STEP CHANGE FOR SAFETY GLOBAL SHARING SEP 2013 - PILOT LADDERS | Page 23

Ensuring Safe Rigging for Pilots
The IMO Convention for Safety of Life at Sea
(SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 23) sets out the
principal requirements for the rigging of pilot ladders.
These provisions are set out in the diagram contained
in this brochure. This diagram can be downloaded at
www.impahq.org (on home page, click ‘Downloads’).
It is also reproduced in the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide.

Seafarers should always check the condition of the
ladder before it is rigged and also ensure it is secure to
the ship. Whilst this is done, seafarers should always take
care of their own safety, wearing a life jacket (and a
life-line if appropriate).

There is further detailed technical specification for
pilot ladders in IMO Resolution A.1045(27). Shipping
companies have a legal obligation to provide a
conforming ladder and ship-borne fittings. If seafarers
are uncertain about any of the requirements, they should
always ask their supervising officer for advice.
The two major causes of accidents are defects in the
ladder treads or sideropes (see diagram) or a lack of
proper attachment of the ladder to the vessel.
Poor and incorrect securing method

Management Issues

On Board Issues

Shipping companies should ensure that:

The Master and officers should:

• Ladders are SOLAS compliant

• Closely supervise the rigging of pilot ladders

• The inspection regime and records are adequate

• Closely observe the shipping/landing of pilots from
ladders, ensuring that SOLAS requirements are met

• Replacement ladders are quickly and readily available
on board
• Seafarers involved receive the necessary training and
have a full understanding of the requirements.
IMPA is able to provide an advice document for new
construction designs.

• Maintain a lee until the pilot vessel is well clear.
At all times during the rigging, use and de-rigging of any
pilot transfer arrangements there should be no risk to
the ship’s crew. Crew members should not normally be
required to leave the protection of the ship’s safety rails
or bulwarks. A life line or safety harness should be worn if
there is any risk of falling.

New SOLAS requirements from 1 July 2012
Ships constructed after the 1 July 2012 must
comply with the new equipment and arrangement
requirements of SOLAS Regulation V/23. Equipment and
arrangements replaced on or after the 1 July 2012 on
existing ships, shall, so far is reasonable and practicable,
comply with the requirements of this regulation.

These requirements include the securing of an
accommodation ladder to the ship’s side, when
used in conjunction with the pilot ladder, and the
prohibited use of mechanical pilot hoists.

Summary
Pilots have the right to decline to board vessels offering
defective ladders, which can result in serious delay.
Pilots are also entitled to report defects in boarding
ladders to port state control authorities, which could
lead to a full PSC inspection with the risk of delay and
financial penalties.

A pilot who has climbed a sound ladder, well rigged,
and attended by an officer and a deck party will be in
the right frame of mind to give his best attention to the
safety of the vessel.