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 Radio communication, reporting and embarkation of pilot onboard cargo ship
published on 15 September 2021
Video Safe boarding of vessels
published on 25 February 2021
Article #DangerousLadders on Facebook
by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 10 September 2019
Article Fremantle Pilots and Fremantle Ports: Working Together to Improve Pilot Transfer Safety
by Fremantle Pilots - published on 6 June 2025
Video Ore China - Valemax DWT 400000 tons maneuver by pilot at Shandong
published on 4 November 2022
Video produced by Pilot : Dang Tinh Thai port in video at : Fushan, Yantai, Shandong, China - Yantai Port ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ General of vessel : Marine Tracffic Music : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or20zp56RkI Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@yeutaubien.damehanghai?_t=8WgiQNmiRcX&_r=1 Fanpage : https://www.facebook.com/Wvfcs.102
Video Pilot Boat NANIWA (Japan)
published on 15 October 2025
NANIWA (Pilot Vessel) IMO: - MMSI: 431007094 Call Sign: - Flag: Japan [JP] AIS Vessel Type: Other Gross Tonnage: - Deadweight: - Length Overall x Breadth Extreme: 18m × 4m Year Built: - Status: Active Voyage Info https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:3738287/mmsi:431007094/vessel:NANIWA