Because of complaints of indifferent and hazardous practices relative to the rigging of pilot ladders EMPA have agreed on the following recommendations:
1. The use of retrieving or tripping lines is dangerous. The use of such lines can foul the pilot boat and hinder the Pilot when using the pilot ladder. The use of such lines is not necessary when the pilot ladder is rigged at the proper height above the water line as advised by pilot cutter, shore station or according to the practice of the port.
2. The splicing or otherwise bending together of the two side ropes at the bottom of the pilot ladder forming a bight or loop presents a hazard to embarking or disembarking the Pilot. Attention is drawn to IMO Resolution A889/21 sect 2.2.1: The side ropes of the pilot ladder should consist of two uncovered ropes not less than 18 mm in diameter on each side and should be continuous, with no joins below the top step.
3. Heaving lines should never be made fast to the ship as they can also foul the pilot boat and endanger the Pilot while using the ladder. Only the end of the heaving line without the monkey fist should be lowered to the pilot boat. When throwing heaving lines extreme care should be taken not to lower too much as it might become foul of the propeller of the pilot boat. Furthermore the heaving line should only be used after the Pilot is clear of the pilot ladder on board the ship or safely in the pilot boat.
4. Life lines attached to ring buoys or similar life saving appliances should never be made fast to the ship at any time. If it should become necessary to toss the appliance to a person in the water from a vessel under way, the appliance that is made fast to the ship by the lifeline would be towed away from the person requiring assistance. Further it would not make the point of entry into the water visible to the ship or to the assisting boat.
The foregoing dangerous practices should be discontinued upon receipt or reading of this notice.
The use of pilot ladders is absolutely necessary during a Pilot’s work. SOLAS, Chapter V, regulation 23 must be seen as the minimum requirements for pilot ladders and equipment. Disregard of this could be looked upon as endangering the Pilot’s safety and considered unacceptable practice.
AGM - Lofthus, May 27th, 1981