The British Ports Association has welcomed the release of the joint industry safety guide on maritime pilotage boarding published today to help support port authorities and pilots undertake the critical process of getting ships in and out of the UK.
The Embarkation & Disembarkation of Pilots Code of Safe Practice is a shared and voluntary resource, prepared collaboratively by pilots and ports.
The British Ports Association is part of a collection of maritime bodies that have collectively worked to update the code, including Port Skills and Safety, the UK Harbour Masters’ Association, the UK Major Ports Group, and the UK Maritime Pilots Association.
The updated resource is used across the UK to assist ports and pilot organizations in establishing safe operating procedures for pilot boarding and landing.
It was reviewed and updated earlier in the year and is being formally launched today as a voluntary but important resource for port and pilotage authorities.
Maritime pilots undertake an important function, using their local knowledge and extensive training to assist and guide ships into ports.
The latest review of the Embarkation & Disembarkation of Pilots Code of Safe Practice was finalized in the summer but has been published today. The next review is planned for 2028.
Richard Ballantyne,Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, stated they’re pleased to have agreed the latest updates to this important Code for pilotage operations. The document was first developed in the 1990s and it has evolved into a world-leading resource for ports and pilots.
He added there are more than 500 active maritime pilots in the UK and they regularly guide vessels into and around 100 different port authorities and countless marine facilities throughout the country.
This includes a wide variety of cargo vessels carrying significant freight volumes as well as numerous other ships involved in the tourism and energy sectors.
