Magnets can lose their strength over the time, as was the case on board a tanker, where the magnets for the accommodation platform released from the hull. It resulted in problems for pilots trying to leave the vessel. The Nautical Institute describes the incident in a new Mars Report.
The Nautical Institute gathers reports of maritime accidents and near-misses. It then publishes these so-called Mars (Mariners’ Alerting and Reporting Scheme) Reports (anonymously) to prevent other accidents from happening. This is one of these reports.
A tanker in ballast and with a freeboard of 15.4 metres was about to leave port. Two pilots joined from the vessel’s sea side and inspected the pilot and accommodation ladder arrangements while boarding. On their suggestion, the pilot ladder was adjusted about three steps higher, but otherwise was found to be acceptable.
Departure and outbound voyage were without incident, but at the pilot disembarkation area the vessel was rolling so heavily that the magnets for the accommodation platform released from the hull. The disembarkation of the pilots was postponed to re-secure the ladder. The magnets were re-attached to the vessel’s hull, the accommodation ladder was secured, and one pilot disembarked safely to the pilot boat.
The second pilot could not disembark as the magnets were again dislodged from the hull due to rolling. The disembarkation of the second pilot was postponed and the vessel headed towards an area where the weather conditions were deemed more suitable for disembarkation.
The master subsequently ordered new magnets for the vessel.
Also read: Damage to accommodation ladder
Advice from The Nautical Institute
- Pilot and accommodation ladder magnets, like any magnet, will lose their strength over time. Various factors contribute to the loss in magnetic strength, depending on the type of magnet, including among others: High temperatures; physical damage – impacts or vibrations; electromagnetic interference – high levels of electromagnetic fields generated by strongelectrical currents can reduce a magnet’s strength; Corrosion – magnets made of iron can rust if not coated or protected. Over time, corrosion can compromise their structure and reduce their magnetism.
- Keep ladder magnets in a protected environment and if possible one with stable temperature control.
- Maintain ladder magnets by eliminating rust and protecting them from impacts.
- When in doubt, since judging magnet strength is difficult under operational conditions, replace old pilot/accommodation ladder magnets with new ones.
Also read: Accommodation ladder not accommodating
Mars Reports
This accident was covered in the Mars Reports, originally published as Mars 202536. A selection of the Mars Reports are also published in the SWZ|Maritime magazine. The Nautical Institute compiles these reports to help prevent maritime accidents. That is why they are also published (in full) on SWZ|Maritime’s website.
More reports are needed to keep the scheme interesting and informative. All reports are read only by the Mars coordinator and are treated in the strictest confidence. To submit a report, please use the Mars report form.
