The Merchant Shipping (Pilot Ladders and Hoists) Regulations 1987

Pilot ladders, accommodation ladders, hoists and associated equipment

7.—(1) Every pilot ladder shall be so positioned and secured—

(a) that it is clear of any possible discharges from the ship;

(b) that it is within the parallel body length of the ship and, as far as is practicable, within the mid-ship half section of the ship taking into consideration paragraphs 7 and 8 of Merchant Shipping Notice No. 898;

(c) that each step rests firmly against the ship’s side, and, if belting is fitted in way of this position, such belting shall be cut back sufficiently to comply with this requirement;

(d) that the person using it can gain safe and convenient access to the ship after climbing not less than 1.5 metres and not more than 9 metres.

(2) (a) Where an accommodation ladder is provided for the purpose of regulation 5(2) it shall be so sited that, when used in conjunction with a pilot ladder for embarking or disembarking pilots, officials and other persons, the lower end of the accommodation ladder rests firmly against the side of the ship within the parallel body length of the ship and, as far as is practicable, within the mid-ship half section and leading aft. Precautions shall be taken to bowse-in such accommodation ladder falls against the roll of the ship.

(b) Whenever an accommodation ladder is used in conjuction with a pilot ladder the pilot ladder shall be rigged immediately adjacent to the lower platform of the accommodation ladder so that the pilot ladder’s upper end extends at least 2 metres above the accommodation ladder’s lower platform.

(3) A single length of pilot ladder shall be used capable of reaching the water from the point of access to or egress from the ship and due allowance shall be made for all conditions of loading and trim of the ship. The securing strongpoints, shackles and securing ropes shall be at least as strong as the side ropes specified in paragraph (5) below.

(4) The steps of the pilot ladder shall—

(a) be made of ash, oak, elm, or teak or other hardwood or other material of equivalent strength, stiffness and durability. The four lowest steps may be of rubber or other material of equivalent strength, stiffness and durability;

(b) be made in one piece, and in the case of wooden steps free of knots;

(c) have an efficient non-slip surface;

(d) be not less than 480 millimetres long, 115 millimetres wide and 25 millimetres in depth, excluding any non-slip device or grooving;

(e) be equally spaced not less than 300 millimetres nor more than 380 millimetres apart; and

(f) be secured in such a manner that each will remain horizontal;

Provided that—

(i) no pilot ladder shall have more than two replacement steps which are secured in position by a method different from that used in the original construction of the ladder, and any steps so secured shall be replaced as soon as reasonably practicable by steps secured in position by the method used in the original construction of the pilot ladder; and

(ii) when any replacement step is secured to the side ropes of the pilot ladder by means of grooves in the sides of the step, such grooves shall be in the longer sides of the step.

(5) The side ropes of the pilot ladder shall consist of two manila ropes not less than 18 millimetres in diameter on each side. Each rope shall be left uncovered by any other material, and shall be continuous with no joins below the top step.

(6) (i) Two man-ropes of not less than 20 millimetres in diameter properly secured to the ship shall be provided; and

(ii) a safety line and harness for rescue purposes shall be kept at hand ready for use; and

(iii) a lifebuoy equipped with a self-igniting light shall be kept at hand ready for use; and

(iv) a heaving line shall be kept at hand ready for use.

(7) Spreaders between 1.80 metres and 2.00 metres long, made of ash, oak, elm or teak or other hardwood or other material of equivalent strength, stiffness and durability, made in one piece, and in the case of wooden spreaders, free of knots, shall be provided at such intervals as will prevent the ladder from twisting. The lowest spreader shall be on the fifth step from the bottom of the ladder, and the interval between any spreader and the next shall not exceed nine steps.

(8) (a) Means shall be provided to ensure safe and convenient passage for any person embarking on or disembarking from the ship between the head of the pilot ladder, or of any accommodation ladder or other appliance provided pursuant to paragraph (2) above and the ship’s deck.

(b) Where such passage is by means of a gateway in the rails or bulwark, adequate handholds shall be provided.

(c) Where such passage is by means of a bulwark ladder, such ladder shall be securely attached to the bulwark rail or landing platform. Two hand-hold stanchions shall be fitted at the point of embarking on or disembarking from the ship on each side which shall be not less than 700 millimetres nor more than 800 millimetres apart. Each stanchion shall be rigidly secured to the ship’s structure at or near its base and also at a higher point, shall be not less than 40 millimetres in diameter and shall extend not less than 1.20 metres above the top of the bulwarks. Stanchions or handrails shall not be attached to the bulwark ladder.

(9) Lighting shall be provided such that both the pilot ladder overside and also the position where any person embarks or disembarks on the ship shall be adequately lit.

(10) Means shall be provided to enable the pilot ladder to be used, in accordance with the requirements of this regulation, on either side of the ship.