Description

Maritime pilots worldwide rely on pilot ladder arrangements to safely board and disembark from ships. Their safety depends entirely on the condition, rigging, and proper use of pilot ladders. However, improper arrangements remain a leading cause of transfer-related accidents, as highlighted by the IMO.

This training provides a complete understanding of the international requirements governing pilot ladder safety, including the upcoming SOLAS V/23 amendments expected to be approved in December 2024, adopted in June 2025, and entering into force in January 2028.

Learners will gain practical knowledge on safe transfer procedures, ladder inspection, maintenance, and best practices to ensure compliance and prevent accidents.

Course Highlights

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the importance of proper pilot ladder use in safe pilot transfers.
• Comprehend the IMO and SOLAS regulations governing pilot ladder and transfer arrangements.
• Recognize hazards associated with pilot ladder operations and how to mitigate them.
• Apply best practices for rigging, securing, inspecting, and maintaining pilot ladders.
• Identify non‑compliant arrangements and take corrective action.

Legislation & References

This course is based on the requirements of:

• SOLAS Convention, Chapter V, Regulation 23.3.3 – Pilot Transfer Arrangements
• IMO Resolution A.1045(27) – Code of Practice for the Safety of Pilot Transfer Arrangements
• IMO Resolution A.1108(29) – Prevention of Accidents in Personnel Transfer
• MSC.1/Circ.1428 – Required Boarding Arrangements for Pilots
• MSC.1/Circ.1495/Rev.1 – Unified Interpretation of SOLAS V/23.3.3
• ISO 799-1:2019
• ISO 799-2:2021
• ISO 799-3:2022
• Latest SOLAS V/23 amendments (expected approval Dec 2024, adoption Jun 2025, entry into force Jan 2028)