Pilotage

Question 1

What is a pilot ladder?

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

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 (Continue if needed or go to anchor)
2. Request for a change of Pilot

Question 4

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

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

Question 5

What is at the head of the ladder

Answer 5

• Stanchions
• Life buoy with light and buoyant line
• Competent person with communication to the bridge

Question 6

When happens when the pilot is on the bridge?

Answer 6

• OOW introduces the Pilot to the Master - Master / Pilot Exchange of information
• (1. Passage plan 2. Any defects 3. Pilot Card, Ships particulars including maneuvering characteristics 4. Pilot safety equipment, checklist is in the bridge procedures guide)*
• Discuss with the Pilot who has conduct of the vessel
• 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:
• 1. 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.
     2. 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.*

Question 7

Where is a pilot ladder rigged?

Answer 7

• 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