Pilot ladders and embarkation ladders
Inspection and replacement of pilot and embarkation ladders and their rigging, against SOLAS V/23, the 2028 performance standards and ISO 799-1.
Why it matters
Pilots climb the ship's side in all weather, often at night. In the 2026 safety campaign of the International Maritime Pilots' Association, 13% of 4,051 reported boarding arrangements did not comply, and ladders made up more than half of the faults.
The new SOLAS V/23 (Res. MSC.572(110), adopted in June 2025) applies from 1 January 2028. Its inspection, maintenance and replacement rules apply to every ship from that date; existing installations on SOLAS ships have until the first survey on or after 1 January 2029 to meet the design and installation rules. We can check your ships against them now, so the change is planned rather than forced.
What we do
Scope of work
- 01
Pilot ladders
Steps, side ropes, spreaders, seizings and markings checked against ISO 799-1; certificates, manufacture and in-service dates verified; condemned ladders taken ashore.
- 02
Rigging and access
Strong points (rated and marked), shackles, manropes, the lifebuoy and light at the boarding point, and combination arrangements with the accommodation ladder. The 2028 rules also ask for a spare ladder and spare manropes on board.
- 03
Embarkation ladders
Embarkation ladders at survival craft stations inspected and replaced when needed.
- 04
New ladders
Pilot and embarkation ladders supplied in the length your freeboard needs, with their certificates. From 2028 pilot ladders and manropes must be type-approved.
Intervals
When it is due
Typical intervals under the IMO instruments listed. Your flag, class or the maker's manual can ask for more; we check before we quote.
| Item | Interval | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection by a responsible officer (from 2028) | Before and after each use, plus a detailed inspection every 3 months | MSC.576(110) |
| Pilot ladders and manropes replaced, spares included (from 2028) | 36 months from manufacture or 30 months in service, whichever comes first | SOLAS V/23, MSC.576(110) |
| Until 2028 | Regular inspection; replace when worn or damaged; keep the maker's certificate and the in-service and repair record | SOLAS V/23 (2012), Res. A.1045(27) |
What you get
- Inspection record per ladder with serial and age
- Certificates for new ladders
- Service report signed on board by the Master or Chief Officer
- Photos and plain notes on every unit that failed, with a quote for the fix
- Next due dates in your customer portal
Rules we work to
- SOLAS V/23
- Res. MSC.572(110)
- Res. MSC.576(110)
- Res. A.1045(27)
- ISO 799-1:2019
- ISO 799-3:2022
- MSC.1/Circ.1428/Rev.1
- MSC.1/Circ.1331
References are summaries for planning. The current text of each instrument, your flag's interpretation and the maker's instructions always apply.
Often booked together
Request service
Book it for the next port call.
A vessel name, an IMO number and an ETA are enough to get a quote moving. Attach last year's certificates if you have them.