The United Kingdom’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has issued a warning about a counterfeit pilot ladder that was discovered during a port examination.
MCA, the UK’s market surveillance authority, published the safety bulletin regarding the counterfeit ladders that were discovered by the US Coast Guard during a port state control examination at the Port of Baltimore.
According to the MCA, the counterfeit ladder referenced ISO 779-1 instead of ISO 799-1.
“The serial number on the ladder matched its certificate, however the number of steps and the length of the ladder did not align with the specifications listed on the certificate,” the MCA said.
The plate and certificate indicated that the ladder had been produced by Qingdao Good Brother Marine Life Saving Appliance Co Ltd, a company that manufactures International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (Solas) approved pilot ladders.
“It is, however, worth noting that the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in March 2019 identified counterfeit pilot ladders falsely bearing the company’s name and Solas certification,” the coastguard agency said.
“The issue highlights the critical need for shipowners and operators to thoroughly verify the authenticity of marine equipment, particularly when dealing with items that are critical to safety at sea.”
MCA advised ship owners to thoroughly inspect pilot ladders to ensure vessels are outfitted with genuine Solas-approved equipment and to verify certification details by checking for proper ISO approval numbers and ensuring the specifications on the certificate match the actual ladder.
It advised ship owners to consult the United States Coast Guard Safety Alert on Counterfeit Pilot Ladders for further details on the matter.
