Description
Pilot transfer operations are routine on board many vessels, but the consequences of an incorrectly rigged, damaged, poorly maintained, or inadequately supervised arrangement can be severe.
The Marine Pro Academy Pilot Ladder Transfer Safety Training course provides practical, up-to-date training for seafarers and maritime professionals involved in preparing, inspecting, rigging, supervising, or managing pilot transfer arrangements.
The course combines current operational requirements with the latest regulatory developments affecting pilot transfer safety, including the revised SOLAS V/23 framework and the forthcoming 2028/2029 compliance transition.
Course Overview
This professional e-learning course is designed to strengthen practical understanding of safe pilot transfer operations and help learners recognize conditions that may make an arrangement unsafe or non-compliant.
Training covers the essential operational and regulatory areas associated with:
pilot ladder inspection and condition assessment
safe rigging and securing principles
boarding position and access arrangements
pilot ladder certification and traceability
crew safety, PPE, and work-area preparation
combination ladder and special arrangements
supervision and communication during transfer
emergency readiness and recovery awareness
defect reporting and corrective action
stop-work decisions when safety cannot be assured
current regulatory requirements and upcoming compliance changes
The course uses realistic maritime examples and practical decision-making exercises to reinforce safe operational judgment rather than simple memorization.
Updated for the 2026 Regulatory Environment
The course distinguishes between the requirements applicable to pilot transfer operations today and the regulatory developments that will affect future arrangements.
Learners are introduced to the current SOLAS V/23 framework together with the latest IMO developments adopted in 2025 and scheduled to enter into force from 1 January 2028, including strengthened requirements for pilot transfer arrangements and associated performance standards.
The course also addresses the need for vessel operators and crews to prepare in advance for the relevant 2028/2029 transition milestones.
Regulatory & Technical References
Course content is developed with reference to current international requirements and industry guidance, including:
SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 23
applicable IMO resolutions and circulars concerning pilot transfer arrangements
revised IMO performance standards for pilot transfer arrangements
ISO 799 series requirements and guidance
current maritime-industry and safety guidance relating to pilot ladder inspection and transfer operations
Who Is This Course For?
Suitable for:
Masters and Chief Officers
Deck Officers
Officers of the Watch
Bosuns and Deck Ratings
Safety Officers
personnel involved in pilot ladder preparation and rigging
personnel supervising pilot embarkation and disembarkation
shore-based marine, safety, and compliance personnel
Course Format
100% online and self-paced
modern interactive LMS delivery
practical maritime examples
visual safety guidance
module knowledge checks
final assessment
accessible by computer, tablet, or mobile device
AI tutor support throughout the course
Duration:3 Hours
Certificate
Upon successful completion of the course and assessment, learners receive a Marine Pro Academy Certificate of Completion.
This training is intended for professional maritime safety development and does not itself approve a vessel’s pilot transfer arrangement, certify equipment, or replace flag State, class, Administration, manufacturer, vessel SMS, or pilotage-authority requirements.
Why This Course Matters
Pilot transfer safety depends on more than having a ladder available.
Safe operations require suitable equipment, correct preparation, effective supervision, clear communication, and the confidence to stop a transfer when something is not right.
This course helps learners build that practical awareness so unsafe conditions can be identified and corrected before a pilot or crew member is exposed to unnecessary risk.
Certificate Processing Time
Your e-learning certificate is available immediately after successful completion of the course and all required assessments. For STCW or flag-state-approved courses, certification can take up to 48 hours, depending on the relevant issuing authority’s verification and approval process.







Sophia Wilson (verified owner) –
Excellent Training