M2354

Go back

31st March 2025

Single Column View

Non-compliant pilot ladder

Initial Report

Our reporter sent pictures of a pilot ladder that did not meet SOLAS regulations. No handholds were securely fastened to the ship’s bulwarks, preventing the pilot from stepping safely and comfortably from the top of the ladder onto the ship’s deck. The accommodation ladder platform did not have stanchions, and the ropework and securing hitches were substandard. The pilot ladder was not correctly secured at deck level.

This was reported to the master when the pilot boarded the vessel. The master was informed about the proper securing of the combination rig and has given assurances that corrective action will be taken. Port state authorities were alerted to this incident.

CHIRP Comment

The quickest way to motivate the industry to address this common issue properly is to refuse to board. This also ensures pilots’ safety. Do not take chances – there is no such thing as a ‘safe’ non-compliant ladder.

SOLAS requires that a responsible deck officer supervises the rigging of ladders. Unfortunately, there is some ambiguity in using the word ‘officer’ because ISO 799 says that a deck officer can be any suitably trained deck crew, and many companies thus delegate the role to a deck hand rather than a ship’s officer. This has obvious safety implications.

CHIRP calls on Flag States to mandate that ladder rigging be supervised by a ship’s officer and that this activity be included within the Permit to Work system because of the potential risk to life.

Key Issues relating to this report

Culture – A poor safety culture is evident, which is shown by the lack of care to a pilot boarding the vessel. Management must provide guidance and practical training to the crew.

Situational Awareness— There is a false sense of safety that the pilot can manage this transfer safely when it is clearly dangerous.

Capability—There are clear procedures for rigging a pilot ladder combination rig, but they were not followed in this incident.