PILOT LADDER

Learning outcomes
• At the end of the topic, students should be able to identify:
1. Prepared rigging of pilot ladder
2. Ensure the rigging of pilot ladder functionally
3. Complete rigging of pilot ladder
 INTRODUCTION
• The pilot ladder is designed for embarking and
disembarking of pilots.
• Sometimes boarding officials,
superintendents, surveyor, joining crew and
spouses, bunker personnel and stevedores will
used this ladder.
• The pilot will used this ladder when the ship is
at anchor (anchorage area) which is at the sea.
• The rigging of pilot ladder is the responsibility of
the ship’s staff and a responsible officer should
oversee the rigging of the pilot ladder.
• This may be delegated to an experienced
seamen, but the final responsibility should be
with the duty officer.
• The company is responsible for training the crew
to make them proficient in rigging the pilot
ladder, and such operations should be treated
with great importance.
Pilot ladder
 Position
• To ensure the safe, convenient and unobstructed
passage of any person embarking from the ship.
• If the access is by means of a gateway in the rails or
bulwark, adequate handholds should be provided.
• Where such access is by means of a bulwark ladder,
two handhold stanchions rigidly secured to the ship’s
structure at or near their bases and at higher points
should be fitted.
• The bulwark ladder should be securely attached to the
ship to prevent it overturning. Shipside doors used for
pilot transfer should not open outwards.
Materials
Pilot ladder, wooden steps, rubber steps, spreader,
replacement steps and spreader
 Construction: steps
• Made of hardwood in one piece, free of knots.
• The four lowest steps are made of rubber of
sufficient strength and stiffness
• Efficient non-slip surface
• Not less than 400mm between the side ropes,
115mm wide and 25mm in depth, excluding any
non-slip device or grooving
• Equally spaced not less than 300mm or more
than 380mm apart
• They should be secured in such a manner that
each will remain horizontal
 Construction
• Should have no more than two replacement
steps
• Pilot ladder with more than five steps should
have spreader steps not less than 1.8m long to
prevent from twisting.
• The lowest spreader steps should be the fifth
step from bottom of the ladder and the
interval between any spreader step and the
next should not exceed nine steps.
 Construction: ropes
• The securing strong points, shackles and
securing ropes should be at least as strong as
the side ropes specified below.
• Side ropes should consist of two uncovered
ropes not less than 18mm in diameter on each
side and should be continuous, with no joins
below the top step.
• Side ropes should be made of manila or other
material of equivalent strength, durability and
grip
 Rigging
• Arrangements should be provided to enable the pilot to
embark and disembark safely on either side of the ship.
• Safe and convenient access to and from the ship should be
provided by a pilot ladder:
Requiring a climb of not less than 1.5m and not more
than 9m above the surface of the water so positioned
and secured that it is clear of nay possible discharges
from the ship
Situated within the parallel body length of the ship
and, as far as is practicable, within the mid-ship half
length of the ship
 Rigging
Each steps rests firmly against the ship’s side
to ensure that people are able to embark and
disembark safely.
Clear of overboard discharges
A single length, capable of reaching the water
from the access point at light draught with
normal trim & zero lists.
Where the securing strong point, shackles and
securing ropes should be at least as strong as
the side ropes.
 Rigging procedure
1. No tag lines, pull-up ropes, or trailing lines may
be attached to the lower ends of the ladder.
2. Ladders must be rigged well clear of discharge
and water outlets and at a place near mid-ship
which affords the best lee for the pilot.
3. At no time should the ladder be rigged near the
stern of the vessel.
4. A means must be provided to allow the pilot to
pass safely onto the ship's deck.
5. Where portable stanchions and bulwark steps
are used for this, the portable stanchions must
be rigidly attached to the ship's structure and
not the steps.
• The bulwark steps must also be securely
fastened.
• The ladder must be in good condition.
• The treads must remain horizontal when used
and the upper surface must have a rough non-
skid quality.
• Manropes approximately 3" manila in
circumference, a heaving line and a ring buoy
with a self-igniting light must be provided.
 Well rigged vs. bad rigged
Bottom spreader is
Well positioned, well replacement of different
maintained and properly construction. Should be
rigged ladder replaced as soon as possible
 Associated equipment
• The following associated equipment shall be
kept at hand ready for immediate use when
persons are being transferred:
 A lifebuoy equipped with a self-activating light and
a heaving line
 If required by the pilot; two manropes of not less
than 28mm in diameter properly secured to the
ship
 Stanchions and bulwark ladders shall be provided
if required
 Lighting
• Adequate lighting shall be provided to
illuminate the transfer arrangements over-
side, and the position on deck where a person
embarks or disembarks.
 Maintenance and stowage
• All arrangement used for pilot transfer should
efficiently fulfill their purpose of enabling
pilots to embark and disembark safely
• The appliances should be kept clean, properly
maintained and stowed, and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that they are
safe to use.
• They should be used solely for the
embarkation and disembarkation of personnel
 Maintenance and stowage
• Ladders should be:
Stowed in a dry and well ventilated location
Stowed clear of the deck
Fitted with the cover to protect from sunlight,
chemical or paint spills, etc
Inspected for damage to steps, ropes and lashings
before use.
SUMMARY
 Pilot ladder rigging
• USED: Embarkation & disembarkation of
pilots-officials/other persons while the vessel
is arriving & leaving port.
• Clear of overboard discharges- each step rest
firmly-after climbing between 1.5 and 9m.
• A single length, capable of reaching the water
from the access point at light draught with
normal trim & zero lists.
 Pilot ladder rigging
• If more than 9m- an accommodation ladder /
similar device shall be used instead.
• The treads-hardwood 48 cm long x 11.5 cm
deep x 2.5 cm thick-spaced between 30 & 38
cm apart.
• The steps horizontal.
• Two sides ropes- each side- 18mm manila
rope.
 Pilot ladder rigging
• Two 28 mm manropes -enable the pilot to
mount the ladder-with a safety line .
• Hardwood batten-1.8 m long-prevent twisting.
• At night - at the point of access- properly
illuminated.
• A responsible officer- supervise - when in use.
END