Vessel Access

Question 1

What are the SOLAS requirements for a pilot ladder?

Answer 1

 A rope ladder must be of adequate width and length and so constructed that it can efficiently be secured to the ship
 Slip-resistant foothold, no less than 400mm x 115mm x 25mm, they must be secured firmly held against twist, turnover, or tilt.
 The steps must be horizontal and equally spaced at intervals of 310mm
 Side ropes should be a minimum of 18mm in diameter
 No shackles, knots, or splices between steps
 Ladder over 1.5m in length must be fitted with spreaders not less than 1.8m long. The spreader at the bottom must be on the fifth step from the bottom and then spreaders must be placed at intervals not exceeding 9 steps
 Two handhold stanchions should be provided at the top of the pilot ladder, with a spacing of 700 mm-800 mm apart. The stations should be rigidly secured to the ship at the base and another higher point. The stanchions should be 40mm in diameter and have a minimum height of 1.20m.
 When replacement steps are fitted, they should be secured by the methods used in the original construction of the ladder. No pilot ladder should have more than two replacement steps.
 Two-man ropes should be provided not less than 28mm in diameter, and properly secured to the ship.

Question 2

What are the requirements for the positioning of a pilot ladder?

Answer 2

 It is clear of any possible discharges from the ship.
 It is within the mid-ship of the ship.
 It is rested firmly against the ship’s side.
 The person climbing it should be able to board the vessel after climbing no more than 9 metres.

Question 3

What are the necessary preparations to be made when rigging the pilot ladder?

Answer 3

 ‘Bridge procedures guide’ checklist.
 Competent officer must take charge of communication with the bridge.
 Adequate personnel.
 Crew briefing and appropriate PPE.
 Adequate lightning.
 Lifebuoy nearby and all other safety equipment.
 Pilot ladder, stanchions and man rope inspected and safe to use.

Question 4

Where can guidance on rigging a pilot ladder?

Answer 4

COSWP and the IMO Pilots Association Poster.

Question 5

What are the requirements when using a combination ladder?

Answer 5

• Combination ladder should be used if the vessel’s freeboard is more than 9 metres.
• All equipment being used should be inspected regularly.
• A combination ladder is an accommodation ladder leading down the vessel’s side meeting a pilot ladder at the bottom.

Question 6

What preparation is required for rigging an accommodation ladder?

Answer 6

 Checklist and get a PTW (permit to work) working outboard.
 Carry out a briefing and check all PPE.
 Confirm communication with the bridge.
 Adequate lighting.
 Lifebuoy nearby and any other safety equipment and equipment.
 Check the area is free of any obstruction.
 Visual inspection of ladder and platform.
 Secure Handy Billy’s and take up the slack.
 Attach the davit wire to the yoke.
 Attach the outboard bridle.
 Remove lashings and check over the side.
 Lower ladder to 45o and secure inboard bridles.
 Lower to a horizontal position and take weight on the bridle.
 Rig station and rails.
 Remove Handy Billies.

Question 7

How to rig an accommodation ladder?

Answer 7

 Lower the ladder to a maximum of 55 degrees.
 Two crew members to go down and position the ladder and rig safety net.
 Display relative signage.
 No unauthorised visitors.
 Security level.
 Visitors’ logbook.
 Fire Plan.
 24-Hour Watch.
 Suitable lighting.

Question 8

What information should gathered prior to embarkation and Disembarkation of a Pilot?

Answer 8

• As the OOW you must know the position of the pilot ground, this can be found in the navigational chart, sailing directions, and Admiralty List of Radio Signals.
• On approach, the ships speed and heading should be adjusted as requested by the port or VTS operator.
• Tidal information should be checked before arrival at the pilot station.
• The passage plan should have a contingency plan put in place.