Safe pilot transfer is one of the most critical operations carried out at sea. Despite continuous improvements in safety, accidents and fatalities still occur due to incorrectly rigged pilot ladders, poor maintenance, or a lack of understanding of the safety principles behind established requirements.
To encourage the next generation of maritime professionals to think beyond compliance, The Nautical Institute, in partnership with the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA), has launched the 2026 Pilot Transfer Student Competition.
This competition challenges maritime students and cadets to go beyond simply quoting regulations. Instead, participants are invited to explain the reasoning behind pilot transfer safety requirements, helping to build a stronger safety culture throughout the maritime industry.
The Challenge
Select any three key safety requirements from the IMPA poster “Required Pilot Transfer Arrangements” and explain the rationale behind each.
For example:
- Why are spreaders fitted on a pilot ladder?
- Why is a spreader positioned on the fifth step from the bottom?
- Why must each spreader be at least 1.8 metres (180 cm) long?
Who Can Enter?
The competition is open to all maritime students and cadets undergoing their initial maritime education or training.
How to Enter
Email your entry to member@nautinst.org and include:
- Your Full Name
- Email Address
- Telephone Number
- Name of your College, University, or Cadetship Sponsor
Submit your entry in one of the following formats:
- Article – Maximum 800 words
- Poster – Word or PDF format
- Short Video – MP4 format, maximum 4 minutes in duration and no larger than 500 MB. Videos must be submitted via WeTransfer.
Prizes
Winner
£500 worth of Amazon vouchers (or equivalent)
Two Runners-up
£250 worth of Amazon vouchers each
Important Dates
Entry Deadline: 31 August 2026
Winners Announced: 1 October 2026
Why You Should Participate
Pilot transfer safety is about protecting lives. Every correctly rigged pilot ladder reflects professionalism, good seamanship, and a commitment to safety.
This competition offers an excellent opportunity for maritime students and cadets to demonstrate their technical knowledge, contribute to improving pilot transfer safety worldwide, and gain recognition from experienced maritime professionals.
Think beyond the checklist. Understand the reason behind every safety requirement. Your knowledge today could help prevent tomorrow’s accident.
For complete competition rules and official entry information, please visit the link provided in the comments.
Credit: The Nautical Institute