Pilbara Ports Vessel Safe Access

Overview

Pilbara Ports Authority has issued Local Marine Notice D19-2026 for the Port of Dampier (dated 14 August 2026), to reinforce the critical importance of safe ship-to-shore access arrangements within Pilbara Ports, particularly where accommodation ladders are used in suspended conditions and are not landed on the quay, berth or other suitable structure.

Key Requirements

All vessels calling at Pilbara Ports must ensure that ship-to-shore access arrangements are safe for use before personnel embark or disembark.

Where an accommodation ladder is used while suspended and not landed on the quay, berth or other suitable structure, vessel masters, owners and operators must ensure that:

• Planned maintenance regimes are current and verifiable;
• The ladder is rigged in accordance with the vessel's approved arrangements and applicable standards;
• Access arrangements are monitored and adjusted as required for tide, draft, weather and vessel movement;
• Suitable lighting, lifebuoys and safety nets are provided where required;
• The risks associated with rigging, adjustment, inspection and removal are assessed and controlled through the vessel's Safety Management System.

Secondary Means of Support

Local Marine Notice D13-2026 (dated 6 July 2026), which previously required vessel Masters, owners, and operators to adopt engineered, class-approved secondary support systems for suspended accommodation ladders by 1 January 2027.This requirement has been superseded by Local Marine Notice D19-2026 (dated 14 August 2026), which no longer mandates a class-approved secondary means of support.

However, where a vessel proposes to use a secondary means of support for a suspended accommodation ladder, the vessel must be able to demonstrate that the arrangement is approved, accepted or otherwise verified as suitable by ABS.

There is no universally recognized industry standard for class-approved secondary support arrangements for suspended accommodation ladders. ABS recommended criteria: MSC.1/Circ.1331/Rev.1 and relevant ISO requirements for the primary means of support should be applied, as appropriate:

The vessel's structure and strong points should be determined by applying a safety factor of 2x the Safe Working Load (SWL).

SWL = [Accommodation Ladder Weight + (Number of Steps × 75 kg)] / 2

Note: The SWL value shall be taken as at least the accommodation ladder weight.

Verification and Documentation

Pilbara Ports may request evidence that a vessel's access arrangements have been assessed and are safe for their intended use. Evidence may include:

• Current class records or approvals;
• Manufacturer instructions;
• Planned maintenance records;
• Inspection records;
• Risk assessments;
• Photographs of the rigged arrangement;
• Drawings or engineering documentation; or
• Confirmation from the vessel's Classification Society where a secondary means of support is fitted or proposed.

ABS Services

ABS can assist clients in meeting D19-2026 requirements:

1.    Accommodation ladder inspection report – ABS may issue an inspection report (SOF-AB141) for accommodation ladders, documenting the condition of the ladder and associated equipment upon request from the owner.

2.    Class approval of secondary means of support (when proposed) - ABS may review, approve, or verify secondary support arrangements, including confirmation that structural strength meets the required safety factor.

Recommendations

ABS recommends that vessel owners and operators calling at Pilbara Ports take the following actions:

1. Review the vessel's current accommodation ladder arrangements and ensure compliance with Pilbara Ports Local Marine Notice D19-2026, AMSA Marine Notice 2023/06, and Marine Order 12.
2. Ensure that crew undertaking rigging, adjustment or inspection of accommodation ladders are appropriately protected from fall-from-height and over-side hazards, and that access is suspended if the arrangement becomes unsafe, damaged, ineffective or compromised.
3. Ensure that planned maintenance regimes for accommodation ladders, gangways, winches, wires, sheaves, and fittings are current, verifiable, and in accordance with manufacturer instructions and class requirements.
4. Contact ABS to arrange for an accommodation ladder inspection report prior to arrival at Pilbara Ports.
5. Where a secondary means of support is used or proposed, verify that the arrangement is approved or accepted by ABS.