In Operation, Lives Are at Stake: Pilot Ladder Safety Is No Trivial Matter

Components of pilot ladders, such as ropes and steps, are highly prone to aging. Below, we outline key points for the usage, and maintenance of pilot ladders—the “ladder of life” for boarding and disembarking vessels.

Warning Cases

1.In July 2022, the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel “HXX*” experienced a breakage of the left side rope of its pilot ladder during a pilot transfer at the Baoshan Pilot Transfer Center. Fortunately, the pilot quickly grabbed the combination ladder, averting serious consequences.

2.On October 30, 2024, the Panama-flagged bulk carrier “FXX,” while sailing from the Yangtze Estuary No. 2 Anchorage to Shanghai Luojing Wharf, lost a crew member overboard during the deployment of the pilot ladder near the S2 Light Buoy in the South Channel. The crew member remains missing.

3.On May 24, 2025, the Panama-flagged general cargo ship “UXX” lost a crew member overboard while recovering the pilot ladder during anchorage at the Baoshan North Anchorage in the Shanghai section of the Yangtze River. The crew member remains missing.

Requirements for Pilot Ladders and Pilot Transfer Arrangements

1. Conventions and Resolutions

1）SOLAS 2010 Amendments / Chapter V / Regulation 23

2）SOLAS 1999/2000 Amendments / Chapter V (Regulations 1–35) / Regulation 23

3）SOLAS 1991/1992 Amendments / Chapter V (Regulations 1–21) / Regulation 17

4）SOLAS 1974 Convention / Chapter V (Regulations 1–21) / Regulation 17

5）IMO Resolution A.1045(27)

6）IMO Resolution A.1108(29)

What Should Be Noted During Deployment and Recovery Operations?

Crew must first avoid complacency and negligence. While ensuring daily maintenance and repair of the ladder, strict adherence to safety procedures and regulations during the deployment and recovery of the pilot ladder is the key to ensuring the safety of oneself and others.

1. Safety Equipment and Personnel Allocation

A) Check Crew Personal PPE Usage

When donning PPE, crew should remind and verify each other's proper wear. Pay special attention to ensuring life jacket and safety harness straps/buckles are correctly fastened and secured. Simultaneously, safety lines should be attached to sturdy positions on the hull with suitable length; the use of fall arrestors is recommended where conditions permit.

B) Ensure Communication and Mutual Reminders

SOLAS V/23-2.2 clearly stipulates: The rigging of the pilot transfer arrangement and the embarkation of the pilot shall be supervised by a responsible officer. During the deployment and recovery of the pilot ladder, ensure at least two persons are present simultaneously to assist and remind each other.

1) Appoint a Person in Charge: Clearly designate an experienced person (usually a senior officer) to command the entire operation.

2) Thorough Communication: Before the operation, briefly explain the operating procedures, individual responsibilities, risk points, and emergency measures to all involved personnel (deck personnel, helmsman, officer on watch).

3) Bridge Coordination: Must communicate with the bridge in advance and continuously. The officer on watch needs to know the operation start/end time and is responsible for controlling the vessel:

-Maintain a steady course and speed (usually slow speed or stopped).

-Place the pilot ladder on the leeward side to minimize the impact of wind and waves.

-Avoid sudden course changes or speed adjustments.

-Ensure propellers are clear of the boarding area.

C) Boarding Point Environmental Assessment

1) Location Selection: Choose a relatively flat area of the hull, away from dangerous areas such as scuppers, portholes, protrusions, ropes, and anchor chains. Ensure the water surface below is free of obstacles. In and near the pilot ladder deployment and recovery area, prohibit other operations that may cause interference or danger (such as mooring, opening/closing hatches, loading/unloading cargo).

2) Freeboard Height:When the freeboard exceeds 9 meters, SOLAS requires the use of a combination ladder (pilot ladder + accommodation ladder).

3) Sea Conditions and Weather:Assess wind, waves, swell, and current conditions. Exercise extra caution or postpone operations in adverse sea conditions. Note whether the deck is slippery or icy.

4) Lighting:During nighttime or low visibility, it is essential to ensure the boarding area and the ladder itself have sufficient, uniform lighting, avoiding glare.

5) Hull Cleanliness:Endeavor to ensure the hull area where the ladder is suspended is free of marine growth, oil stains, and ice layers.

2. Ladder Structure and Securing Device Inspection

1) Structural Integrity

Carefully inspect all steps (non-slip, no cracks, no severe wear, no oil stains), side ropes (no excessive wear, cuts, aging, rot), fasteners (bolts, pins, lashings secure, no missing or damaged parts), anti-twist plates/battens (correctly and securely installed).

2) Certification and Markings

Confirm the pilot ladder complies with the latest SOLAS convention requirements and possesses valid product certificates and markings (manufacturer, model, certification standard, maximum number of persons, latest inspection date, etc.).

