PSS acknowledges MAIB investigation report

Port Skills and Safety (PSS) acknowledges the publication of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch’s (MAIB) report into the fatal fall of a Humber pilot during a transfer to the cargo vessel Finnhawk on 8 January 2023. The incident occurred as the pilot attempted to board the vessel from the pilot boat Humber Saturn in challenging winter conditions in the approaches to the Humber Estuary.

Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents Andrew Moll OBE emphasised that while most pilot transfers are carried out without incident, this case demonstrates the significant risks involved and the importance of learning from the evidence presented.

Actions and recommendations

Since the accident, a number of steps have already been taken, including improvements to medical fitness processes, pilot‑vessel recovery arrangements and emergency care capability. PSS has worked with the British Ports Association, UK Major Ports Group, UK Harbour Masters’ Association and UK Maritime Pilots’ Association to update the Embarkation and Disembarkation of Pilots Code of Safe Practice, including new guidance on climb zones, fitness expectations and casualty‑handling procedures.

As a sector, we must continue to work together to make sure we learn from this tragedy. Our shared responsibility is to ensure that pilots are equipped, supported and kept as safe as possible every time they step onto a ladder.

As a sector, we must continue to work together to make sure we learn from this tragedy. Our shared responsibility is to ensure that pilots are equipped, supported and kept as safe as possible every time they step onto a ladder.

DEBBIE CAVALDORO, PSS CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The MAIB has issued further recommendations intended to support long‑term improvement. These include guidance for the carriage of alternative recovery methods on non‑SOLAS vessels, enhanced PPE for pilots to improve cold‑water survivability, and improved reporting and oversight of safety‑critical defects on pilot vessels. A specific recommendation also calls for industry bodies, including PSS, to update the Pilots’ Code of Safe Practice to provide Competent Harbour Authorities with guidance on developing occupational health standards and suitable PPE requirements.

PSS Chief Executive, Debbie Cavaldoro said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of a highly experienced pilot during this transfer, and our thoughts remain with his family, friends and all those who worked alongside him.

“The MAIB report sets out a number of important lessons and it is clear that improvements have already begun across the industry, but this incident shows there is more to do to strengthen the systems, training and safeguards that protect pilots during transfers.

“As a sector, we must continue to work together to make sure we learn from this tragedy. PSS welcomes the MAIB’s recommendation to further enhance the Pilots’ Code of Safe Practice, particularly around occupational health standards and cold‑water survivability, and we will play our full part in supporting that work. Our shared responsibility is to ensure that pilots are equipped, supported and kept as safe as possible every time they step onto a ladder.”

PSS welcomes the Marine Accident Investigation Branch’s recommendations following this tragic accident and acknowledges the importance of the lessons identified around competence, equipment, fitness, risk assessment and emergency preparedness. As the UK’s membership body for both skills and safety in ports, we will continue to work collaboratively with our members and partners to support learning from this incident, strengthen occupational standards and training, and help ensure that good practice in pilot transfer and boarding arrangements is consistently applied across UK ports.

PSS Health, Safety and Culture Lead, Jen Maddison said “The circumstances described in the report also serve as a reminder of the importance of clear decision-making frameworks and supportive safety cultures, in which those involved in high-risk activities feel able and authorised to raise concerns or pause an operation when conditions change. This is not about individual actions, but about ensuring that systems, training and organisational culture consistently support people to make and act on safe decisions in challenging environments.”

The full report can be downloaded from the MAIB webpage here.

Image courtesy of Michael Ludlow (MarineTraffic.com) / MAIB