New SOLAS Pilot Ladder Regulations for pilot transfer arrangements come into force on 1 January 2028, introducing mandatory standards for pilot ladders, securing equipment, attachment points and onboard maintenance procedures. For existing superyachts, particular attention needs to be paid to the strength, positioning and documentation of the points used to secure pilot ladders.
The amendments to SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 23, were adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in June 2025 under Resolution MSC.572(110), together with the associated Performance Standards for Pilot Transfer Arrangements, Resolution MSC.576(110).
Although the new requirements take effect in 2028, existing installations have phased compliance deadlines extending into 2029 and 2030. Private yachts are not automatically exempt, and their obligations will depend on the applicability of SOLAS Chapter V and the requirements of their flag Administration.
When do the new SOLAS pilot ladder regulations take effect?
The revised SOLAS Regulation V/23 establishes three implementation dates.
1 January 2028: Pilot transfer arrangements installed on or after this date must comply with the revised design, construction, securing and installation requirements. The new inspection, maintenance, replacement and crew familiarisation requirements also take effect for all arrangements covered by the regulation, regardless of installation date.
First survey on or after 1 January 2029: Existing arrangements on ships subject to SOLAS Chapter I must comply with the revised technical requirements by their first applicable survey on or after this date.
1 January 2030: Existing arrangements on ships not subject to SOLAS Chapter I must comply with the revised technical requirements by this date.
For private yachts, the distinction between vessels subject to SOLAS Chapter I and those outside its scope is important when establishing the applicable deadline.
Pilot ladder attachment points and the new 48 kN requirement
Section 6.1 of MSC.576(110) requires strong points, shackles and securing ropes used in pilot transfer arrangements to have a minimum breaking strength of 48 kN, equivalent to approximately 4.9 tonnes-force.
Strong points and shackles must have their breaking strength or equivalent safe working load limits clearly and permanently marked. Documentation demonstrating that the strong points, shackles and securing ropes comply with the standard must also be maintained onboard.
For an existing yacht, the first consideration is whether the installed attachment points have an established and documented capacity. An existing pad eye or other securing point cannot be assumed compliant simply because it has been used previously.
The engineering assessment should consider the fitting, its attachment method and the supporting structure. Where the original construction drawings or strength calculations are unavailable, further investigation may be required to establish whether the installation meets the specified capacity.
It is important to distinguish between the required breaking strength and a physical load test. The standard specifies a minimum breaking strength of 48 kN; it does not require every installed strong point to be proof-load tested to 48 kN. Some flag administrations set their own on-board proof-test values: the Cayman Islands guidance, for example, applies 4.4 kN plus half the ladder’s weight to each ladder securing point. Any testing should be supported by an appropriate engineering assessment and an agreed test procedure.
Positioning and securing requirements
The revised standards require securing arrangements to be positioned at least 915 mm inboard from the deck edge. Where the deck width does not permit this, the maximum available distance is permitted. A specific exception applies to combination arrangements incorporating an accommodation ladder.
This positioning requirement needs to be considered when assessing existing deck layouts, particularly where pilot ladders are secured close to bulwarks, boarding gates or other deck equipment.
Section 6.3 also addresses pilot ladders secured at intermediate lengths, rather than at their upper thimble ends.
The securing device must grip each set of ladder side ropes, have a minimum breaking strength of 48 kN and be designed to prevent the ropes slipping under the prescribed test conditions. These devices are subject to type approval under the performance standards.
This is relevant where the deployed length of the ladder is adjusted to suit the yacht’s freeboard. Existing securing arrangements should be checked to establish whether the method and equipment meet the revised requirements.
Where pilot ladder winch reels are fitted, the ladder must be secured to strong points independently of the reel. The reel itself must not support the ladder while it is in use.
Changes to pilot ladder construction and equipment
The new performance standards specify requirements for ladder construction, identification and approval.
Pilot ladder side ropes must be between 20 mm and 22 mm in diameter, with each side comprising a continuous double length of rope without joints and with a minimum breaking strength of 24 kN. The midpoint of each double length must be located on a thimble.
The standards also specify step dimensions, spacing, spreader arrangements and permanent identification markings.
