Pilotage

Question 1

What are some of the requirements that a pilot ladder must meet?

Answer 1

• Hardwood steps and Manila rope (natural fibre)
• Bottom 4 rungs can be made of rubber
• 5th rung always a spreader bar, to prevent ladder from twisting
• Spreader should be every 9 steps thereafter

Question 2

What are the four items in the master / pilot exchange of information?

Answer 2

• Passage plan - compare and discuss - amend passage plan if needed
• Any defects or damage
• Pilot Card - Ships particulars including manoeuvring characteristics
• Pilots Safety equipment - Checklist is in the Bridge Procedures Guide

Question 3

What must you do before bringing on a pilot or disembarking a pilot?

Answer 3

Have a toolbox talk

Question 4

What should be ready on deck when embarking or disembarking a pilot?

Answer 4

• Adequate lighting buoy with self igniting light with line to hand
• Communications with bridge
• Secure steps provided for rail/bulwark
• Responsible person in attendance
• Non slip deck
• Heaving line on standby
• Pilot ladder checked and secured to a strong point
• Stanchions

Question 5

What are the duties of the OOW with regards to the pilot?

Answer 5

Pilots presence on board does not relieve the master or OOW of their duties and obligations for the safety of the ship

Question 6

What should happen once the pilot boards the vessel?

Answer 6

• Given info on ships speed, heading, engine setting and draught
• Completed pilot card handed over
• Made aware of LSA on board
• Discuss, reporting points, expected traffic and bridge watchkeeping arrangements

Question 7

What should happen during pilotage?

Answer 7

• Bridge team aware of responsibilities
• Progress of ship monitored
• Engine room and crew briefed on progress of ship

Question 8

What is a pilot card?

Answer 8

• Filled in by the master
• Describes the current condition of the ship, with regard to its loading, propulsion and manoeuvring equipment, and other relevant equipment.

Question 9

What is on the wheelhouse poster?

Answer 9

Part 1

Ships Particulars: Name, call sign, Displacement (gross&net)

Steering: Type, number rudders, Max angle, Time with 1 or 2 pumps

Draughts: Increase of draft when heeled, Draught with squat at different speed

Anchors: Number, Shackles

Thruster: power, Time delays

Propulsion: Same as pilot card

Part 2
Diagrams of:
- Turning Characteristics at max rudder
- Stopping Distances
- Emergency Manouvers