Pilot transfer arrangement

The new requirements enter into force on 1 January 2028. For pilot transfer arrangements (PTAs) installed on or after this date, full compliance with the new standards is required from installation.

Yes. From 1 January 2028, all PTAs, regardless of installation date, must comply with the new requirements related to:

• Inspection
• Maintenance
• Stowage
• Replacement
• Operation
• Crew familiarization

If you have a SOLAS Chapter I ship, compliance must be verified at the first survey on or after 1 January 2029. For non-SOLAS Chapter I ships, compliance must be verified at the first survey on or after 1 January 2030.

Existing arrangements should be assessed against the requirements of MSC.576(110). Modifications may include:

• Installation, relocation or replacement of strongpoints
• Modifications to securing arrangements
• Changes to manrope arrangements
• Upgrading pilot ladder securing arrangements
• Modifications to stanchions
• Upgrading winch reel arrangements
• Verification of drum diameters and recessed securing points in winch reels
• Modification of accommodation ladders in combination arrangements

Strongpoints, shackles, securing ropes and associated securing arrangements are required to have a minimum breaking strength of 48 kN. Each strongpoint shall be permanently marked to facilitate verification of compliance and safe operation during pilot transfer activities.

Where practicable, securing arrangements should be positioned at least 915 mm inboard from the deck edge.

Yes. Intermediate securing arrangements shall:

• Effectively grip each pair of side ropes; and
• Have a minimum breaking strength of 48 kN.

Yes. Under the previous interpretation, the 15° adverse list requirement did not apply to combination arrangements. Under MSC.576(110), the pilot ladder must be capable of reaching the water and remaining functional in all seagoing conditions, including:

• Draft variations
• Trim variations
• Up to 15° adverse list in the lightest seagoing condition

This requirement now applies irrespective of whether the pilot ladder is used in a single-ladder or combination arrangement.

No. The updated standards do not use the 15° list as a criterion for selecting a combination arrangement. Instead, the selected arrangement must remain fully compliant and functional under the specified design condition, including a 15° adverse list.

The arrangement must ensure that:

• The accommodation ladder slope does not exceed 45°
• The lower platform remains horizontal
• The highest step of the pilot ladder is at least 2m above the platform
• The pilot ladder rests firmly against the ship’s side

Additional requirements may apply where trapdoor arrangements are fitted.

Yes. Side openings should provide unobstructed access and have a minimum clear opening of:

• 2,200 mm in height
• 915 mm in width

Yes. At least one spare compliant pilot ladder must be carried on board.

Yes. At least one spare compliant set of manropes must also be carried on board.

Yes. MSC.576(110) requires a spare pilot ladder and a spare set of manropes even when permanent arrangements are fitted on both port and starboard sides.

No. The spare pilot ladder is intended as replacement equipment and should:

• Not be exposed to routine wear and tear
• Not be permanently connected to a winch or operating arrangement
• Be properly stored
• Be readily available for immediate use

No. MSC.576(110) explicitly prohibits:

• Repair of pilot ladder steps
• Replacement of individual pilot ladder steps
• Replacement of individual spreader steps

If a pilot ladder is damaged, the entire ladder must be replaced.

Since individual ladder steps may no longer be repaired or replaced, a complete spare pilot ladder is necessary to ensure immediate replacement of damaged equipment.

Pilot ladders and manropes must be removed from service and replaced no later than:

• 36 months from date of manufacture, or
• 30 months from date first placed into service,

whichever occurs first.

Yes. The new standards introduce a mandatory age-based replacement regime. Compliance is no longer based solely on visual condition or inspection results.