The St Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry (SKAN) has underlined its commitment to safety onboard ship by ensuring that all its flagged vessels adhere to the latest regulations governing the safe boarding and disembarkation of pilots coming into, and leaving, port.
More and more pilots across the world are being injured (and in some cases, killed) due to poor maintenance, incorrect rigging and the unsatisfactory condition of pilot transfer and boarding arrangements.
The St Kitts & Nevis Flag has decided to ensure that all their flagged vessels have onboard the appropriate type-approved equipment, and systems, to facilitate the safe transfer of pilots during boarding and disembarkation.
As a result, it will implement a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) of its vessels to run from 1st April 2025 to 30th June 2025.
Advising interested parties, and in particular owners, operators and crew, Liam Ryan, the Flag’s Registrar and CEO, said: “The CIC looks to redress concerns where unsatisfactory boarding and transfer arrangements have been seen onboard its vessels during Flag State Inspections, as well as feedback received from pilots raising concerns surrounding the rigging, retrieval lines and overall condition of the ladder arrangements.”
This positive action acknowledges the extensive work on the subject undertaken by the International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA) at the Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Their efforts pushed through much needed amendments to SOLAS Regulation V/23 and the associated mandatory performance standards for pilot transfer arrangements.
(Image of St. Kitts registry logo)