Equipment makers

Get “wheelmark” certification for your pilot transfer equipment. 

Marine equipment can only be installed on board ships flying the flag of an EU country, Norway, Iceland and other flag states if it is marked with the MED mark of conformity, also known as the "wheelmark".

Our experts provide fast, efficient support and the conformity assessment of your equipment for pilot transfer arrangements in accordance with the Marine Equipment Directive 2014/90/EU (EU MED).

EU MED certification with DNV ensures excellent service at all stages

  • Efficient and cost-effective approval processes 
  • Guidance and support from our dedicated MED experts
  • Customer trust and confidence thanks to reputable DNV certification
  • Access to the European shipping market through certified proof that you meet all MED requirements

The EU MED certification process with DNV 

  1. Guidance on the assessment procedures (modules) applicable to the product
  2. Preparation and review of the required documentation, as well as product testing conducted by a recognized laboratory or in the presence of a DNV surveyor
  3. Upon successful assessment, product approval in accordance with the Marine Equipment Directive (MED); with quality audit at the production facility for Module D or E certification
  4. Certified products listed in our Register of Approved Suppliers and the MarED Product Database – enabling potential customers to easily identify approved products and suppliers

Certification of materials and components (CMC) - Pilot ladder approval requirements

A pilot ladder, including the means of securing the pilot ladder at intermediate lengths, and manropes shall be type-approved by the flag administration.

A manufacturer quality control system shall be required and shall be audited by a competent authority to ensure continuous compliance with the type approval conditions.

Type of equipment and certification/testing required  

Item Certification requirement Testing
Pilot ladder MED ISO 799-1:2019
Manropes MED ISO 799-1:2019
Securing ropes MED ISO 799-1:2019

Key design, manufacturing and construction requirements

Item Requirement
PILOT LADDER  
Pilot ladders steps

Steps shall be constructed from hardwood or an equivalent resilient material and shall be fitted with an efficient non-slip surface. The bottom four steps shall be made of rubber with sufficient strength and stiffness, or of an equivalent material. Steps must be: 

  • ≥400 mm long (between inner surface of side ropes)
  • ≥115 mm wide
  • ≥25 mm thick
  • Have a spacing of 310–350 mm (measured from the top of each step or spreader step)
Spreader steps
  • Not less than 1.8 m in length
  • Lowest spreader at 5th step from the bottom and at such intervals to prevent twisting
  • Pilot ladders with more than 5 steps shall have spreader steps complying with the above requirements
Side ropes
  • Mildew-resistant manila rope or other material of equivalent strength
  • Double length of uncovered rope (20–22 mm in diameter) with a breaking strength of at least 24 kN
Marking Permanent measuring marking shall be provided at a regular interval of every 3rd step (approx. every 1 m)
MANROPES
  • Manropes shall be grade 1 manila rope or other material of equivalent strength
  • Manropes of not less than 28 mm and not more than 32 mm in diameter
  • Manropes shall be free of knots
SECURING ROPES  
 
  • A securing rope, if used to aid in rigging the ladder, shall be at least 3 m in length and shall be shackled at the upper end of each side rope of the ladder
  • Shall have a breaking strength of at least 48 kN
  • Securing ropes shall be fitted with a thimble
  • The other end shall be treated to prevent fraying, e.g. by whipping

The equipment shall be tagged or permanently marked by the manufacturer with at least the following information: manufacturer name, serial number, date and approving authority. On pilot ladders, the marking shall be located on the underside of the uppermost step and the lowermost spreader step.

Frequently asked questions

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Please check out our Approval Finder for certification of materials and components (CMC). The finder is an online tool with an easy filter to find relevant certificates fast. Information provided includes the product and the company name, as well as when the certificate expires.
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Find your nearest office or any of our offices worldwide on our dedicated web page: Find our locations worldwide.

Not only will you find the address and directions to each location, but also a telephone number to contact us.
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We are one of the few notified bodies to cover the full scope of MED certification for:

  • Life-saving appliances (SOLAS III)
  • Marine pollution prevention equipment (MARPOL)
  • Fire protection equipment (SOLAS II-2)
  • Navigation equipment (SOLAS V)Radio-communication equipment (SOLAS IV)
  • COLREG 72 – equipment
  • SOLAS II-1 – equipment