PILOT LADDER MANUAL

At any given time and throughout the whole world, in any weather there are many pilots transiting to or from ships they are engaged in order to provide safe navigation from one point to another. Each of them must be embarked and disembarked in a safe manner. The transfer operations can normally be completed in numerous ways and each of these ways includes some degree of risks.

It is absolutely critical that people involved in the transfer operations are duly aware of the dangers associated with the transfer. That is why they shall all receive a good and thorough training irrespective of the method of transfer that has been chosen. Embarkation and disembarkation of the pilots would normally take place with the ship being either underway or alongside; however, it may also occur at the anchorage. For the purpose of pilot transfer the accommodation ladder, crane basket, vehicle ramp or other methods can be used.

The present publication provides readers with all required information about the pilot ladders, covering the general responsibilities of all parties involves in the transfer operation, construction of the ladders, securing the pilot ladder and providing the safe access to the ship deck, supervision etc. Shipside doors and combination ladders have been addressed separately. The book closes with the chapters on the associated equipment and lighting.