Section 2(1) in The Merchant Shipping (Pilot Ladder) Rules, 1967
(1)Every ship to which these rules apply shall be provided with a pilot ladder which shall comply with the following requirements, namely:-(a)a single length of ladder shall be provided capable of reaching the water from the point of access to the ship when the ship is in an unloaded condition and in normal conditions of trim with no list(b)the pilot ladder shall be secured in a position so that each step rests firmly against the ship's side;Provided that the Central Government may exempt ships with rubbing bands or ships which by virtue of their construction cannot fully comply with the provisions of this clause, to the requirements of this clause subject, however, to the condition that the provisions of this clause shall be complied with as nearly as circumstances permit;(c)the pilot ladder shall be in a position clear of any possible discharges from the ship and so secured that the pilot can gain safe ad convenient access to the ship after climbing not less than 1.5 metres and not more than 9 metres. Whenever the distance from sea level to the point of access to the ship exceeds 9 metres, access from the pilot ladder to the ship shall be by means of an accommodation ladder or other suitably safe or equally convenient means;(d)the treads of the pilot ladder shall be of hard wood and not less than 48 centimetres long, 11.4 centrimetres wide 2.5 centimetres in depth;(e)the steps shall be joined in such a manner that the ladder will be of adequate strength;(f)the steps shall be maintained in a horizontal position and shall be evenly spaced and not less than 30.5 centimetres or more than 38 centimetres apart;(g)spreaders of sufficient a length at such intervals so as to prevent the ladder from twisting;provided that the provisions of this clause need not be complied with if the owner or master is satisfied that the ladder will not twist when in use without spreaders;(h)the side ropes of the pilot ladder shall consist of two manila ropes 5.71 centimetres on each side;provided that the Central Government may accept the use of ropes of such other material as may be approved by them.
