Australia’s Maritime Safety Authority has warned ship operators of the need to ensure that pilot transfer ladders are safe, following a recent prosecution and conviction of a ship master and company.
The master of a vessel plead guilty to two offences, one under Marine Order 21 (Safety and Emergency Arrangements) 2016 for failing to ensure the disembarkation of a pilot was carried out in accordance with the relevant regulations and one under the Navigation Act 2012 for taking an unseaworthy vessel to sea. The master was fined AUD$5,500.
The ship operating company plead guilty to an offence under Marine Order 21 (Safety and Emergency Arrangements) 2016 for failing to ensure pilot transfer arrangements in place in line with the relevant regulations and was fined $30,500.
In the facts of the case, ropes parted as a pilot was disembarking, causing the pilot to fall seven metres onto the deck of the pilot vessel. The pilot boat urgently transported the pilot to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
AMSA investigators later boarded the vessel and found that the ropes were defective and in a poor state, likely due to inappropriate storage and ineffective inspection and maintenance.
AMSA Executive Director of Operations Michael Drake said “Marine pilots have a critical and high-risk job, even in the best of conditions, and it is imperative that vessels meet safety standards to prevent serious injury,” he said.
AMSA has since urged ship owners, operators and crew to ensure they have proper processes in place for rigging, maintaining and stowing pilot transfer arrangements correctly to prevent serious injuries or potentially fatal incidents.
Details of the new Pilot Ladder Marine Notice can be found here.
