Pilots and Pilotage Authorities regularly undertake transfer of persons between vessels at sea. There have been accidents, some fatal, whilst transferring persons between vessels making way. In each case, personal competence and effective decision making was brought into question which resulted in prosecutions being made.
The key lessons from such incidents are that trained and fully briefed persons should be used to conduct transfers with appropriate risk assessment being carried out, strict operational procedures followed and a company focus on behavioural safety at the forefront of effective decision making.
We offer two options in Marine Pilot Safety Training - initial and refresher courses. These have been driven and developed in close collaboration with Peel Ports Group, allowing employers across industry to demonstrate they meet their legal/moral obligations whilst giving the employee confidence in carrying out a safe transfer at sea.
Booking a group course
Duration/location
Initial - One day
Refresher - Half day (pm)
All training takes place at Fleetwood Nautical Campus.
Course fee
Initial training:
£380 per person.
Refresher training:
£250 per person.
Availability
On request.
Certification
The certificate is awarded by Blackpool and the Fylde College.
Entry requirements
There are no pre-requisites other than a requirement to be medically fit and free of illness/personal injury on the day of training as highlighted in the ‘Medical Declaration’ section below.
Medical Declaration
Parts of the course are of a physical nature. Delegates will be required to complete a medical declaration stating that they are fit to undertake practical training when they attend the course. This will be sent with joining instructions and delegates are requested to read this carefully so they are fully aware of the physical requirements.
Course details
The courses include classroom theory, with the practical element taking place in our Environmental Training Tank. For the initial course, the morning theory session is consolidated in the practical session, starting in benign conditions, before gradually worsening (through waves, rain and darkness) to the point they recognise it is not safe to continue. The refresher course has a more practical focus.
Some delegates (dependent on role) will be required to climb a 9 metre vertical pilot ladder and perform a ‘step across’ to a fixed platform. This develops confidence for the delegate as well as demonstrating to the employer that they are physically capable of performing the task.
Practical learning outcomes
This course gives those involved in Marine Pilot Transfer an understanding and awareness of the hazards, risks and control measures inherent within a diverse transfer environment at sea including:
• Regulations and company guidance
• Non-compliance
• Pilot boat familiarisation
• Life saving appliances
• Boarding arrangements
• Hadrian’s Rail usage
• Communications
• Accidents and lessons learned
• PPE
• Emergency procedures including MOB recovery
• Practical transfers over water – 3m climb and bulwark ladder
• 9m vertical climb
• Survival techniques
Find out more
Contact us on 01253 504800 or offshore@blackpool.ac.uk.
Booking your place
You can find out more about the initial course here.
