The Club wish to draw to the attention of Members the recently issued Marine Notice 03/2022 on Pilot Transfer Arrangements
“shipowners, operators, masters, crews, recognised organisations, marine pilots and pilotage providers of the obligation to provide safe pilot transfer arrangements.”
AMSA make reference to the fact that since November 2017 several pilots’ lives have been placed at risk in six separate incidents as the result of deficiencies in the pilot ladder rigging arrangements, including instances of man ropes having parted. In addition, AMSA regularly receives reports and complaints about non-compliant pilot transfer arrangements.
Shipowners, operators, masters and crews are reminded that pilot transfer arrangements, including pilot ladders, must comply with Marine Order 21 (Safety and emergency arrangements) 2016 (MO21). MO21 implements Australia’s obligations under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter V Regulation 23 (SOLAS V/23).
Marine Notice 02/2022 supersedes Marine Notice 03/2019
Other of Club articles and material on pilot ladders include:
AMSA Marine Notice 06/2021 – Fatal accidents from falling off pilot ladders on ships
Pilot Ladder Safety – The launch of the Pilot Ladder Safety website
CHIRP Maritime Advisory Board – Insight Article – Pilot Ladders – Error enforcing conditions and deficiencies
Work Safely Poster - Pilot Boarding Operations
