SAFE T Y
were unaware of the extent of the modifications, did not understand how these affected the vessel’s initial stability, and were making operational decisions without knowledge of the Island Bay’s stability limits.
Several TSB investigations into small commercial vessels have resulted in the Board issuing recommendations related to major modifications, regulatory surveillance, current and accurate vessel registration, and stability information. Although these recommendations were
Always inspect all pilot and embarkation ladders to ensure they are genuine
The Liberia Maritime Authority (LISCR) has published a notice to provide guidance to vessel owners, operators and managers on compliance and maintenance of pilot and embarkation ladders, including notification on counterfeit products and the latest developments from IMO. The Flag Administration says that several advisories have been issued recently concerning counterfeit pilot and embarkation ladders. In one case, a company copied a certified product and created their own counterfeit certificate for their pilot ladder and then sold the counterfeit product to customers who thought they were purchasing the genuine item.
In another case, a failed embarkation ladder, which caused serious injury to a surveyor, was found to be counterfeit and included incomplete markings and the use of step fixtures of poor quality.
With regards to pilot transfer arrangements with embarkation ladder and trapdoor system, LISCR notes the following: – Where the distance from the surface of the water to the point of access to the ship is more than 9 meters, an arrangement consisting of an accommodation and pilot ladder shall be carried on each side, unless the equipment is capable of being transferred for use on either side.
– When an accommodation ladder lower platform with a trapdoor system is used, the pilot ladder shall extend above the lower platform of the accommodation ladder, to the height of the handrails.
– Trapdoor systems where the pilot ladder extends to only the height of the accommodation ladder lower platform will not be accepted.
IMO has recently put the topic of pilot transfer arrangements in the spotlight. In particular, during the eleventh meeting of IMO’s Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) draft amendments to regulation 23 of Chapter V of SOLAS, along with a draft MSC Resolution for “Performance Standards for Pilot Transfer Arrangements”, were agreed.
These amendments will make the current recommendatory requirements for pilot transfer arrangements mandatory under SOLAS. It is anticipated that these amendments will come into effect on 1 January 2028, subject to approval and adoption by IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee. The draft mandatory performance standard includes a requirement for pilot ladders including spare ladders and man ropes to be removed from service, either:
(i) at any time they are found not to be complying with the performance standards, or, (ii) within 36 months after the date of manufacture, or, (iii) within 30 months after the date of being placed into service, whichever comes first.
The draft mandatory performance standard also includes requirements for periodic maintenance and inspections to be carried out for pilot transfer arrangements, instructions to be supplied for the care, maintenance, inspection and stowage of pilot ladders, manropes and all associated equipment, and that a maintenance plan be developed and available for inspection.
26 | ISSUE 110 | DEC 2024 | THE REPORT
Briefings
made about fishing vessels and tugs rather than passenger vessels, this investigation found that the same issues were present in this occurrence involving the Island Bay. If Transport Canada’s oversight and programs for commercial vessels that are not required to be certified continue to be insufficient to support authorized representatives in understanding their responsibilities, there is a risk that they will operate without an adequate level of safety.
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