ladders

APA recommends changes to pilot operations to improve safety

Following the loss of a New York pilot on December 30, the American Pilots’ Association issued a notice to the marine community advising of the dangers of some accommodation ladder/ pilot ladder combination arrangements with integrated embarking platforms.

Specifically, the Association highlights that given the current regulations around the ladder-platform transition issue it is not “an expensive proposition” to comply with the Regulation 23 and Resolution A.1045. Replacing or retrofitting...

https://safety4sea.com/apa-recommends-changes-to-pilot-operations-to-improve-safety/

US marine pilots urge on unsafe trapdoor arrangement

Following the death of a New York pilot back in December 2019, the American Pilots’ Association on behalf of around 1.200 American ship pilots, recently conducted a letter to the US State Pilotage Authorities concerning pilots’ safety.

Specifically, the New York pilot lost his life as he fell while boarding an inbound containership on December 30, 2019.

In this case, the embarkation was via a combination arrangement of an accommodation ladder and a pilot ladder. This combination involved a...

https://safety4sea.com/us-marine-pilots-urge-on-unsafe-trapdoor-arrangement/

Seafarers International House joins Dangerous Ladders campaign

The Seafarers International House (SIH) announced that they are joining the Dangerous Ladders campaign, after the death of a veteran Sandy Hook ship pilot, who fell from an accommodation ladder.

The Seafarers International House stated that it is taking part in the campaign to pressure the International Maritime Organization to solve the issue of dangerous ladders and build a safer environment for ship pilots.

It should be reminded that the Sandy Hook ship pilot lost his life when he fell during...

https://safety4sea.com/seafarers-international-house-joins-dangerous-ladders-campaign/

Tokyo MoU: Risks of improperly rigged pilot ladders

Tokyo MoU issued a Safety Bulletin to inform of the potential risks of using improperly rigged pilot ladders. This comes in response to several reports from pilots and pilot associations indicating that vessels are improperly securing their pilot ladders to the ship.

As explained, a large number of reports relate to the use of pilot ladders which are too long relative to the vessel’s draughts.

As a result, the excessively long ladders require shortening up before being deployed for boarding...

https://safety4sea.com/tokyo-mou-risks-of-improperly-rigged-pilot-ladders/

Unsafe pilot disembarkation procedures pose great risks

In its 57th issue CHIRP pays attention to several reports concerning safety onboard and accidents. In this one, the attention goes to a large cruise liner operated by one of the major passenger ship operators departing from port. The reporter in this instance was the disembarking pilot.

In this report, CHIRP received a message about safety measures which were not in line with the SOLAS regulations, concerning a pilot disembarkation procedure.

A metal bar was placed between the ladder side ropes...

https://safety4sea.com/unsafe-pilot-disembarkation-procedures-pose-great-risks/

AMSA recommends safe pilot transfer arrangements

AMSA issues a marine notice focusing on the topic of pilot transfer arrangements, reminding seafarers that it is crucial to provide safe pilot transfer arrangements in favour of seafarers’ safety and prevention of accidents.

AMSA refers to a number of accidents that have taken place in Australia from 2017 because of ladders; In addition, the Authority often receives complaints about non compliance of pilot transfer arrangements.

Shipowners, operators, masters and crews are reminded that pilot...

https://safety4sea.com/amsa-recommends-safe-pilot-transfer-arrangements/

Watch: Dangerous Ladders campaign launched

As part of the newly-launched Dangerous Ladders campaign, a global initiative to improve the safety of pilot transfer arrangements and in particular the safe rigging of pilot ladders, Fidra Films has developed a series of informational and educational films to illustrate the dangers and also best practice.

The film series seeks to reduce the incidence of non-compliant ladder arrangements, something that pilots face every day of their working lives.

The development, production and distribution of...

https://safety4sea.com/watch-dangerous-ladders-campaign-launched/

How to ensure safe operation of gangways

In light of several gangway claims, the Shipowners Club issued a revised booklet providing guidance on gangway safety. The booklet notes that gangways should have important information marked on their framework, including manufacturers’ name, safe loading (by numbers and weight), model number and the maximum angle for the gangway to be set at.

If a portable ladder is being utilised, this should be used at an angle of between 75 degrees from the horizontal and should extend at least 1m above the...

https://safety4sea.com/how-to-ensure-safe-operation-of-gangways/

Proactive port authority prevents possible deficiencies

CHIRP issued its 54th Maritime Feedback outlining an incident concerning a combination of ladder deficiency and the follow up which involved both the port authority and the regulatory authority, Port State Control. This report demonstrates that when a vessel turns up ill equipped, this regulator is prepared to take immediate action. Hitting owners and managers in the pocket by delaying the ship will certainly get their attention and help change behaviours.

The incident involves a vessel that...

https://safety4sea.com/proactive-port-authority-prevents-possible-deficiencies/

Stevedore fatality stresses risks associated with enclosed space entry

Transport Malta’s MSIU issued an investigation report on the fatality of a stevedore onboard the bulk carrier ‘A Navigation’, while in the port of Kelang, Malaysia, on 1st April 2018. The incident stressed hazards associated with enclosed space entry.

The incident

A Navigation was alongside in Port Kelang, Malaysia, discharging a cargo of steamed coal. At approximately 1000 on 01 April 2018, whilst the chief mate and the shore foreman were conducting their routine inspection of the cargo holds, a...

https://safety4sea.com/stevedore-fatality-stresses-risks-associated-with-enclosed-space-entry/

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