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 “Harbor Pilot” 1960s Los Angeles Harbor Freighters & Ships Education Film
published on 25 June 2020
Harbor Pilot is a short film from 1967 that gives viewers a brief look at what a harbor pilot is and does. The film opens with footage of a sailboat sailing at sea, followed by a shot of a rocky coastline (01:10) and then an aerial view of a modern harbor — the Port of Los Angeles. A large freight ship, SS Gemstone, is out at sea. A harbor pilot stands on land at the Port of Los Angeles, looking out over the harbor. He walks into the pilot station at the entrance to the harbor to check the...
Video Pilot Boat Draco. Port of Rotterdam, February 23, 2020.
published on 1 April 2020
Article IMO opens discussion on SOLAS Convention to amend pilot boarding arrangements
published on 28 November 2022
Video Embarking Bulk Carrier "LUMPHINI PARK" from "SEA MASTER"/ 14.07.2025
published on 19 August 2025
Bulk Carrier Ship "LUMPHINI PARK"/ #RioDeLaPlataPilots Embarking Maneuver/ On board #PilotVessel "SEA MASTER"/ #BoardingPoint #JP #Recalada #RioDeLaPlata - 14th. July 2025 - 13:46 hs. (Local Time).- 20250714_134626_1_1 This video (original sound) was filmed on board Pilot Vessel "SEA MASTER" and shows the Rio de la Plata Pilots, when they Embarked on board the Bulk Carrier Ship "LUMPHINI PARK". This maneuver occurred in #JP #BoardingStation #Recalada #RioDeLaPlata.- Date: 14th.July 2025....