Page 7 - CHIRP Annual Digest 2017

CHIRP Annual Digest 2017

1. Pilots and Tugs

In 2016 the International Maritime and more manoeuvrable than ever quality of some ship design. When
Pilots Association (IMPA) initiated before, and they should only use seafarers make a mistake they are
a safety campaign related to pilot lines which are specifically designed often punished, but perhaps it is time
ladders and associated equip- to handle the forces generated. that naval architects suffered the
ment. CHIRP Maritime supported Some reports also cover language same fate. Secondly, it seems some
this campaign and received many and communications. In many ports seafarers still do not understand how
reports as a result. Several of the around the world the operating lan- to rig safe and proper pilot boarding
reports are included in this section, guage is not English, and the pilot arrangements. With the number of
and they cover a wide range of communicates with tugs, linesmen excellent guides and posters availa-
potential hazards. ble, there is no excuse for some of
etc. in the local language. Bridge
We learn about ships where the design teams need to ensure they know the horrors we describe below.
of the pilot boarding arrangements what instructions are being given. On a brighter note, the response of
does not meet the safety require- Pilots also need to make certain some of the parties we contacted in
ments, and there are other reports their instructions are clearly under- relation to these reports was excel-
which indicate that some crew mem- stood, particularly when delivered lent, so our reporters have made a
bers do not understand the require- over the radio to several different difference and we salute them.
ments, or choose to ignore them. recipients. The result of somebody
missing just one instruction from the The section concludes with an
The use of ships’ mooring ropes as pilot can be disastrous. Insight article about rescue and
tug lines is discussed, and it is worth emergency care when a person falls
repeating that this is a very bad prac- Two particular themes emerge, in into the water. It contains much valu-
tice. Modern tugs are more powerful my opinion. First is the abominable able advice for all seafarers.

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