Following a tragic incident in December 2019 that claimed the life of a New York pilot, the American Pilots’ Association (APA), representing approximately 1,200 American ship pilots, has issued a stark warning to US State Pilotage Authorities regarding critical pilot safety concerns. The focus of their urgent appeal is the continued use of dangerous trapdoor arrangements on ships.

The New York pilot’s death occurred on December 30, 2019, when he fell while attempting to board an inbound containership. The embarkation method involved a combination of an accommodation ladder and a pilot ladder, which included a trapdoor. This specific setup required the pilot to pull himself up while simultaneously twisting to secure proper footing on the platform – a maneuver deemed inherently difficult and unsafe. It was during this challenging process that the pilot suffered his fatal fall.

Despite clear guidelines from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that advise against trapdoors due to their inherent safety risks, these configurations remain in use on numerous vessels equipped with ladder-pilot accommodation. The APA’s letter underscores the frustration and danger faced by pilots daily.

“On behalf of the 1,200 pilots in the U.S. state pilotage system, we are asking for your help in bringing about a swift end to this dangerous situation by taking responsible measures, including, but not limited to, the ones proposed below, to protect the safety of the pilots under your jurisdiction,” the Association stated in its communication.

This isn’t a new issue. Nine years ago, the IMO revised the SOLAS pilot transfer regulation (SOLAS V/23) and its implementing guidelines (Res. A.1045) specifically to address persistent complaints about unsafe pilot transfer arrangements. The Association highlights the tragic irony that such arrangements continue to pose a threat.

“Against this background, it is frustrating, and now tragic, that pilots continue to encounter, and have to deal with, trapdoor arrangements like the one found on the ship from which Captain Sherwood fell. BUT, it doesn’t have to be this way. Complying with Regulation 23 and Resolution A.1045 is not an expensive proposition. Replacing or retrofitting equipment to meet the standards would not be a significant project,” the APA emphasized, advocating for immediate and practical solutions.

In a related development, the Seafarers International House (SIH) recently announced its support for the ‘Dangerous Ladders’ campaign. This move follows another tragic incident involving a veteran Sandy Hook ship pilot, who also lost his life after falling from an accommodation ladder. These incidents underscore the urgent need for enhanced maritime safety protocols and a strict adherence to international standards to protect the lives of marine pilots.

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