Pilot Transfer Arrangements

PLATFORM
HANDHOLDS

5.5 be provided with sufficient round handholds with a diameter of no less than 28mm and not more than 32 mm to allow safe mounting or dismounting of the pilot ladder. The structure of the platform itself shall not be relied upon to provide handholds;

ACCOMMODATION LADDER AND TRAPDOOR

5.5 In the case of a combination arrangement using an accommodation ladder with a trapdoor in the lower platform, the lower platform shall:

1. have an aperture with dimensions not less than 750 mm x 750 mm which is open to the ship’s hull on the inboard side and which is designed to ensure that the horizontal distance between the pilot ladder and adjacent edges of the aperture is between 0.1 and 0.2m;

PILOT LADDER
AND STEPS

Pilot Ladder and steps shall rest firmly against the ship’s side.

2. be designed and constructed to:

1. allow the pilot ladder and manropes to pass through the aperture without obstruction or distortion;

2. ensure the pilot ladder lies flat against the ship’s side;

3. ensure that structural members shall not interfere with or lay against the pilot ladders; and

4. ensure the highest step of the pilot ladder is at least 2 m above the lower platform and remain compliant with part B;

THE TRAPDOOR

5.4 have a trapdoor which opens upwards and which is secured flat on the embarkation platform or against a stanchion either at the aft end or outboard side of the platform, and in any case not obstructing the access the ship;

SECURING
THE PLATFORM

Shall be secured to ship’s side using sunken eyes or approved mechanical system.

LADDER
SECURING

Pilot Ladders shall be secured on the lowest deck within the ship side opening, rigging from the deckhead or freeboard deck is not permitted.

In all ships, when it is intended to embark and disembark pilots or other personnel by means of the pilot ladder, the pilot ladder shall be secured to the dedicated strong points meeting the requirements of paragraph 6.1 and positioned that:

1. it is clear of any possible discharge from the ships and at all times hangs vertically, free and without obstruction;

2. it is within the parallel body length of the ship and within the midship half- length of the ship;

3. each step rests firmly against the ship’s side and is horizontal in all planes throughout the entire vertical length of the ladder;

4. when used in conjunction with ship’s side openings, the ladder shall be secured in accordance with section 14;

5. when a retrieval line is considered necessary to ensure the safe rigging of a pilot ladder, the line shall be secured to the forward end, at or above the lowest spreader step and shall lead forward. The retrieval line shall not hinder the pilot nor obstruct the safe approach of the pilot boat; and

6. the lowest step of the pilot ladder, by using the means of paragraph 6.3, is at the height above the surface of the water requested by the pilot or personnel being transferred.

MANROPES

If required must pass through the eye of the stanchions. They must be secured to strong points on the deck, or alternatively if suspended from the deckhead they must be secured to strong points on the deckhead vertically above the stanchions.

PILOT
LADDER

5.5 be provided with sufficient round handholds with a diameter of no less than 28mm and not more than 32 mm to allow safe mounting or dismounting of the pilot ladder. The structure of the platform itself shall not be relied upon to provide handholds;

STANCHIONS
AND HANDRAILS

Stanchion distance Min. 70cm Max. 80cm.

Stanchions or handrails shall be positioned no greater than 0.12m inboard of the edge of the deck.

A heaving line shall be available.

Repair or replacement of pilot ladder steps or spreader steps shall be prohibited.

There shall be instructions supplied for care, maintenance, inspection and stowage with each pilot ladders, manropes and all associated equipment. These instructions shall include:

1. pre-and post-use inspection instructions;

2. detailed periodic inspection procedures, including those for side ropes;

3. instructions for inspecting and repairing rope seizings or securing devices, along with a list of permitted onboard repairs;

4. care and stowage instructions, including warnings about chemical exposure, sunlight impact and other potential causes of ladder degradation;

5. factors affecting pilot ladder life, including stowage arrangements;

6. acceptable method(s) of securing ladder to strong points;

7. pictorial examples and detailed written description of damage or conditions warranting withdrawing the ladder from service; and

8. care and maintenance specifics for natural fibre rope ladders.

No Shackles, knots or splices.

A maintenance plan shall be developed and shall be available for inspection. The maintenance plan shall be easily understood, illustrated as appropriate wherever possible, and shall include the following:

1. a checklist for use when carrying out the inspections required by paragraph 25;

2. maintenance, repair and stowage instructions, in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions;

3. schedule of periodic inspection and maintenance;

4. list of sources of spare parts or replacements;

5. log for records of inspections and maintenance; and

6. record of when the pilot ladder or manropes were brought into service and their anticipated date of withdrawal from service in accordance with paragraph 30 of these performance standards.

26 Pilot transfer arrangements shall be subject to:

1. inspection before and after each use by a responsible officer on board; and

2. a detailed inspection every three months by a responsible officer on board.

Pilot ladders shall be permanently marked by the manufacturer with at least the following information on the underside of the uppermost step and the lowermost spreader step:

1. the name of the manufacturer;

2. an equipment serial number or other means of unique identification which the manufacturer shall be able to validate;

3. date of manufacture; and

4. name and details of the approving authority.

The steps shall not be painted, varnished, dirty or slippery.

Retrieval lines shall not be secured below bottom spreader. Retrieval lines if required, shall be secured above the bottom spreader and shall lead forward.