Pilots and pilot ladders

Question 1

What Rope is a pilot ladder made from

Answer 1

Natural Fiber, TBC

Question 2

Advantages of natural fibre

Answer 2

UV resistant
Good grip
Gives warning before breaking

Question 3

Responsibilities when the Pilot is on board

Answer 3

Navigation with Pilot on Board
Despite the duties and obligations of pilots, their presence on board does not relieve the master or officer in charge of the navigational watch from their duties and obligations for the safety of the ship.
The master and the pilot shall exchange information regarding navigation procedures, local conditions and the ship’s characteristics. The master and/or the officer in charge of the navigational watch shall co-operate closely with the pilot and maintain an accurate check on the ship’s position and movement.

If in any doubt as to the pilot’s actions or intentions, the officer in charge of the navigational watch shall seek clarification from the pilot and, if doubt still exists, shall notify the master immediately and take whatever action is necessary before the master arrives.

Question 4

handhold spacing

Answer 4

min 70cm - max 80 cm
Stanchions 120cm above bulwark

Question 5

Man rope dimension

Answer 5

28-32mm, no knots

Question 6

Step width and spacing

Answer 6

min 40cm width
31-35 cm spacing

Question 7

Spreader frequency and width

Answer 7

5th step from bottom, then max 9 steps between spreaders
180cm wide

Question 8

What else necessary for pilot ops

Answer 8

Responsible officer in contact with the bridge
Lifebouy with self igniting light
Ladder lit by forward pointing light at night

Question 9

Actions/handover on pilot boarding

Answer 9

Pilot given info on ships heading, speed, engine setting and draught
Pilot card handed over
Pilot made aware of life saving devices
Pilot flag displayed
Passage discussed and both parties aware of the following:
* ship reporting points
* Bridge watchkeeping arrangements
* Pilot change over requirements
* Expected traffic