Tokyo MoU has issued a safety bulletin, 02/2025, to raise awareness on the topic of potential risks associated with the improper maintenance and rigging of pilot transfer arrangements.
Recent reports and Port State Control (PSC) inspections have highlighted recurring issues related to deficiency code 10101* i.e. Pilot ladders and hoist/pilot transfer arrangements, the improper rigging of pilot transfer arrangements. In 2020, there were 197 deficiencies, and 1 detention related to pilot transfer arrangements. By 2024, these numbers had risen sharply to 523 deficiencies and 12 detentions. This significant increase is a cause for concern and underscores the urgent need for ship’s crew and operators to take prompt corrective action.
Separately, a Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) was also carried out by the Tokyo MOU member Authorities in February 2025 on Pilot Ladders / Pilot Transfer Arrangements. During the campaign period, a total of 2,357 inspections were conducted. Three ships were detained and 176 deficiencies related to the FIC were identified on 169 ships.