Harbor Master

The importance of the pilot ladder, by Bill Evans, Inspector of Marine Accidents.

Deadline: 15th June 2021

The United Kingdom Maritime Pilots Association (UKMPA), is the representative professional body for Maritime Pilots in the United Kingdom. Almost every ship entering or leaving a port, is required under UK law to engage a duly Authorised Maritime Pilot, who either boards the vessel in port or at sea and takes conduct of the safe navigation of that vessel. This undertaking is critical to protecting the country’s national infrastructure and environment from damage or pollution, supporting the UK’s economy, and ensuring the safe, timely and efficient movement of all trade.

Episode 10 by Ahmed Sati

In it´s August 2022 monthly safety scenario, the Swedish Club describes an accident where a pilot had fallen into the water, after one of the side ropes of the ladder broke.

"Although this should not happen, pilot ladders sometimes suddenly slip one step. Always grip the sideropes firmly and you can handle this!"

Pilot Boat in Action
Westerschelde Vlissingen NL
Access to Antwerpen

Conapra / Praticagem do Brasil have issued a notice “Common Errors in the pilot boarding arrangement “. In this notice, reference is made to international regulations ( Solas V Reg 23, IMO 1045 and ISO 799 ) as well as national regulations.

What’s expected to be the first autonomous container ship is at the beginning of a two-year pilot. Norwegian fertiliser giant Yara is behind the vessel, which will gradually transition to fully autonomous navigation. The global maritime industry is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, and it is thought this could be one step towards a green shipping revolution. Please subscribe HERE http://bit.ly/1rbfUog #ClimateChange #Norway #BBCNews