Embarkation and Disembarkation of Pilots

Pilots come aboard ships to assist the crew during the most critical and potentially hazardous phases of a voyage. Qualified pilots possess particular local knowledge and have the necessary ship-handling skills to assist the safe arrival and departure of vessels. Normally, pilots board and disembark using a traditional rope ladder from and to a pilot boat. However, this can be a very dangerous procedure if those involved do not adhere to International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards or fail to practise acceptable seamanship skills.

A guide to safe practice in the boarding and landing of Pilots by pilot boat and is commended to all those involved in the provision of a pilotage service. The transfer of a pilot between pilot boat and ship is a risk that needs to be carefully managed. Too often accidents still occur to pilots for a variety of reasons. The purpose of this is to give guidance to the best of safe practice and improve the management of a perceived risk. It covers the act of transfer between a pilot boat and ship, but in addition also addresses issues such as the operation of the pilot boat, boarding/landing areas and the responsibilities of all of those involved in the transfer, and their training. It should be used primarily as a guide to safe operating procedures which can be adapted to suit particular locations or circumstances.

It has been updated to incorporate current SOLAS and UK legislation and in particular the Guide to Good Practice associated with the Port Marine Safety Code. It will assist Competent Harbour Authorities (CHAs) in forming the basis for establishing safe operating procedures which are specific to each area of operation and which are to be derived by appropriate risk assessment.

Links
Embarkation and Disembarkation of Pilots Estuary Services Limited and London and Medway Pilots

Marine Pilotage Working Group of the British Ports Association and the UK Major Ports Group

IMO Guidelines on the construction, installation, maintenance and inspection/survey of means of embarkation and disembarkation

Port of Belfast Pilotage Manual

Code of Practice for the safety of small workboats and pilot boats

Shipping industry guidance on Pilot Transfer Arrangements