The 2021 review of the ‘Embarkation & Disembarkation of Pilots – Code of Safe Practice’ has now been published (also known as the Boarding and Landing Code). This document is designed to assist Competent Harbour Authorities and pilotage organisations to establish safe operating procedures for all pilot boarding and landing operations.
The transfer of a Pilot between pilot boat and ship presents significant risks that need to be carefully managed. This Code gives guidance to improve the control of these risks. The Code recognises IMO conventions, SOLAS regulations and United Kingdom legislation and has been linked in the Port Marine Safety Code, Guide to Good Practice.
A group of maritime professionals from the British Ports Association, UK Maritime Pilots Association, UK Harbour Masters’ Association, Port Skills and Safety, UK Major Ports Group and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency joined the review of the code. The next review is due to commence in the Spring of 2024.
The 2021 review is now the most up-to-date version of the code and can be accessed here. A document summarising the changes made during the review can be accessed here, intended for use by practitioners to easily identify the key changes to note.