2.1.1 The securing strong points, shackles and
securing ropes should be at least as strong as the side ropes specified
in section 2.2 below.
2.1.2 The steps of the pilot ladders should comply
with the following requirements:
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.1 if made of hardwood, they should be made in
one piece, free of knots;
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.2 if made of material other than hardwood, they
should be of equivalent strength, stiffness and durability to the
satisfaction of the Administration;
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.3 the four lowest steps may be of rubber of sufficient
strength and stiffness or other material to the satisfaction of the
Administration;
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.4 they should have an efficient non-slip surface;
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.5 they should be not less than 400 mm between
the side ropes, 115 mm wide and 25 mm in depth, excluding any non-slip
device or grooving;
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.6 they should be equally spaced not less than
310 mm or more than 350 mm apart; and
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.7 they should be secured in such a manner that
each will remain horizontal.
2.1.3 No pilot ladder should have more than two
replacement steps which are secured in position by a method different
from that used in the original construction of the ladder, and any
steps so secured should be replaced as soon as reasonably practicable
by steps secured in position by the method used in the original construction
of the pilot ladder. When any replacement step is secured to the side
ropes of the pilot ladder by means of grooves in the sides of the
step, such grooves should be in the longer sides of the step.
2.1.4 Pilot ladders with more than five steps
should have spreader steps not less than 1.8 m long provided at such
intervals as will prevent the pilot ladder from twisting. The lowest
spreader step should be the fifth step from the bottom of the ladder
and the interval between any spreader step and the next should not
exceed nine steps.
2.1.5 When a retrieval line is considered necessary
to ensure the safe rigging of a pilot ladder, the line should be fastened
at or above the last spreader step and should lead forward. The retrieval
line should not hinder the pilot nor obstruct the safe approach of
the pilot boat.
2.1.6 A permanent marking should be provided at
regular intervals (e.g. 1 m) throughout the length of the ladder consistent
with ladder design, use and maintenance in order to facilitate the
rigging of the ladder to the required height.