STEP CHANGE FOR SAFETY GLOBAL SHARING SEP 2013 - PILOT LADDERS | Page 22

Shipping Industry Guidance on

Pilot Transfer
Arrangements
Ensuring Compliance with SOLAS
The following guidance has been produced by the International Maritime Pilots’ Association
(IMPA) in collaboration with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).

General
Pilots come aboard ship to assist the crew during the most
critical and potentially hazardous phases of a voyage.
Qualified pilots possess particular local knowledge and have
the necessary ship-handling skills to assist the safe arrival
and departure of vessels.

Furthermore, deficiencies with regard to boarding
arrangements and unsafe rigging of pilot ladders
continue to be detected during port state control
inspections, resulting in delays and financial penalties
for the ship operator.

Normally, pilots board and disembark using a traditional
rope ladder from and to a pilot boat. However, this can be a
very dangerous procedure if those involved do not adhere to
International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards or fail
to practise acceptable seamanship skills.

Nevertheless, pilot ladders remain the most safe and
efficient way to board ships at sea and there is usually no
alternative, except on occasions when a helicopter is used.

A number of pilots have died as a result of accidents while
boarding/disembarking from ships, and many more have
been seriously injured.

A good arrangement

The following guidance is intended to remind seafarers and
shipping companies of the vital importance of adhering
to the rules and established procedures concerning the
provision of safe boarding arrangements for pilots.