3) Length

Ensure the ladder length is sufficient to reach the water surface from the boarding point, taking into account the vessel's freeboard, trim, and list.

4) Steps

Check that steps are level, evenly spaced (usually about 30cm), with none missing or deformed. Ensure the lowest four steps are made of rubber material.

5) Anti-Twist Devices

Ensure anti-twist plates/battens are correctly and effectively installed to prevent the ladder from twisting in the water.

6) Deck Attachment Points

Confirm the safety condition of the accommodation ladder wires, motor, and handrails/stanchions. Inspect whether the securing padeyes, cleats, or dedicated fixing devices on the hull are structurally sound and free from corrosion or damage.

7) Shackles, Ropes, Winches

Inspect all shackles and ropes (hand ropes, safety lines, recovery lines) for sufficient strength and no wear or broken strands. If a winch is used for recovery, ensure it is in good working condition with an effective brake.

3. Deploying the Pilot Ladder

1. Correct Assembly

Assemble the ladder components strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the vessel's SMS procedures (e.g., connection for combination ladders). Ensure all connection points (steps to side ropes, side ropes to securing points) are secure and reliable. When rigged with doubled ropes, it is imperative to ensure both ropes bear equal tension.

1) Secure Fastening

Primary Securing Point:

Securely connect the upper end of the ladder (load-bearing ring/shackle) to an approved strong securing point on the hull. Absolutely prohibit rigging with a single rope only or securing to non-load-bearing structures such as handrails!

2) Hand Ropes

Correctly install hand ropes, maintaining moderate tension (not too tight to hinder climbing, nor too loose to provide support). Their securing points should be above the upper end of the ladder.

3) Safe Deployment

Under the direction of the person in charge, coordinate operations to prevent the ladder from suddenly slipping, entangling, or striking the hull. Use ropes or a winch to control the lowering speed, avoiding free fall.

Ensure the ladder does not contact areas below the waterline where it could entangle with propellers. Maintain a safe distance from the sea surface until personnel are ready to board or disembark.

4) Adjustment and Securing

Once the ladder is deployed, adjust it to lie flat against the ship's side, free from twisting or flipping. Anti-twist devices must function effectively. Ensure the lowest step of the ladder is at the required height above the water surface (typically SOLAS requires not more than 0.9 meters above the water; specific port regulations apply).

Recheck all securing points, shackles, and ropes for security. Attach a lifebuoy (with self-igniting light and buoyant line) near the bottom of the ladder if feasible and safe.

4. Recovering the Pilot Ladder

1) Confirm Safety

Confirm with the bridge and the attending launch/tug that personnel have safely departed. Observe the environment around the ladder (water surface, hull) to determine if it is safe for recovery.

2) Steady Recovery

Coordinate operations under the direction of the person in charge. If using a winch, operate slowly and evenly to avoid sudden jerks. During manual recovery, coordinate efforts to prevent the ladder from swinging and causing injury. Ensure the ladder does not get caught or crushed by hull protrusions, fairleads, etc.

3) Cleaning and Inspection

Promptly remove seaweed, ropes, and other debris entangled on the ladder. Thoroughly rinse the ladder with fresh water (especially after seawater immersion) to remove salt, sediment, and marine growth.

During and after recovery, conduct a detailed inspection again. Report any defects immediately and record them in the deck logbook and relevant inspection records. Damaged pilot ladders must be taken out of service and promptly repaired or replaced.

4) Proper Stowage

Coil or fold the ladder neatly and stow it in a well-ventilated, dry, shaded location, away from heat sources and chemicals. Avoid stacking heavy objects on it.

Check that storage racks/hooks are secure.

5. Enhancing Drills and Training

1) Training and Familiarization

All crew involved in operations should receive adequate training and be familiar with the specific operating procedures, risk points, and emergency measures for the vessel's pilot ladder. 

2) Emergency Drills

Vessels should conduct effective man-overboard drills in conjunction with the “Plan and Procedures for Recovery of Persons from the Water” to ensure crew can act swiftly and effectively in case of a person falling overboard. Avoid unfortunate fatalities of persons overboard due to delayed rescue efforts—even when wearing life jackets, death may result from cold or injury—or personnel going missing due to failure to promptly deploy a lifebuoy with self-igniting light or MOB equipment.

Ladder of Life

The pilot ladder is not just a tool but a vital safety lifeline connecting the vessel to the outside world. Ship companies, vessels, and crew must attach great importance to the safe use of pilot ladders and pilot transfer arrangements. Ensure that the pilot ladders and pilot transfer arrangements on board comply with relevant convention and resolution requirements. Prioritize crew training, strengthen daily maintenance, inspection, and care of pilot ladders and pilot transfer arrangements, and establish regular inspection mechanisms. Repair or renew equipment promptly when it no longer meets usage conditions. Adhere to the principle of “safety first, life paramount” to ensure the personal safety of all personnel using the equipment.