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 Always on the spot - how the pilots get to the vessels quickly and safely
published on 21 February 2023
On duty 24/7, 365 days a year. The pilot service is always on hand when a ship is heading for or leaving the Port of Hamburg. Fleet Hamburg reliably brings the pilots on board the ships and that is a fast-paced task. New challenges await every day. Find out more in this episode of "PORT IS WHAT WE DO".
https://www.hamburg-port-authority.de/en/
https://www.instagram.com/hamburgerhafen/
Article Interactive pilot ladder poster by UKMPA
by United Kingdom Maritime Pilots Association - published on 14 August 2025
Video Pilot Boarding Bulk Carrier SAMMY in Saudi Arabia.
published on 5 July 2021
This video was kindly provided by a friend of Pilot Captain Haitham Alzahrani, Saudi Arabia. Pilot Ladder Check: non-compliant, no retrieval line Editor's note: A backpack on the back in combination with a lifejacket is usually not a good idea. There are only a few lifejackets that unfold in the water without any problems even with a backpack! More Information: SAMMY (IMO: 9582491) is a Bulk Carrier that was built in 2012 (9 years ago) and is sailing under the flag of Panama. It’s carrying...
Article Maritime Pilots in the New York area use Pilot-Guard
by Pilot-Guard International Network for Pilot Safety - published on 11 April 2024
Video France handed over PILOTINE XIV pilot boat to Ukraine
published on 25 January 2024
Source: https://www.facebook.com/Ministry.for.restoration/posts/pfbid0ZSy9XuEdn8JFe38SCxhieyeLipRuwSE1V3LyzmAuyiGr5GiPAyXfR621vGWnuX8Vl?__cft__[0]=AZWwdGxJa-cQ4D72bQsr4qQjihMs4JfiQsAj9VMhhX55nVSFb0_pApBcc P2q_sfI7y6ppoPJUEA5DRnesMF4WWJL3JtuFHBtmHCjQ0ZjsVpI5S732ivCj_Y1Iu6SF8D58sJjZAKAzDQJWtRG_YQgcGeO&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/frantsiya-peredala-ukrayini-lotsmanskyj-kater/ https://www.shipphotos.co.uk/ship/?ship=pilotine103 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:...