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 Crazy Pilot Boarding when the vessel is rolling heavy
published on 21 December 2019
Video Bulk Carrier "NAMURA QUEEN" & Pilot Boat "SEA LIGHT", Recalada/ 02.04.2005
published on 15 April 2025
#Short #BulkCarrier Ship "NAMURA QUEEN"/ On board #PilotVessel "SEA LIGHT"/ #JP #Recalada #KM239_1 #puntaindiochannel #RioDeLaPlata #Argentina / 02nd. April 2025 - 17:13 Local Time.- This video (with original sound) was filmed on board the Pilot Vessel "SEA LIGHT" and shows the moments in which the Pilot Boat departed from the port side of the Bulk Carrier Ship "NAMURA QUEEN", after finished with the Disembarking Maneuver of the Rio de la Plata Pilot, at #BoardingStation #JP #KM239_1...
Video TOP MARINE/ Disembarking, PilotVessel "COMETA" - 25.07.2024
published on 7 August 2024
Bulk Carrier Ship "TOP MARINE"/ #RioDeLaPlataPilot/ Disembarking Maneuver/ On board #PiloVessel "COMETA" #ZonaComún #LaPlataRoads #RioDeLaPlata - 25th. July 2024 - 10:47 hs. (Local Time).- This video (original sound) was filmed on board Pilot Vessel "COMETA" and shows the Rio de la Plata Pilot, when he disembarked from the Bulk Carrier Ship "TOP MARINE". This maneuver occurred in #ZonaComún #RioDeLaPlata.- #ZonaComún #BoardingStation #RioDeLaPlata.- Date: 25th. July 2024. Time: 10:46...
Article The use of helmets... or “Why Do Pilots Not Wear Helmets?”
by Marine Pilot Luis Vale, Portugal - published on 20 August 2019
Article Update: "Strength of Pilot Ladders and Intermediate Securing of Pilot Ladders"
by Capt. Troy Evans - published on 2 November 2020
An investigation into actual strength of ladders and intermediate securing methods used.
Capt. and Marine Pilot Troy Evans (New Zealand) decided to look into pilot ladder strength and intermediate securing arrangements after MNZ put out what he felt was a confusing and unclear document about securing of pilot ladders.