Another non-compliant trap door arrangement

On August 5, 2020 at approximately 10:30 pm, Sandy Hook Pilot Captain Timothy M. Murray was involved in an incident while boarding a tanker vessel inbound to the Port of New York & New Jersey. He sustained injuries after falling from a pilot ladder and was evacuated to a local hospital where his injuries proved to be fatal.

The American Pilots’ Association has sent a letter to state pilotage authorities across the United States on behalf of approximately 1,200 American ship pilots to improve safety pilot safety following the death of a New York pilot in December.

It has been exactly one year ago that a pilot from Sandy Hook (New York), Dennis Sherwood, died in the line of duty while attempting to board the container vessel Maersk Kensington.
What has happened since then? Has safety been improved for the pilots?

A pilot ladder is a highly specialized form of rope ladder, typically used on board cargo vessels for the purposes of embarking and disembarking pilots.

Please read this statement of Joris J. Stuip from PTR Holland, Partner of Marine-Pilots.com.

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Why do we see so many unapproved and low-quality pilot ladders? The answer is invariably price. OK, we all like a bargain, but ...

SOLAS/IMO/IMPA Regulations require additional safety measurements for pilot's boarding and disembarkation since recently. These magnetic holders of two types, one is manually set and the other is a remotely controlled one, fixes both pilot ladder and accommodation ladder (gangway) strongly onto the hull of the ship. Thus, the pilot can climb more safely. We are negotiating with ISO, IMO, IMPA etc in order to standardize these items for pilot safety.

Join me for a busy day on the pilot boat at the Port of Tyne as we guide ships in and out of the river – with a surprise visit from a pod of dolphins putting on an incredible show! From fast-paced pilot transfers to unexpected wildlife moments, this one’s got it all. 📍 Filmed on the River Tyne 🚢 Real-life pilot boat action 🐬 Dolphins playing Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes footage from life at sea! #jfktwo #portoftyne #portoftyne #shipspotting...

Recording of cruise ship Pilots boarding from boat at speed

Gavin Buchanan on YouTube: "Some of the best Ship Handling videos available online. Studying for my Master 3000 and have found these videos incredibly helpful. Thank you for making these free for students!"

posted on YouTube by "Marine Online"
Capsizing or keeling over occurs when a boat or ship is turned on its side or it is upside down in the water. The act of reversing a capsized vessel is called righting. If a capsized vessel has enough flotation to prevent sinking, it may recover on its own if it is not stable inverted. Vessels of this design are called self-righting.
#PilotBoat #Capsize #LifeBoat