AMSA Counterfeit Pilot Ladder Alert

In March 2019, one of AMSA's Port Marine Surveyors discovered a pilot ladder on board a vessel that appeared to be non-compliant with the pilot ladder requirements. The ladder in question was manufactured by Qingdao Good Brother Marine Life-Saving Appliance Co. Ltd. This discovery prompted Australian Maritime Safety Authority to investigate further.

During the inspection, the crew presented an "inspection certificate" claiming that the pilot ladder was compliant. However, upon closer examination, it was revealed that the certificate was fake. This raised concerns about the authenticity and compliance of the ladder.

AMSA's Head of Inspections – Ship Inspection and Registration forwarded the photos of the ladder to the China Classification Society (CCS) for further investigation. In response, CCS discovered that another company had purchased ladders from Qingdao Good Brother Marine Life-Saving Appliance Co. Ltd. and then copied the product, creating their own counterfeit certification. These counterfeit products were sold to customers who believed they were purchasing genuine items.

Genuine Pilot Ladder ID Plate

It is important to note that genuine ladders from Qingdao Good Brother Marine Life-Saving Appliance Co. Ltd. are equipped with a compliance plate, indicating their compliance with regulations. Additionally, the compliance plate refers to a "Type Approval Certificate" issued by CCS. The fake pilot ladder inspection certificate lacked the anti-counterfeiting features and marks of authenticity found on genuine CCS marine product certificates.

CCS provided AMSA with an example of a genuine CCS "Certificate of Marine Product," which demonstrated the proper format and marks of authenticity. Although the provided certificate pertained to a different product, the format and features were the same as those found on a pilot ladder certificate.

AMSA encourages marine pilots to report any suspicions of non-compliant pilot ladders, especially those associated with counterfeit manufacturing or certification. If a pilot transfer arrangement is deemed unsafe, it is advised to refuse its use until the master and crew rectify the situation. These circumstances should be reported to AMSA and the employer. AMSA will then investigate the matter and, if necessary, reach out to the flag State if the ship is not calling into an Australian port.

CCS has been highly responsive to AMSA's requests for assistance and promptly initiated an investigation upon notification of the concerns. In response to the investigation, Qingdao Good Brother Marine Life-Saving Appliance Co. Ltd. has taken legal action against Shenzhen Import & Export Company Ltd. for producing counterfeit copies of their products.

AMSA remains dedicated to addressing pilot complaints regarding non-compliant pilot transfer arrangements to improve maritime safety. For any inquiries about this matter, please contact [email protected].