Guidance from DNV

Prepare for ISM audits, based on the performance standards in MSC.576(110). 

Rigging

Single ladder arrangements:

Before use, the vessel shall ensure that the pilot ladder:

  • Is secured only to dedicated strong points, not rails or fittings
  • Hangs vertically, freely and without any obstruction
  • Is positioned: 
    • Within the parallel body length of the ship 
    • Within the midship half‑length of the ship
    • Such that each step is resting firmly against the ship’s side
  • Has its lowest step positioned at the height requested by the pilot
  • Is rigged correctly when used with the ship’s side openings 

Retrieval line (when used):

  • Is secured forward at or above the lowest spreader
  • Leads forward
  • Shall not hinder the pilot or other personnel nor obstruct the safe approach to the pilot boat

Combination ladder:

  • The pilot ladder shall fully comply with the requirements above
  • The accommodation ladder shall lead aft and be clear of any discharges 
  • The lower platform: 
    • Is secured to the ship’s side with permanent or removable fixtures
    • Is within the parallel body length and midship half‑length
    • Is horizontal when in use
    • Is at least 5 m above water in all draught and trim conditions
  • The pilot ladder and manropes: 
    • Are secured to the ship’s side approx. 1.5 m above the lower platform
    • Are never secured to the lower platform
  • The pilot ladder is: 
    • Rigged immediately adjacent to the lower platform
    • With its highest step at least 2 m above the platform
    • With a horizontal distance of 0.1–0.2 m from the platform

Trapdoor platform:

  • Must comply with the above and with the general platform requirements.

Side openings:

  • Without a boarding platform, the pilot ladder shall: 
    • Not extend above the lowest deck of the opening
    • Not be rigged from any other position (including freeboard deck)
  • With a boarding platform, the pilot ladder shall: 
    • Be rigged aft of the platform
    • May be rigged from the freeboard deck

Operational readiness 

General:

Periodical maintenance and inspections shall be carried out to ensure the pilot transfer arrangement is:

  • In good condition
  • Ready for immediate use
  • Free from contamination

Stowage:

Pilot ladders, manropes and associated equipment must be: 

  • Properly stowed when not in use
  • Protected against: 
    • Moisture and icing
    • Sunlight (UV exposure)
    • Chemicals, greases and similar contaminants
  • Stowed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

Maintenance (ISM-related):

  • Instructions for care, maintenance, inspections and stowage shall be supplied with each pilot ladder, with the manropes and equipment
  • Pilot transfer arrangements shall be subject to inspections before and after each use
  • Detailed inspections are to be carried out every three months
  • A maintenance plan shall be developed 

As part of the inspections, the crew must ensure the following items are checked for readiness and condition:

  • Pilot ladder(s), including spares
  • Accommodation ladder used in a combination arrangement
  • Winch reels
  • Securing arrangements
  • Condition of the access point
  • Relevant equipment, especially: 
    • Stanchions
    • Stanchion sockets welded to the deck
  • Stowage arrangements

Maintenance plan:

A documented maintenance plan shall be developed and available for inspection. It shall be easy to understand and illustrated as appropriate. Such a plan may be included in the ship’s planned maintenance system. The maintenance plan must include: 

  • Inspection checklists for different types of inspections
  • Maintenance, repair and stowage instructions based on the manufacturer’s guidance
  • A schedule for inspection and maintenance
  • Sources for spare parts or replacements
  • An inspection and maintenance log
  • Records of: 
    • When pilot ladders and manropes were brought into service
    • Their anticipated date of withdrawal from service

Spares:

The ship must carry: 

  1. At least one spare pilot ladder
  2. At least one spare set of manropes

Spares must be stowed correctly and protected against degradation.

Removal from service:

Pilot ladders and manropes (including spares) must be removed from service: 

  • Immediately if they do not comply with the performance standards, or
  • 36 months after date of manufacture, or
  • 30 months after date of being placed into service, whichever occurs first.

Familiarization (ISM-related):

In accordance with ISM Code 6.3, it is expected that personnel involved in inspection, maintenance, rigging or operation of any equipment for pilot transfer arrangements shall receive familiarization to perform their assigned duties related to safety and the protection of the environment. Such familiarization shall include:

  • Operation and use of equipment for the transfer of pilots
  • Inspections and maintenance routines of the pilot transfer arrangement
  • Replacement procedures