Pilot Boarding and Marine Pilot Safety Checklist
This pilot boarding and marine pilot safety checklist ensures compliance with SOLAS Chapter V/23 (Pilot Transfer Arrangements), IMO Resolution A.1045(27) (Pilot Transfer Arrangements - Pilot Ladders), and IMO Resolution A.889(21) (Pilot Hoisting Appliances). Defective pilot ladders are a leading cause of pilot fatalities globally — regular inspection is critical.
- Industry: Maritime
- Frequency: Per Event
- Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
- Role: Chief Officer / Officer on Watch
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: SOLAS Chapter V/23 Pilot Transfer Arrangements, IMO Resolution A.1045(27) Pilot Ladder Requirements, IMO Resolution A.889(21) Pilot Hoisting Appliances, IMPA Pilot Ladder Safety Campaign Standards, Flag State Pilot Transfer Inspection Requirements
Pilot Ladder Inspection
Pilot ladder condition before rigging.
- Pilot ladder inspected with no damaged, broken, or missing steps?
- Step spacing uniform and not more than 35cm?
- Side ropes undamaged, untwisted, and secured at top?
- Spreaders (battens) in place at intervals not exceeding 9 steps?
- Top of ladder secured to ship's side at two strong points?
Ladder Rigging
Ladder deployment position.
- Ladder positioned so bottom step is between 1.5m and 2.5m above water?
- Rigged clear of any discharges, anti-fouling paint and hull openings?
- Ladder lying flat against ship's side with no obstruction?
- Man-ropes (1 each side) rigged if requested by pilot authority?
- Boarding area adequately lit for night operations?
Crew Attendance
Personnel at pilot station.
- Officer in charge present at pilot boarding station?
- Deck crew at station to assist pilot?
- Lifebuoy with light and line at pilot boarding station?
- Communications maintained with bridge throughout?
- Pilot received and escorted directly to bridge?
Accommodation Ladder (if used)
Accommodation ladder checks.
- Accommodation ladder rigged per manufacturer instructions?
- Accommodation ladder properly secured at all connection points?
- Accommodation ladder angle within safe operating limits?
- Pilot ladder fitted from lower platform to waterline?
- Lower platform safe and no gap to ship's side?
Pilot Exchange Information
Bridge-pilot exchange.
- Master/Pilot Information Exchange completed on bridge?
- Passage plan reviewed with pilot on ECDIS?
- Vessel particulars (draft, LOA, beam, UKC) provided to pilot?
- Bridge equipment and any defects disclosed to pilot?
- Master or authorized officer on bridge throughout pilotage?
Pilot Departure
Pilot disembarkation.
- Pilot ladder re-rigged and inspected before pilot disembarkation?
- Pilot safely disembarked and confirmed aboard pilot vessel?
- Pilot ladder retrieved and stowed safely after use?
- Any pilot ladder defects identified and flagged for replacement?
- Pilot Boarding Notes
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Why Use This Pilot Boarding and Marine Pilot Safety Checklist?
This pilot boarding and marine pilot safety checklist helps maritime teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for chief officer / officer on watch professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.
Ensures compliance with SOLAS Chapter V/23 Pilot Transfer Arrangements, IMO Resolution A.1045(27) Pilot Ladder Requirements, IMO Resolution A.889(21) Pilot Hoisting Appliances, IMPA Pilot Ladder Safety Campaign Standards, Flag State Pilot Transfer Inspection Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Pilot Boarding and Marine Pilot Safety Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Pilot Ladder Inspection, Ladder Rigging, Crew Attendance, Accommodation Ladder (if used), Pilot Exchange Information, Pilot Departure. It is designed for maritime operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Who should use this Pilot Boarding and Marine Pilot Safety Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Chief Officer / Officer on Watch professionals in the maritime industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.