Pilot transfer arrangement

Why pilot transfer arrangements are critical to maritime safety

Pilot transfer remains one of the most hazardous shipboard operations.  International Maritime Pilots' Association (IMPA) surveys continue to reveal widespread non‑compliance with safety regulations – approximately 14% of the more than 5,000 reported transfers in 2025 were assessed as being unsafe.

To help lower the consistently high number of incidences resulting in injuries or even fatalities during pilot transfer operations, the IMO has approved amendments to SOLAS Regulation V/23. These 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.

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)). These aim to ensure safe arrangements for pilots and other personnel embarking and disembarking ships in all conditions of draught and trim.

The 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, for example, securing points, winch reels or stanchions/handholds for which hot work will be necessary.

In the early planning stages, shipyards, designers, ship owners and ship managers should ensure that compliant arrangements are in place by the required due date. This applies not only to new ships, but also to ships under construction and to existing ships.

Technical requirements

As part of the new IMO Resolution MSC.576(110) Performance Standards for Pilot Transfer Arrangements, detailed technical requirements are provided on technical requirements regarding the following:

• Securing arrangements / strong points
• Protection from chafing
• Safe access for pilot and pilot boat
• Handholds
• Illumination
• Winch reel (if provided)
• Shipside openings (if provided)
• Combination arrangements (if provided)
• Pilot ladder / manropes / securing ropes
• Documentation requirements

You can find a summary of the technical requirements in our Guidance for Managers PIL 901 (via customer portal on Veracity).

ISM-related requirements

The resolution’s ISM-related requirements cover the following:

• Rigging
• Operational readiness
• Maintenance
• Familiarization 

Regulation timeline

Pilot transfer arrangements installed on SOLAS ships on or after 1 January 2028 shall be designed, manufactured, constructed, secured and installed in accordance with the new Performance Standards.

Pilot transfer arrangements installed on SOLAS ships before 1 January 2028 shall be confirmed in compliance with the new Performance Standards no later than the first survey on or after 1 January 2029, i.e. the design, manufacturing, construction, securing and installation shall comply with the new Performance Standards by this date.

Pilot transfer arrangements on non-SOLAS ships installed before 1 January 2028 shall be confirmed in compliance with the new Performance Standards no later than the first survey on or after 1 January 2030, i.e. the design, manufacturing, construction, securing and installation shall comply with the new Performance Standards by this date.

The requirements for inspection, stowage, maintenance, replacement and familiarization of all pilot transfer arrangements will enter into force on 1 January 2028, regardless of the installation date.

Timeline for an existing vessel which recently completed the renewal survey

Timeline for a newbuild (NB) vessel to be delivered in 2027

Be ready with this checklist

Perform a self-check at the earliest possible time and plan for modifications as required, considering the following:

• Which vessels of the fleet will have a renewal survey as first survey on or after 1 January 2029? Changes requiring hot work may be prepared for this renewal survey.
• For the remaining part of the fleet, will changes where hot work is required be necessary before the next renewal survey? Careful planning should then be undertaken to achieve compliance by the first annual survey on or after 1 January 2029.
• Preparations must be made to fulfil the maintenance requirements applicable from 1 January 2028. This may trigger a renewal of ladders.
• The compliance verification of the arrangement will require a survey by DNV. Be sure to arrange this together with docking to provide enough time for the verification on both the port and starboard sides.
• For ongoing new buildings, please refer to the tab yards and designers.

Need help with your self-check? Contact the DNV Maritime Advisory team.