We wish to bring to your attention that in the recent past we have had many vessels calling at our port with non-compliant pilot boarding arrangements. Pilot boarding arrangements and pilot ladders must comply with:
- SOLAS Regulations V/23 – Pilot Transfer Arrangements
- IMO Resolution A 1045 (27) - here is the link: http://www.imo.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/IndexofIMOResolutions/Documents/A%20-%20Assembly/1045(27).pdf
- NZ Maritime Rules 53: Pilot Transfer Arrangements and Ship Helicopter Pilot Transfers, here is the link: https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/rules/part-53/Part53-maritime-rule.pdf
- ISO 799-1:2019, section 10.4, which recommends that the pilot ladders need to be tested every 30 months
We would like to draw special attention to NZ Maritime Rule 53.11 (5) which states “The pilot ladder must be:
- (a) rigged immediately adjacent to the lower platform of the accommodation ladder; and
- (b) secured directly to the ship's structure and not to the accommodation ladder; and
- (c) bowsed to the ship's hull at a point adjacent to the lower platform of the accommodation ladder.”
Below are examples of a compliant and non-compliant combination ladders.
| Example A. This is an ideal example. · The trapdoor opens outboard. · The pilot ladder extends 2m above the platform. · The pilot ladder remains flat on the ship’s hull throughout its suspended length. · The trapdoor in the platform is framed only on three sides. The inboard side does not include a frame section and thus does not offer any foot tripping or weight distribution obstruction when the pilot is transitioning between the ladder and the platform. · During the transition from the rope ladder to the platform the pilot is uninterrupted and does not lean backwards or change hand grips from the ladder ropes. |
| Example B. This example is non-compliant. · The pilot ladder does not extend 2m above the platform. (non-compliant) · There is a steel fence with horizontal round bars, offered as hand holds above the platform. (non-compliant) · The Pilot ladder is attached to the underside of the platform and not to strong points on the deck. (non-compliant) |
| Example C. This example is non-compliant. · The pilot ladder does not extend 2m above the platform. (non-compliant) · There is a steel fence with horizontal round bars, offered as hand holds above the platform. (non-compliant) |
We also provide a link to a guidance document from ICS - www.ics-shipping.org/docs/default-source/resources/safety-security-and-operations/shipping-industry-guidance-on-pilot-transfer-arrangements.pdf
Along with the 48hours arrival notice could you please confirm that the above are being met by vessels calling at Auckland.
Pilots will not board vessels with non-compliant ladders till such time the non-compliance has been made good. All non-compliance will be advised to the NZ Marine Pilot Association and the Maritime New Zealand.
This notice comes into effect immediately.
If you have any questions, please contact Harbour Control on +64 9 348 5200 or email [email protected]
For further information contact:
Customer Service
P: 09 348 5100 ext.1
E: [email protected]
