- New Online Poster Aims to Improve Compliance with SOLAS V/23.
- UK Ports Handle 100,000 Vessel Calls Annually, Safety in Focus.
- Interactive Guidance Launched to Reduce Pilot Transfer Risks.
The United Kingdom Maritime Pilots’ Association (UKMPA) has introduced a new interactive educational tool aimed at enhancing understanding and compliance with the updated SOLAS Regulation V/23 regarding pilot transfers, reports Safety4Sea.
Purpose and Accessibility
This tool, which you can find online as an interactive poster, offers visual and practical guidance for everyone involved in Pilot Transfer Arrangements (PTAs). Its main goal is to promote safer boarding operations across the global fleet.
The Scale of the Issue
Every year, about 100,000 trading vessels make their way to UK ports—this breaks down to nearly 300 vessels each day, or one every five minutes! These ships arrive at all times, in all kinds of weather, which means safe and efficient pilot transfer arrangements are crucial.
When pilot ladders and transfer arrangements fall short, it can lead to serious operational and financial repercussions. Unsafe or non-compliant boarding conditions can cause immediate delays, as pilots can’t board until the issues are resolved. In some instances, these deficiencies may signal larger vessel management problems and could trigger Port State Control inspections, resulting in ships being detained until they meet compliance standards.
A Life-Saving Resource
“This is more than just a poster – it’s a life-saving tool. With global regulations tightening, this visual resource enables masters, naval architects, pilots, and port authorities to immediately visualise what compliance looks like, reducing risks and delays in port operations,” said Christopher Hoyle, Chairman, UKMPA.
Development and Collaboration
The interactive poster was created by John Slater, the Technical Chair of UKMPA, along with Jonathan Smith, James Musgrove from the Executive Committee, and Kevin Vallance, who wrote The Pilot Ladder Manual. This innovative tool takes complex technical requirements and turns them into a user-friendly, interactive format.
“Safety during pilot transfers is a shared responsibility. This easily accessible interactive poster reinforces that shared responsibility and helps to minimise costly delays caused by non-compliance, ultimately protecting both lives and the global supply chain,” Hoyle highlighted.
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Source: Safety4Sea
