PILOT LADDERS: IMO NAV55

September 10th, 2009 by JCB
Posted in Articles, Technical and Training | 1 Comment »

Technical & Training Committee Chairman Brian Wilson is representing the UKMPA for this IMO session where updating the existing pilot ladder requirements is on the agenda. There are currently three pieces of legislation covering pilot ladders, all slightly different and the aim is to amalgamate them into one.

The main proposals are:

Step Spacing: To change the existing spacing from 300mm – 380mm to  310mm – 350mm with “spacing” being defined as from the top of one step to the top of the next, whereas before it was the gap. In addition to making access easier for the pilot, this spacing would also result in 3 steps per metre, making it easier for the crew to put out the correct length of ladder.

Tripping Lines:  These should be avoided where possible but where necessary they should be fastened above the bottom spreader (ie 5^th step up), fastened on the forward side, kept tight and not hinder the pilot or safe approach of the pilot boat.

Ropes: Should be two uncovered ropes of manila or other material of equivalent strength. Each side rope will be one rope, having its mid point at the top. (ie The ends of the rope are at the bottom of the ladder)

Combination ladders: Lead Aft  with the angle of slope reduced from 55 to 45 degrees. The Lower platform maintained at a minimum of 5 meters above sea level. With the platform secured to the ship’s side. The Pilot ladder & manropes to be secured to ship’s side 1.5m above the platform.

Rubbing bands: To be cut back to allow at least 6 meters of unobstructed ship’s side.

Insert pic. Caption: A replacement spreader used to wedge the ladder against the rails and the ropes pass over a sharp strake. If a pilot boat “hung up” on this ladder it would break at this point!

Photographic evidence is essential in explaining some of the very common but dangerous boarding arrangements that pilots had to deal with daily and Brian urges all pilots to take as many photos of dodgy ladders as possible and you can send them to him via me through the contact editor link on this page

JCB