Why Pilot Transfer Arrangements Are Critical to Maritime Safety
The IMO has approved amendments to SOLAS Regulation V/23 to address the consistently high incidences of injuries and fatalities during pilot transfer operations. The amendments seek to enhance safety by establishing clear, mandatory international standards for the design, installation, maintenance, and rigging of pilot transfer arrangements, thereby reducing accidents associated with non‑compliant equipment.
Pilot transfer remains one of the most hazardous shipboard operations. IMPA surveys continue to reveal widespread non‑compliance, with approximately 14% of over 5,000 reported transfers in 2025 assessed as unsafe.
Overview of regulatory updates
In June 2025 the 110th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110) adopted amendments to SOLAS Regulation V/23 (resolution MSC.572(110)) and the associated new Performance Standards for pilot transfer arrangements (resolution MSC.576(110)) to ensure safe arrangements for pilots and other personnel embarking and disembarking ships in all conditions of draught and trim.
These amendments introduce changes to the design and operational requirements for pilot transfer arrangements, including those already installed prior to the entry-into-force date. Achieving compliance with the new requirements may imply modification of e.g. securing points, winch reels or stanchions/handholds for which hot work will be necessary.
Shipyards, designers, ship owners and ship managers should plan early to ensure that compliant arrangements will be in place by the required due date. This applies not only to new ships, but also for ships under construction and existing ships.