[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 46, Volume 1]
[Revised as of Octobery 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 46CFR35.01-55]

[Page 467-468]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
         CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
 
PART 35_OPERATIONS--Table of Contents
 
              Subpart 35.01_Special Operating Requirements
 
Sec. 35.01-55  Pilot boarding operation.

    (a) The master shall ensure that pilot boarding equipment is 
maintained as follows:

[[Page 468]]

    (1) The equipment must be kept clean and in good working order.
    (2) Each damaged step or spreader step on a pilot ladder must be 
replaced in kind with an approved replacement step or spreader step, 
prior to further use of the ladder. The replacement step or spreader 
step must be secured by the method used in the original construction of 
the ladder, and in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
    (b) The master shall ensure compliance with the following during 
pilot boarding operations:
    (1) Only approved pilot boarding equipment may be used.
    (2) The pilot boarding equipment must rest firmly against the hull 
of the vessel and be clear of overboard discharges.
    (3) Two man ropes, a safety line and an approved lifebuoy with an 
approved water light must be at the point of access and be immediately 
available for use during boarding operations.
    (4) Rigging of the equipment and embarkation/debarkation of a pilot 
must be supervised in person by a deck officer.
    (5) Both the equipment over the side and the point of access must be 
adequately lit during night operations.
    (6) If a pilot hoist is used, a pilot ladder must be kept on deck 
adjacent to the hoist and available for immediate use.

[CGD 79-032, 49 FR 25455, June 21, 1984]