East Coast College launches pilot safety training course

The sector is so broad, increasing the breadth of skills required. One key area that is sometimes overlooked is that of the maritime sector.

Every day around the world, hundreds of pilots embark and disembark from ships of all types and sizes in all sorts of weather and sea conditions. The college worked with one of the key training associates, Apoio Marine, to explore how the college meets the training needs of pilots.

Surprisingly, the use of a rope ladder remains the most effective way to achieve this. However, it comes with risk. Recently, it has been estimated that one pilot loses their life every six months due to a transfer-related incident, and 2023 was a particularly significant year, with seven fatalities globally.

Generally, most pilot ladder training is conducted at work and is typically passed down from existing pilots to newcomers.

Rachel Bunn, director of commercial, projects and community at East Coast College (Image: East Coast College) The college’s industry-specific resources and trainers allowed a bespoke training course to be created to meet the need, not only for safety reasons but also to increase knowledge on legislation, construction and legal aspects.

Using the environmental tank, we can also replicate conditions in which the delegate can experience what it feels like to leave a small boat and climb a ladder in a variety of simulated environment conditions.

The training comprises three distinct areas:

1.  In the classroom where we discuss procedures and best practices, legislation, areas of concern and how we might tackle this.
2. Using the climbing hall to climb a fixed vertical ladder and (soon a full nine-metre pilot ladder) while attached to a ‘fall arrest’. This provides an opportunity to discuss best climbing practices and how to get on and off the ladder safely to a moving pilot launch.
3. Through a pool session where we can simulate a moving vessel approaching the ladder. Delegates can experience what it is like to leave the pilot boat deck and climb the ladder, as well as simulating a fall from the ladder in a variety of sea conditions. Delegates can also experience their PPE in action - a fully integrated pilot coat or an auto-inflating lifejacket.

The college has delivered the first four courses and feedback has been extremely positive, not only relating to the trainer’s experience and delivery but also that the learning environment really aids embedded learning and application.

For more information, visit eastcoast.ac.uk