About LadderWatch

A safer ladder is a shared ladder.

LadderWatch is a Pilot Transfer Arrangement (PTA) reporting database built and run by working pilots. Every report you file becomes part of a vessel’s history that the next pilot, at any contributing association, can pull up before they board.

Why it exists

PTA deficiencies kill and injure pilots every year. A missing inner stanchion, an accommodation ladder that is too steep, or not enough spreaders to keep the ladder from twisting are all knowable risks. But, until LadderWatch, they lived in Pilot Association memory and informal group chats. Now they live in a database the boarding pilot can consult in 10 seconds.

We don’t name and shame. We identify patterns - vessels with a repeat history of deficient transfers - so the next pilot, the next boat crew, and the next Master have a chance to address them before someone gets hurt.

How your data is used

Reports you submit are pooled and shared in a de-identified format with other LadderWatch users. Your name, email, and pilot association are stored on your account so we can verify pilot status and produce association-level reporting; they are not shared with vessel operators.

Your pilot association may access reports with identifying information for internal use (training, advocacy, regulator briefings). Voice input is transcribed locally and the audio is not stored. Voice input is never “always-listening” - it only runs when you tap the mic.

Read the full Contributor Agreement and Data Use & Privacy Agreement.

Who’s behind LadderWatch

LadderWatch was founded in 2025 by Captain Jill Russell, a Marine Pilot in Alaska who got tired of finding out about a ship’s ladder problems the hard way. LadderWatch is built and operated independently and is currently in beta with a handful of pilot associations.

Patent Pending #64/012,749

Tell us what you think

Tap the orange “Send Feedback” button in the BETA banner at the top of any page to send a bug report, an idea, or anything else. Every message goes straight to the team.