Author: Kevin Vallance
Published: November 2023
This publication provides ship Masters and crew with a comprehensive understanding of the equipment, safety requirements and regulations necessary to conduct a proper risk assessment of pilot transfer operations.
Topics covered include the responsibilities of all personnel involved in pilot transfer, ladder construction and combination ladders, and examples of inadequate securing of a ladder. The guide explains the technical details of carrying out pilot transfer operations and includes important safety observations and comments. It includes text of SOLAS V, Regulation 23 Pilot Transfer Arrangements, IMO Resolution A.1045(27) on Pilot Transfer Arrangements, the UK Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers and the ISO 799 requirements for pilot ladders
Table of Contents
About the Author
Meanings of Symbols used in this Manual
Author's Introduction
1. General Responsibilities of all Involved in Pilot Transfer
1.1 Regulations Applicable to Pilot Transfer Arrangements
1.2 Pilot Boarding Grounds
1.3 Owners and Ship Management Companies
1.4 On Board the Vessel
1.5 Pilotage Services
1.6 Pilots
1.7 Pilot Boat Crew
2. Pilot Ladder Construction
2.1 Certifi cation and Markings
2.2 Requirements for Effective Design and Construction
3. Securing the Pilot Ladder
3.1 Examples of Inadequate Securing
3.2 The Use of Shackles as a Securing Method
4. Access to the Deck
4.1 Handholds and Stanchions
4.2 Bulwark Ladders and Platforms
4.3 Low Freeboard Transfers
4.4 Unsafe Pilot Ladder Example
5. Supervision
6. Shipside Doors
7. Combination Ladders
7.1 Securing Combination Ladders
7.2 Platform of the Accommodation Ladder
7.3 Trapdoor Designs and Other Considerations
8. Associated Equipment and Lighting
8.1 Lighting
9. Pilot Ladder Winch Reels
10. Annexes
Annex 1 - SOLAS V, Regulation 23 - Pilot Transfer Arrangements
Annex 2 - IMO Resolution A.1045(27)
Annex 3 - IMO Resolution A.1108(29)
Annex 4 - Technical Drawings
Annex 5 - Rolling Hitch
Annex 6 - Retrieval Line Poster
Annex 7 - Checklists