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 MV Commodore Clipper Picks up the Le Havre Pilot, 11/9/26
published on 24 September 2026
Video San Francisco Shipping, Bar Pilot Transfer
published on 29 November 2021
Video Opinion by Nasir Khan: Pilot transfer by tug boat is unsafe
by Nasir Khan - published on 11 May 2022
Pilot transferring is unsafe and dangerous by Harbor Tug Boat from or to the ship. I analyzed and observed at many ports, Pilots using Harbor Tug Boat for transferring. Where Tug boats decks are not specially designed for the Pilot transferring. This is difficult for the Pilot during Embarkation and specially Disembarkation. Video courtesy Nasir Khan. Find Capt. Pilot Nasir Khan on Marine-Pilots.com: https://www.marine-pilots.com/members/112390
Article Shore Based Pilotage, a matter of trust
by Ed Verbeek - published on 14 October 2021
Article Safehaven Marine launch new Interceptor 48 ‘Pilot 1’ for the Gdynia Pilots in Poland
by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 13 July 2020
Safehaven Marine have launched a new Interceptor 48 pilot boat ‘Pilot 1’ for the Gdynia Pilots in
Poland. This is Safehaven’s 44th Pilot vessel delivered to ports worldwide. Safehavens Pilot 48 has
proved to be a superb sea boat performing admirably in pilotage operations with all owners extolling
its virtues of seakeeping, strength and stability.
Video The #MariTeam of the Port of Rotterdam #1: Harbour Coordination Centre and Dutch Pilotage
published on 26 January 2021
In the first episode of the 3-part series 'The Rotterdam Harbour MariTeam', Portvloggers Steven and Leida take you to the Harbour Coordination Centre and sail with the Dutch Pilotage. How important is teamwork in their work? https://www.portofrotterdam.com Follow Port of Rotterdam also on: Facebook: https://tiny.cc/zdshhy Twitter: https://tiny.cc/peshhy Linkedin: https://tiny.cc/cdshhy Website: https://www.portofrotterdam.com