🔍 Key Concepts

• Leeward vs weather side of the ship when transferring a pilot • Effect of sea and swell direction on a pilot ladder and pilot boat • Safe relative motion between ship’s side, pilot ladder, and pilot boat

💭 Think About

• Which heading will keep the ladder in the lee, as sheltered as possible from wind and seas, so the pilot boat can come alongside safely? • How does having ahead way vs sternway vs no way on your ship affect the pilot boat’s ability to maintain position at the ladder? • In which option is the risk of the pilot boat being forced against the ship’s side or under the flare of the ship minimized?

✅ Before You Answer

• Confirm which side is leeward (downwind) and what that means for waves and spray at the ladder • Check whether slight ahead motion or sternway/no way is normally recommended for safe pilot transfer in a seaway • Evaluate which option gives the pilot boat the most predictable, steady relative movement at the ladder with the least vertical/horizontal impact forces