As explained, a large number of reports related to the use of pilot ladders which are too long relative to the vessel’s draughts. As a result, the excessively long ladders require shortening up before being deployed for boarding pilots. In these cases, ship crew shortens the pilot ladders, using D-shackles to choke the side ropes at the required height along the ladder’s length. In this method, the D-shackle is first secured to a hard point on the deck, such as a pad eye, and the ladder rope threaded through the shackle. Shortening ladders using the D-shackle method causes the weight of the ladder to be taken up by the D-shackle impacting directly against the mechanical securing clamps (widgets) which secure the ladders treads in place, Tokyo MoU explains.
As explained, a large number of reports related to the use of pilot ladders which are too long relative to the vessel’s draughts. As a result, the excessively long ladders require shortening up before being deployed for boarding pilots. In these cases, ship crew shortens the pilot ladders, using D-shackles to choke the side ropes at the required height along the ladder’s length. In this method, the D-shackle is first secured to a hard point on the deck, such as a pad eye, and the ladder rope threaded through the shackle. Shortening ladders using the D-shackle method causes the weight of the ladder to be taken up by the D-shackle impacting directly against the mechanical securing clamps (widgets) which secure the ladders treads in place, Tokyo MoU explains.
Article Pilot Transfer Arrangements
by Captain Kevin Vallance MNI - published on 2 October 2019
Article A contempt for pilot safety and total disregard for the contents of the SOLAS Convention.
by Captain Kevin Vallance MNI - published on 4 October 2019
Article Origins of the IMPA pilot mark
by Kevin Vallance deep sea pilot and author - published on 24 October 2019
There are many things in both our everyday and professional lives which we take for granted and never question the origins of, an example of this might be the IMPA recommended ‘pilot mark or pilot line’, which is sometimes seen on the side of vessels indicating where a vessels freeboard exceeds 9 metres.
Video MAERSK: "We have made boarding safer for pilots on more than 100 ships"
published on 8 September 2022
Video Cagliarie Ferry Pilot Transfer
published on 6 June 2023
Article Pilot Boarding and Landing – use of Personal Emergency Radio Devices
by Nick Lee, T&TC Chairman, UK Pilots - published on 4 February 2020
Video Pilot boarding MV ARKLOW MARSH in Spain (San Ciprian)
published on 4 September 2022
Video PilotVessel "ZEYA LP"/ BulkCarrierShip "CYCLADES"/ ZonaComún RioDeLaPlata ARG/ 08.02.2026-07:21
published on 10 February 2026
#PilotVessel "ZEYA LP"/ On board #BulkCarrierShip "CYCLADES" #ZonaComún #RioDeLaPlata #Argentina / 08th. February 2026 - 07:21 LT.- On this video (with original sound), you can watch the Pilot Vessel "ZEYA LP" approaching alonside the Portside of the Vessel, in #ZonaComún #RioDeLaPlata #Argentina , to change Pilots (Embarking Manuever of Rio Paraná Pilots and Disembarking Maneuver of the Rio de la Plata Pilots).- This video was filmed on board the following Vessel: Bulk Carrier Ship...