At the 2015 AMPI Pilotage and Port Logistics Conference representatives from AMSA and AMPI met and discussed the possibility of developing an App-based reporting tool for Marine Pilots to use in the reporting of non-compliant or unsafe pilot boarding arrangements and also allow pilots to attach photos to their reports.
A
couple years on and after an initial trial period, the AMSA Pilot
App is now well and truly up and running. Since its release in 2017, AMSA has
received a total of 158 suspected pilot transfer non-compliance reports via the
App from all around Australia. 83 of these have been received in 2018 alone (as
of June ‘18), which reflects a strong uptake in the use of the App to support
increased reporting outcomes.
The information below outlines the scope of the program.
- AMSA regulates pilot transfer requirements in Australia via Marine Order 21 (Section 12), which gives effect to SOLAS Chapter V (Regulation 23). As Australia’s maritime safety regulator, AMSA has a vested interested in providing innovative methods to increase non-compliance reporting related to pilot transfer arrangements.
- AMSA appreciates that Australian marine pilots are on the frontline and are often the first to identify safety concerns. Therefore input from pilots about non-compliant transfer arrangements is encouraged.
- At AMPI’s request, a mobile-friendly reporting App called ‘AMSA Pilot’ was developed to assist marine pilots notify AMSA when non-compliance with pilot transfer arrangements is suspected (or identified).
- The App is primarily an information-sharing tool to help improve maritime safety and was developed via the Australian online app-builder website ‘App Wizard’ www.appwizard.com.au
- The information resources contained in the App can assist pilots to identify the specific nature of the non-compliance. This information can be utilised to clarify the correct requirement(s) with the Master or Responsible Officer on board, to assist understanding and rectification.
- ‘AMSA Pilot’ is the first App of its kind in the world to provide a mobile reporting service specifically related to pilot transfer arrangements for the benefit of marine pilots.
- The App contains the following services and information resources:
Semi-automated non-compliance report form
The ability to attach multiple photos and enter free text in the report
AMSA Information Sheet (399) - Using Pilot Ladders.
Marine Notice 19/2015 (Use of Pilot Ladders).
Marine Order 21 (Safety and Emergency Arrangements) Section 12 (Pilot transfer arrangements excerpt).
High-res IMO / IMPA Pilot Ladder Poster.
ISO 799:2004 (Pilot Ladders).
IMO Resolution A.1045(27) - Pilot Transfer Arrangements.
IMO Unified Interpretation of SOLAS V/23.3.3.
SOLAS V23 Section 7 (Associated Equipment) excerpt
Pilot ladder retrieval lines – safe rigging information.
App-share features (share App via email, SMS, social-media links etc.).
App usage tips page.
