IMPA’s Campaign to Enhance Maritime Pilotage and Safety Standards

In a recent interview, Matthew Williams, Secretary General of IMPA, discusses the challenges and updates in maritime pilotage, particularly focusing on the issues surrounding pilot ladders. Non-compliance rates regarding pilot transfer arrangements have been a concern over the past few years, prompting IMPA to launch a Safety Campaign this October to gather data and further enhance safety measures for maritime pilots.

Williams emphasizes the importance of ensuring compliance and safety in pilot transfer arrangements for the industry. The IMPA has been working on revising SOLAS regulation V/23 and associated instruments to streamline compliance requirements and make it easier for all stakeholders to ensure safe pilot transfers. The upcoming Safety Campaign aims to collect data on the experiences of maritime pilots to support IMPA’s safety objectives.

Regarding the impact of technology on pilotage safety, Williams notes the effectiveness of maritime pilotage in reducing navigation risks. He highlights the need for pragmatic adoption of technology to enhance performance and safety in pilotage operations. IMPA is conducting an international study on remote pilotage in partnership with relevant authorities to provide evidence-driven insights for shaping effective pilotage systems. Recent regulatory developments, such as the revision of SOLAS regulation V/23, are expected to further improve safety standards for pilot transfer arrangements.

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