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 The Netherlands: Picking up the pilot of the "Procyon"
published on 22 January 2024
Video St Johns Bar Pilot Association
published on 17 January 2020
A collection of action from the St Johns Bar Pilot Association In the early 1800′s as the commercial ports along the St Johns River began to develop, a select group of brave and skilled seafarers would row to sea to meet arriving cargo sailing ships. These daring individuals would use their extensive local knowledge to safely guide the sailing ships across the treacherous sand bars that guarded the river entrance. This was the origin of the St. Johns Bar Pilots. Initially it was a bit of a...
Video Pilot Boat "SEA MASTER"& General Cargo Ship "BBC MONT BLANC"- 12.04.2025
published on 15 April 2025
#PilotVessel "SEA MASTER"/ On board #GeneralCargoShip "BBC MONT BLANC" #JP #Recalada #RioDeLaPlata/ 12th. April 2025 - 07:47 Local Time.- On this video (with original sound), you can watch the moment in which the Pilot Vessel "SEA MASTER" arrived to the Port Side of the General Cargo Ship "BBC MONT BLANC" (Approaching Maneuver) to Disembark the Rio de la Plata Pilots, from that vessel, at the #BoardingStation #JP #Recalada #RioDeLaPlata.- This video was filmed on board the following...
Video HURON SPIRIT - Pilot Boat Transfer - FEDERAL YUKON - Port Huron, Michigan
published on 24 September 2020
Article
TRENZ starts Open Testing phase for
Pilot-Guard
by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 11 October 2024
Video Tees Pilot Boat Chase (UK)
published on 22 September 2025
Follow me on my drone journey always in 4K see what my drone sees from above # dronearielfootage
# drone video #dji drone #mini 3pro
Another boat chase, just me the Little Fella and the Tees Pilot Boat and a bucket load of Seagulls no editing, no transitions, no colour grading, whats not to like.