MCA urged to issue new safety guidance for non‑SOLAS vessels after fatal 2023 pilot ladder accident

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been asked to issue new safety guidance urging non‑SOLAS vessels to carry an alternative means of recovering an unconscious person, following a recent Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report into a fatal pilot transfer accident. 

On 8 January 2023, a Humber pilot fell from a pilot ladder while boarding the ro‑ro cargo vessel Finnhawk from the pilot vessel Humber Saturn. The MAIB found it is likely the pilot suffered a cardiac event during the transfer. He struck the deck of Humber Saturn before falling into the water and losing consciousness. 

The pilot was recovered using the vessel's semi‑submerged man overboard platform. However, due to defects, the platform could not be raised, leaving him partially immersed in cold water for over 40 minutes until a lifeboat could take him ashore. He was airlifted to hospital by coastguard helicopter but was later pronounced deceased. 

The investigation highlighted significant safety concerns. The pilot's medical certificate –  issued six months prior – should not have declared him fully fit, given several chronic health conditions that may have affected his ability to perform pilotage duties. The pilots onboard had also not been trained in sea survival, first aid and CPR in line with IMO and industry guidance. 

Recommendations have been made to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to provide clear guidance requiring non‑SOLAS vessels to carry an alternative method for recovering an unconscious casualty from the water. 

Associated British Ports has also been advised to review risk assessments, update pilot PPE for cold‑water survivability, and ensure training aligns with industry best practice. Port industry bodies have further been urged to strengthen occupational standards and PPE guidance for marine pilots. 

In a statement chief inspector of marine accidents, Andrew Moll said: 'Pilot transfers are challenging and potentially hazardous and fortunately most are conducted without incident. Tragically, however, on 8 January 2023 this was not the case, and a respected and experienced marine pilot lost his life. 

'While superficially this was a simple accident, our investigation identified safety concerns across the training, equipment, medical standards and emergency response, and this report addresses all of these. 

'While the MAIB has been encouraged by the actions of the port and industry bodies to address these safety issues, I strongly urge all harbour authorities with a pilotage service to learn the lessons of this accident and take action.'