Each pilot ladder must be marked with the manufacturer’s name, a unique equipment identifier, date of manufacture and details of the approving authority. Length markings are required at intervals of three steps to assist with rigging the ladder at the correct height.
The standards introduce defined service life limits for pilot ladders and manropes, including spare equipment. They must be withdrawn from service within 36 months of manufacture or 30 months of being placed into service, whichever occurs first, or earlier if they cease to comply with the requirements.
At least one spare compliant pilot ladder and one spare set of compliant manropes must be carried onboard.
Will the new regulations apply to private yachts?
SOLAS Chapter V has a wider application than many other parts of the Convention and is not restricted to commercially operated vessels.
Regulation V/23 concerns ships on which pilots may be employed. Consequently, private ownership alone does not establish an exemption from the pilot transfer requirements.
However, SOLAS Chapter V also permits flag Administrations to determine the extent to which certain regulations, including Regulation 23, apply to vessels below 150 GT, and vessels below 500 GT that are not engaged on international voyages.
For a privately operated superyacht, applicability therefore needs to be established by reference to its flag, tonnage, operating circumstances and any relevant national requirements.
The distinction also affects the compliance timetable. A private yacht that is not subject to SOLAS Chapter I may fall under the 1 January 2030 deadline for upgrading an existing pilot transfer arrangement, provided Regulation V/23 applies to the vessel.
Whether an existing installation requires modification will depend on its design, condition, supporting documentation and the requirements applicable to the individual yacht.
Owners and captains should obtain confirmation from their flag Administration rather than assume that private registration removes the requirement.
Inspection and maintenance requirements from 2028
Part D of MSC.576(110) introduces specific inspection and maintenance obligations for pilot transfer arrangements.
A responsible officer must inspect the arrangements before and after each use, with a more detailed inspection required every three months.
The inspection scope includes the pilot ladder and spare ladders, securing arrangements, access points, stanchions, deck sockets and associated equipment. Where fitted, accommodation ladders and pilot ladder winch reels must also be included.
A documented maintenance plan must be available onboard, incorporating inspection checklists, manufacturer’s maintenance instructions, inspection schedules, maintenance records and replacement dates.
These requirements apply from 1 January 2028 to covered pilot transfer arrangements regardless of when they were installed.
For yachts that use pilot ladders only occasionally, the three-monthly inspection requirement and the defined equipment withdrawal periods still apply.
What should existing superyachts check?
For yachts with existing pilot transfer arrangements, a technical review should establish whether the equipment and installation comply with the revised standards.
Attachment points and structural connections
Identify the strong points used for securing the pilot ladder and establish their rated capacity. Check the availability of supporting documentation, including drawings, calculations and any existing certification. Where necessary, the structural connections and supporting deck structure should be assessed.
Securing equipment and positioning
Check the position of attachment points relative to the deck edge, the strength and identification of shackles and securing ropes, and the suitability of any intermediate-length securing devices.
Pilot ladders and manropes
Review the ladder construction, identification markings, manufacture dates, approval documentation and service history. Establish replacement dates in accordance with the new requirements.
Boarding access
Check the arrangement at the boarding position, including handholds, stanchions, access clearances and any accommodation ladder or platform incorporated into the pilot transfer arrangement.
Inspection records and procedures
Establish the required onboard inspection and maintenance procedures, including the three-monthly detailed inspections and crew familiarisation requirements.
Planning modifications during scheduled yard periods
Where existing attachment points cannot be demonstrated to meet the revised requirements, the next step is to establish whether the installation can be retained, requires additional supporting documentation or needs modification.
This may involve reviewing the original structural design, carrying out further engineering calculations or designing replacement strong points and supporting connections.
Any modifications to the pilot transfer arrangement must follow the applicable flag Administration approval requirements.
For yachts entering a scheduled yard period before their compliance deadline, incorporating the assessment and any necessary modifications into the existing maintenance programme provides an opportunity to address the installation before the new requirements become mandatory.
To discuss an inspection and assessment of your yacht’s pilot ladder attachment and securing arrangements ahead of the new SOLAS requirements, contact RSB Rigging.
