Owners and managers

Keep this in mind for compliance planning

The new mandatory Performance Standards, as adopted by Resolution MSC.576(110), consolidate the previous requirements set out in SOLAS Regulation V/23 and Resolution A.1045(27), with several enhancements and clarifications.

Shipowners and managers should undertake the following actions to ensure compliance with the new requirements:

  • Review existing arrangements: Evaluate current pilot transfer arrangements against the new performance standards to identify any discrepancies.
  • Develop an implementation plan: Define compliance timelines based on vessel type and installation dates and plan any necessary modifications.
  • Update maintenance procedures: Establish and apply the required inspection and maintenance regimes, including appropriate record-keeping.
  • Training and familiarization: Ensure all relevant crew members receive adequate training and are familiar with the new requirements.

For more details, check out our overview or the original text of the performance standards. If you are a shipyard or designer, check out our dedicated web page.

Review of arrangement (design-related)

Compliance shall be verified at the latest by the first safety equipment survey on or after 1 January 2029. If modifications of a more general nature are required to achieve compliance, e.g. changes to pilot door arrangements or changes to combination arrangements with a trapdoor solution, approval of the drawing plan through the alteration process tool will be required.

Audit of arrangement (ISM-related)

Applicable from January 2028: The scope of ISM audits on board ships covers the entire scope of the ISM Code. Each element within the code shall be audited; it is at the auditor’s discretion which elements are sampled for verification. Therefore, the results may vary from audit to audit.

When the new regulation is implemented, DNV will prepare an audit protocol to support the auditor so that the verification can be carried out efficiently on board.

Check out our guidance for managers and operators summarizing the operational requirements.

CERTIFICATES

Based on the amendments to SOLAS Regulation V/23 and new mandatory performance standards, the forms of records of equipment annexed to various safety certificates in SOLAS, 1994 HSC Code, 2000 HSC Code and 2008 SPS Code will after 1 January 2028 be revised to include the entries of pilot transfer arrangements, namely:

Record of equipment for cargo ship safety (Form E)

In section 3 (Details of navigational systems and equipment), new entries 17.1 to 17.3 are added as follows:

  • 17.1 Pilot ladder and manropes
  • 17.2 Spare pilot ladder and manropes
  • 17.3 Means of securing a pilot ladder at intermediate length

For vessels where compliance with the technical requirements is confirmed before 2028, a Statement of Compliance (SoC) can be issued until the vessel’s SOLAS equipment certificate can be re-issued.

Rely on our advisory services

DNV Maritime Advisory can support you in performing an overall assessment of your vessels against the compliance of new requirements, and provide recommendations on cost-effective compliance solutions. Reach out to LCM@DNV.COM for an open discussion of your challenge and to get suggestions on how to proactively prepare for compliance.