Pilots leaving the vessel in port in an unsafe manner
- Safety Flash
- Published on 10 November 2020
- Generated on 17 April 2026
- IMCA SF 31/20
- 2 minute read
What happened?
One of our members has released this bulletin relating to a recurring practice of pilots egressing from a ship’s gangway before it has rested safely on the jetty.
Such practice resulted in two separate incidents in less than two days: one a medical treatment case (MTC) and the other, a near-miss.
pilot jumping from vessel
gangway not rigged at the correct height for safe transfer of personnel
What were the causes?
- Individuals jumping from gangway platform to the jetty.
- Gangway not yet touching the jetty, nor in a stable position.
Our Member's recommendations for action
- Remind pilots and all personnel that disembarkation from the vessel is only to take place with the gangway fully flat on the jetty and vessel crew in attendance. When time pressure is an issue, communicate the cause for delays – don’t take shortcuts!
- When possible and available, use available persons on the jetty to assist safe egress from the gangway.
- Vessel mooring must be complete before the pilot disembarks ashore.
- Lifejackets, like all other PPE, should always be worn for safe access and egress.
Members may wish to refer to:
- IMCA HSS025 Guidance on the transfer of personnel to and from offshore vessels and structures
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 08/18
11 April 2018
-
-
IMCA SF 27/18
14 December 2018
-
-
IMCA SF 24/20
14 August 2020
-
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.