M2392 - Look After Your Pilot - They're Looking After You!

Initial Report

CHIRP received a report from a pilot concerning a non-compliant boarding arrangement and an apparent lack of care from the vessel’s crew.

The pilot ladder was suspended from the deckhead and failed to rest flush against the ship’s side due to hull belting—a setup that did not meet safe boarding standards. Although a small shell door was available for safer access, large fenders had been rigged on either side. When the pilot requested that these be removed to facilitate safe boarding, the master refused, citing concerns about damage to the paintwork.

The pilot assessed the situation and stated that boarding would not proceed unless the obstructions were cleared. Eventually, the fenders were removed, and boarding took place via the shell door.

The event was filmed from the bridge wing and by crew members, which contributed to the pressure and unease felt by the pilot. During boarding, the duty pilot struck his head, sustaining a minor injury (see attached image). The crew did not inquire about the pilot’s welfare or offer first aid. Instead, he was handed a pair of overshoes to protect the deck from being dirtied.

CHIRP Comment

Safety regulations around pilot boarding exist because failure to follow them can and does result in injury or worse.

Here again is a common design problem often reported to CHIRP. There appears to be a lack of integrated thinking when designing superyachts. Crews should not be placed in unsafe situations due to poor design decisions made remotely by those who will operate the vessels. There must be collaboration during the design phase for new builds, with input from all stakeholders such as designers, owners, flag authorities, class societies, crew, contractors, and pilots.

This report clearly reminds us that pilots are contractors and guests, yet they remain vital maritime professionals. The safe transfer of the pilot is not optional; it is compulsory, and their physical safety and well-being must be taken seriously.

Culture – The dismissive attitude toward the pilot’s safety — prioritising paintwork over people — reflects a poor on board safety culture. A culture that does not respect external personnel or reporting lines weakens trust and increases risk.

Communication – The Master’s refusal to remove the fenders and the failure to explain or resolve the issue collaboratively suggest a lack of effective communication between the ship and the pilot. Effective communication is crucial for achieving shared situational awareness and making informed, coordinated decisions.

Alerting – The pilot raised a safety concern, which was initially ignored; this constitutes a failure to act on an alert. Ignoring or dismissing raised concerns discourages others from speaking up and undermines the effectiveness of safety systems.

Teamwork – Boarding a vessel is a collaborative effort between the ship and the pilot. Filming the event and failing to help shows a breakdown in cooperative behaviour and mutual respect, key elements of effective teamwork.

Situational Awareness – The lack of recognition that the pilot had been injured, and the absence of any first aid or welfare check indicate poor situational awareness. The crew was not entirely focused on what was happening around them or the seriousness of the event.

Key Takeaways

Seafarers – Every visitor is your responsibility. Pilots and contractors are part of your extended team. They deserve the same duty of care as your crew. Ensure safe boarding arrangements, treat visitors with respect, and help without hesitation. A clean deck is no excuse for a dirty attitude.

Managers – Safe access is not optional – it’s the law. Boarding arrangements must meet SOLAS requirements — every time. Pressure to protect paintwork cannot outweigh the safety of personnel. Set clear expectations with your crews: all visitors, especially pilots, must be welcomed safely and professionally.

Regulators – Standards must protect people, not paint. Incidents like this show how operational decisions can put reputations — and lives — at risk. Regulators must reinforce the message that duty of care extends to all personnel boarding a vessel and that non-compliant setups or dismissive behaviour are unacceptable.