202245 Pilot boarding area requirements: the lifebuoy

The SOLAS, Chapter V, Reg. 23 requirement for pilot boarding states only that a lifebuoy equipped with a self-igniting light ‘...shall be kept at hand ready for immediate use’. A reader of Seaways, an experienced harbour pilot, has commented that this specification could be improved. In his opinion, the lifebuoy would be best located about five metres aft of the pilot ladder. Ostensibly, this would somewhat compensate for the vessel’s forward motion (if the pilot is in the water) since pilot boarding usually takes place at speeds between four and seven knots. The reader also suggests the lifebuoy be free of brackets so as to make the accessibility and deployment easier.

Lessons learned

• Standards are established to reduce risks but they should never be considered ‘set in stone’. Standards themselves should be continuously evaluated and improved upon.
• Pilot boarding may seem like a common manoeuvre, and it is. But every time a pilot uses a pilot ladder, their life depends on the quality of the equipment used and the alertness and competency of the vessel crew.