Pilot Ladder Manual - Basic

This publication covers topics such as risk assessment, PPE and maintenance and storage of equipment. It explains the technical details of carrying out pilot transfer operations and includes important safety observations and comments. Guidance on rigging a pilot ladder/combination ladder is illustrated by annotated rigging diagrams. The book also includes an onboard checklist that covers rigging a safe transfer arrangement, transferring a pilot to and from the ship and post operations.

1. Introduction
1.1 Pilot Transfer Rules and Regulations
1.2 Risk Assessment

2. Transfer and Rigging Arrangements
2.1 Pilot Ladders
2.2 Combinations and Accommodation Ladders
2.3 Shipside Doors

3. Other Equipment
3.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
3.2 Man ropes
3.3 Lifebuoys and Self-igniting Lights
3.4 Lighting, Heaving Lines and Retrieval Lines

4. Safe Operations
4.1 Consequences of Incorrect Rigging
4.2 Guidance on Maintenance and Storage
4.3 Supervision and the Transfer Process
4.4 Safe Deck Access

5. Checklists
5.1 Rigging a Safe Transfer Arrangement
5.2 Transferring a Pilot to and from the Ship
5.3 Post Operations

Witherby Publishing Group

Witherbys titles are developed using scripts developed by technical experts that are peer reviewed within work groups. Typically, they seek to improve understanding of the regulations, recommendations and guidelines issued by Industry.

Witherbys staff have significant expertise in the fields of navigation and hazardous cargoes as well as in the presentation of complex subjects in a graphic and easy to understand manner.

Captain Kevin Vallance

Captain Kevin Vallance has held the role of Master with South Coast Shipping Co and in 2006, became a Trinity House Licensed Deep Sea Pilot. He was elected to the United Kingdom Maritime Pilots’ Association Technical and Training Committee and represented them at a variety of safety meetings during his 5 year tenure. In 2020, he was awarded the Merchant Navy Medal for his services to maritime safety.