The Australia Maritime Safety Authority has successfully convicted a ship’s master and shipping company for a ladder failure that resulted in injuries to a pilot during a transfer. These accidents, while rare to be prosecuted, are deemed preventable by AMSA and pose significant risks to seafarers. Issues such as ladder length, improper storage, and maintenance were highlighted as common problems leading to such incidents.
In the recent case involving the Panama-flagged general cargo ship Boshi 58, the pilot ladder broke during the transfer, causing serious injuries to the pilot. The master and shipping company were found guilty of failing to ensure compliance with regulations regarding pilot transfer arrangements. The master was fined A$5,300 and the shipping company A$32,000.
AMSA has been focusing on safety issues for vessels and crew welfare, with previous successful prosecutions in similar cases. Last year, a Cyprus-flagged cargo ship was fined for a ladder failure that resulted in a pilot’s serious injury. AMSA has also issued marine notices and safety bulletins to address safe pilot transfer arrangements.
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