Pilot ladders and embarkation ladders
Inspection and renewal of pilot ladders, embarkation ladders and their rigging in accordance with SOLAS V/23, the 2028 performance standards and ISO 799-1.
Pilots climb the ship's side in all weathers, often at night. In the International Maritime Pilots' Association's 2026 safety campaign, 13% of the 4,051 boarding arrangements reported did not comply with the rules, and more than half of the non-compliances concerned the ladders.
The new SOLAS V/23 (Res. MSC.572(110), adopted in June 2025) applies from 1 January 2028. From that date the inspection, maintenance and replacement requirements apply to all ships; existing installations on SOLAS ships have until the first survey on or after 1 January 2029 to meet the design and installation requirements. We can already check your ships against these rules, so the changeover is planned rather than forced at the last minute.
Scope
Steps, side ropes, spreaders, seizings and markings are checked against ISO 799-1; certificates and dates of manufacture and entry into service are verified; ladders taken out of service are landed.
Strong points (load-rated and marked), shackles, man-ropes, the lifebuoy and lighting at the embarkation point, and combination arrangements with the accommodation ladder. The 2028 rules also require a spare ladder and spare man-ropes to be carried on board.
Embarkation ladders at survival craft stations are inspected and renewed where necessary.
Supply of pilot and embarkation ladders in the length your freeboard requires, with certificates. From 2028, pilot ladders and man-ropes must be type-approved.
Intervals
| Equipment / task | Interval | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection by the responsible officer (from 2028) | Before and after each use, plus a detailed inspection every 3 months | MSC.576(110) |
| Replacement of pilot ladders and man-ropes, including spares (from 2028) | 36 months from manufacture or 30 months in service, whichever comes first | SOLAS V/23, MSC.576(110) |
| Until 2028 | Regular inspection; replacement when worn or damaged; retention of the manufacturer's certificate and the record of entry into service and repairs | SOLAS V/23 (2012), Res. A.1045(27) |
What you receive
- Inspection record for each ladder, stating its serial number and age
- Certificates for new ladders
- Service report signed on board by the master or chief officer
- Photos and plain notes for every non-conforming unit, with a quotation for repair
Applicable rules
- SOLAS V/23
- Res. MSC.572(110)
- Res. MSC.576(110)
- Res. A.1045(27)
- ISO 799-1:2019
- ISO 799-3:2022
- MSC.1/Circ.1428/Rev.1
- MSC.1/Circ.1331