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 Walking the right pilot boat side: Perfect disembarking
published on 14 June 2021
Video Pilot boarding by Helicopter in Wilhelmshaven, Germany
published on 14 February 2022
Video History: Helicopter Transport Elbe River-Pilot (1961)
published on 18 May 2020
Unissued / Unused material - Hamburg, West Germany (FDR - Federal Republic of Germany). German helicopters are used to carry river boat pilots to where they are needed. Big CU Helicopter pilot talking into mouthpiece. Aerial view from helicopter of boat below. MS as the helicopter comes in and lands on deck of the ship. Various shots as pilot is picked up from lightship and flown off in helicopter. LS From bridge of ship as helicopter flies overhead. CU Small bird sitting on capstan. (f.g....
Video How an AIS MOB Personal Emergency Transmitter works
published on 10 September 2020
Within seconds after the AIS MOB personal locator beacon easyONE-DSC is submerged into the water, the unit activates automatically and starts trasnmitting AIS and DSC alerts into vicinity of up to 7 nauticval miles.
You can also see the bright and strong red LED flare flashing which increases visibility of the victim in darkness drastically.
More product information
Video Pilot boarding in bad weather (Japan)
published on 6 April 2021
Video Pilot boats in rough seas during Storm Ciara
published on 20 April 2020
Video Pilotage In Maldives
published on 27 September 2020
World Maritime Day Program, Pilotage in Maldives. Documentary Produced by Capt.Mohamed Shahid in association with AMMARI (Association for Maldives Maritime Industry and Maldives Ports Limited. Special thanks to :- Mr. Shahid Ali, CEO, Maldives Ports Ltd. Capt. Ahmed Rasheed, Harbor Master, Maldives Ports Ltd. Mr. Muzni Mohamed, Maldives Ports Ltd. Capt. Hussain Faisal, Senior Pilot, Maldives Ports Ltd. Capt. Ahmed Muaz, Senior Pilot, Maldives Ports Ltd. Capt. Zaid, President, Association...