The St Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry 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.

Graeme Morkel, SKAN Deputy Registrar added: “The outcome is the latest important step in the process of having a comprehensive, robust, mandatory regulatory regime in place for pilot transfer arrangements.”

He added: “SKAN Registry aims to take a lead on this issue and looks to improve the standard of transfer and boarding arrangements across the entire SKAN fleet by working closely with its owners, managers and affiliate organisations, in ensuring total compliance, thereby ensuring the safety of pilots boarding or disembarking.

In addition to the specifics of the CIC, SKAN has announced a tightening of the application process for those vessels aspiring to join the fleet.

A completely revised application process is to be introduced from 1st April 2025 putting the onus on owners, managers and operators of aspiring vessels to produce the documentary requirements first time round otherwise their application will be rejected.

Liam Ryan added: “The vetting procedures are going to change and up front documentary evidence to support the application will be required.

“No second chances. Improve or go,” he warned.