajai, Brazil. Photo and video

Article ABP Southampton puts pressure on non-compliant 'trap door' Arrangements

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 22 April 2020

ABP Southampton: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that some ships have a pilot transfer arrangement consisting of an accommodation ladder / pilot ladder combination with a trapdoor that does not meet IMO standards in effect since at least 2012.