PILOT LADDERS

  • Sydney Pilot Service Pty Ltd must comply with all relevant Australian federal and state Occupational Health and Safety legislation. SPS, therefore, requires pilot ladders from all vessels to be rigged in strict accordance with SOLAS and International Marine Pilots Association (refer IMPA Pilot Ladder Arrangement Plan) requirements.
  • Vessels are requested to provide a good lee and maintain a speed of eight (8) knots when embarking or disembarking the pilot.
  • Depending on the type of pilot boat in use, the bottom of the pilot ladder shall be either one point five (1.5) or three (3) metres above the water, with two manropes provided. "Harbour Control" will advise an approaching vessel of the appropriate ladder height.
  • Where the vessel's freeboard exceeds 9 metres, requiring a combination pilot ladder arrangement, the lower platform of the fixed ladder must be horizontal, about 6 metres above the water and be secured to the ship's side. The manropes and pilot ladder must be secured to the ship's side about one point five (1.5) metres above the fixed platform.
  • Pilot hoists are not acceptable for the embarkation or disembarkation of SPS pilots.