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.

During the transit time on the pilot launch between the shore and the vessel, marine pilots will spend at least a portion of that time carrying out (either consciously or subconsciously) a risk assessment of the forthcoming operation.

Over the past few years a number of pilot transfer accidents have occurred resulting from total failure of the side ropes, one school of thought is that the methods of securing a pilot ladder is a factor in such occurrences.

China has already submitted proposals to the IMO regarding changes to SOLAS, Chapter 23, and IMO A.1045(27) in early 2021.

Ideas from Nasir Khan, Port Pilot: "I would like to suggest that we try an experiment and make some modifications that will result in a better grip on the handrails of the ship's ladder and on the pilot ladder steps. Let's talk about it!"

For the safety of maritime pilots

On board Pilot One during boarding maneuvers to one of the regular ferries that connects Tarifa with Tangier city.

Turkish Straits , Istanbul Strait , Maritime Pilot , www.turkishpilots.org.tr

Evening Pilotage of inward entry to Rio De Janeiro on Aframax tanker.

The pilots say that Port Tampa Bay leadership is leaning on them to change policies in ways they say would be less safe.