Article

UK MAIB spotlights pilot ladder incidents and accidents


by UK MAIB - published on 28 August 2023 388 -

Pilot Ladder Incidents And Accidents

Text and pictures by MAIB, UK - Published 17 July 2023
The MAIB canvassed 105 UK Competent Harbour Authorities for their 2022 pilot transfer statistics. This revealed that almost 700 marine pilots conducted over 96,000 transfers underway using pilot ladder, during which there were over 400 incidents or accidents.

Just over half of these were reported to the MAIB, the most serious of which resulted in the pilot suffering a fractured ankle when they lost their grip on the handhold stanchion and fell 3 metres onto the pilot boat. The preliminary assessment found that the vessel’s handhold stanchions were not fit for purpose, as heir design prevented the pilot gaining a firm grasp as they reached the top of the ladder (Figure 1).
Analysis of the pilot ladder incidents and accidents reported to the MAIB revealed:
  • 25% - were because shackles rather than rolling hitches were used to secure the pilot ladder side ropes (Figure 2)
  • 23% - occured because the material condition of the pilot ladder was poor (Figure 3)
  • 13% - happened because handhold stanchions were not fit for purpose (Figures 1 and 4)
  • 39% - involved issues such as the length of the ladder, its position against the hull and incorrect rigging of the tripping line, among other noncompliance.

Actions To Prevent These Incidents And Accidents:


▶ Check that the pilot ladder is properly rigged
Associated British Ports’ Pilot Boarding Arrangement Requirements – Best Practice information poster
provides useful guidance on some of the most common mistakes and how to rectify them:

▶ Inspect the ladder before use
While old ladders are more likely to be in poor condition, new ladders are also at risk of damage; the pilot ladder should be thoroughly checked before each use and replaced or retested afer 30 months of service. Useful guidance on pilot ladder maintenance, use and replacement is free to download via:

▶ Handhold stanchions must be fit for purpose
The pilot is at particular risk of falling when they transition between the top of the ladder and the vessel’s deck. The handhold stanchion design must allow the pilot a firm grip as they make this transition. The Designated Person Ashore must be notified and arrangements made to fix the issue if the existing on board arrangements do not meet this requirement.


▶ Continue to report pilot ladder incidents and accidents to the MAIB
It is concerning that MAIB has been unable to undertake full analysis of the cause of pilot ladder incidents and accidents due to little more than half of these occurrences being reported to the branch. MAIB is happy to receive reports of unsafe pilot ladders via the UK Maritime Pilots Association (UKMPA) pilot ladder defect reporting app, which is very easy to use:

Conclusions by MAIB:

"This analysis indicates that 99.6% of pilot transfers while underway were completed safely and without incident or accident during 2022. However, the potential consequence of the pilot falling from a ladder can be fatal and the low tech, high risk embarkation and disembarkation of the pilot by ladder requires continued management and oversight."
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Marine Accident Investigation Branch (UK): Report 2020

published on 14 June 2021

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) examines and investigates all types of marine accidents to or on board UK vessels worldwide, and other vessels in UK territorial waters. Here is the annual report of 2020.

0

Article Final Report following the loss of containers from MSC ZOE (1/1/2019)

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 29 June 2020

On the night of January 1, 2019, MSC Zoe lost approximately 290 containers in heavy weather on the journey from Portugal to Bremerhaven. The loss of so many containers is an exceptional event and is the second largest known container loss of a ship due to heavy weather.

0

Article MAIB releases report into grounding and recovery of Thea II in Humber Estuary

published on 21 August 2020

UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch has published grounding and recovery of a container feeder vessel and a tug in the approaches to the Humber Estuary in storm force conditions on 15 December 2018.

0

Video Maritime Pilot - Mansoon in river Humber EP 10

by Dr. Captain Ahmed Sati - published on 18 December 2024

Episode 10 by Ahmed Sati

0

Video Pilot boat CORUÑA PILOTS 8

published on 16 December 2020

New pilot boat CORUÑA PILOTS 8, build by #SafehavenMarine in Cork, Ireland. The Interceptor 48 is typically powered by twin Volvo D13 500/550hp engines and twin Disc or ZF gearboxes providing the vessel with an operational speed of 24-26kts. The vessel is 15m LOA, with a 4.4m beam and 17,200kg Displacement.
Nueva lancha de Prácticos Coruña, la Prácticos Coruña 8, construída por los astilleros Safehaven Marine en Cork, Irlanda. El tipo de lancha es una Interceptor 48 propulsada por dos...

0

Video Pilot Boat Turnstone Leaving And Returning to Heysham

published on 27 July 2023

Pilot boat Turnstone leaving the Port of Heysham, then returning later on. Short video of her going and coming into port. Type of vessel Pilot boat Owners Peel Ports, Port of Liverpool Builders Safehaven Marine LOA 14.7m Beam 4.4m...

0

Article Colombo Dockyard Lays Keel Of Pilot/Patrol Boat for Japan

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 18 September 2020

On 15th September 2020, Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) laid the keel to auspiciously commence shipbuilding work on the Pilot/ Patrol Boat for Kowa Company Ltd. of Japan (Kowa).

1

Article Associated Federal Pilots Orders Launch From Gladding-Hearn

published on 13 November 2020

The Associated Federal Pilots in Metairie, LA, has ordered a Chesapeake Class pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. The pilots’ first launch, built by the Mass.-based shipyard, is scheduled for delivery in July 2021.

0

Video Crowley Completes First U.S. Design for Fully Electric Tug with Autonomous Technology

published on 21 April 2021

Crowley Engineering Services has completed a design of the first fully electric U.S. tugboat with autonomous technology -- providing operators a sustainable and high-performing solution for ship assist and harbor services in any port. The Crowley design, powered by the expertise of recently integrated subsidiary Jensen Maritime, leverages a large battery system and power saving technology to operate in a fully electric mode while producing zero air emissions or greenhouse gases. The 82-foot...

1

Video Newcastle marine pilot transfer by helicopter

published on 9 September 2024

Did you know? In Newcastle, marine pilot transfers are carried out mostly by helicopter. Helicopter transfers are used for several reasons including pilot safety and efficiency, and as the largest bulk shipping port on Australia’s East Coast, that’s the name of the game! #PortAuthorityofNSW #marinepilotage #helicopter #newcastle #newcastleharbour #shipping ••• Port Authority of New South Wales manages the navigation, security and operational safety needs of commercial shipping in Sydney...

0