Pilotage

Question 1

What is a pilot ladder and how is it rigged?

Answer 1

• A ladder that conforms to regulations, made of hardwood steps and Manila rope (natural fiber)
• Bottom 4 rungs can be made of rubber
• 5th run always a spreader bar, to prevent ladder from twisting
• Spreader should be every 9 steps thereafter
• Personal rigging ladder should be appropriately trainined and wearing PPE
• The ladder should be clearly identified with tags and regularly inspected
• On the parallel side of the vessel, so that the ladder doesn’t have an overhang and swing in towards the ship
• Clear and safe access
• Well illuminated with a light shining forward so as not to blind the pilot boat driver
• Away from overboard discharges and scuppers

Question 2

When approaching a pilot district

What seven pieces of information do you need from
the pilot station prior to arrival

Answer 2

1. Position of pilot embarkation
2. Time
3. Course
4. Speed
5. Pilot ladder side
6. Pilot ladder height
7. ConflictingTraffic

Question 3

What can you do if you are in a compulsory pilotage area and you as the master are still unhappy with what the pilot is asking you to do?

Answer 3

1. Ensure the safety of the vessel
2. Challenge the Pilot - and if unhappy with his actions stand him down
3. Inform VTS/Port authorities - make known to them that we are no longer under pilotage
4. Consider going to anchorage or continue with VTS permission
5. Request for change of pilot
6. At all times ensure safety of vessel

Question 4

Master / pilot exchange

Answer 4

1. Passage plan - compare and discuss - amend passage plan if needed
2. Any defects or damage
3. Pilot Card - Ships particulars including maneuvering characteristics
4. Pilots Safety equipment - Checklist is in the Bridge Procedures Guide
5. Clarification as to who will have the conn. We are incorporating the pilot into the bridge team and creating a shared mental model of what is to happen

• If the Pilotage is long and the master has to paperwork and leave the OOW on the bridge he must instruct him with the follow:
• Nothing changes about his watch. He is still there to keep a proper lookout and keep a safe speed. Monitor the track and the passage plan, continue systematic plotting of the vessels position.
• If there is any doubt to the orders from the Pilot, he should reaffirm the order and if still unhappy call the master immediately and ensure the safety of the vessel.*

Master has full responsibility for the navigation and mano. of the ship during all acts of pilotage.

Question 5

What is at the head of the ladder

Answer 5

• Stanchions
• Life buoy with light and buoyant line
• Competent person / with lifejackets with communication to the bridge
• Light (shining forward to illuminate area but not blind pilot or boat)
• Heaving line