Article Update: "Strength of Pilot Ladders and Intermediate Securing of Pilot Ladders"
by Capt. Troy Evans - published on 2 November 2020
An investigation into actual strength of ladders and intermediate securing methods used.
Capt. and Marine Pilot Troy Evans (New Zealand) decided to look into pilot ladder strength and intermediate securing arrangements after MNZ put out what he felt was a confusing and unclear document about securing of pilot ladders.
Video Magnet Holder - Gangway/Pilot Ladder Fixing Equ. (from Korea Ocean Tech)
published on 4 July 2019
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.
Video Boston Pilots
published on 29 July 2024
Video Interceptor 60 Pilot alongside ship handling sea trials
published on 26 August 2025
Video 2006 Port of London Pilot Capt. Tom Miller - Hebridean Princess
published on 22 November 2023
In 2006 I was invited to join Port of London Pilot Capt. Tom Miller on one of his last few voyages before his retirement. A pilot cutter ferried us from the Gravesend Port office to the Port of London Terminal where the Hebridean Spirit waited for us to board. Once aboard, the ship's captain manoeuvred the vessel off its moorings and into the channel. After handing the vessel over to Capt. Miller, the Captain joined the ship's company for dinner, and the first offer and a helmsman remained...