SOLAS V/23 • Pilot Ladder • Combination Arrangement • Access • Securing • Manropes • Lifebuoy • Lighting • Winch Reel • 2028 Transition

Pilot Ladder & Pilot Transfer Arrangement SOLAS Compliance Tool

Screen current pilot-transfer arrangements against the SOLAS V/23 framework and the IMO recommendation in force in 2026, while separately showing readiness for the mandatory 2028 performance standards. Simple mode gives a fast pre-transfer check. Advanced verifies dimensional geometry, combination arrangements, deck access, securing, associated equipment, ladder condition, winch-reel controls and the major 2028 lifecycle changes without mixing future requirements into today’s compliance result.

Assessment data
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Need dimensional and 2028 transition checks? Click Advanced above.Advanced checks step geometry, spreaders, side ropes, combination-ladder geometry, access handholds, winch securing, safe ship-side approach, equipment and the new 2028 inspection/replacement regime.
Fast10 primary controls
Primary resultCurrent 2026 compliance screen
Separate2028 readiness is not counted as a current deficiency

Fast Pilot Transfer Screen

Use the actual rigged arrangement and boarding height for the upcoming transfer, not the vessel’s nominal design condition.

m to point of access.

Rigged Arrangement & Pilot Ladder

m.
mm; current recommendation ≥400.
mm; current recommendation ≥115.
mm; current recommendation ≥25.
mm; 310–350.
m; ≥1.8 where required.
steps; current recommendation ≤9.
mm. Current recommendation ≥18; 2028 standard 20–22.
Current recommendation permits no more than two temporarily; 2028 prohibits step/spreader repair or replacement.

Combination Arrangement

Only applies when Combination Arrangement is selected. Current recommendation: accommodation ladder slope ≤45°, width ≥600 mm, lower platform horizontal/secured and ≥5 m above sea, pilot ladder immediately adjacent and extending ≥2 m above the lower platform.

degrees.
mm.
m.
m.
m; 0.10–0.20.

Access, Position & Securing

m; current recommendation 0.70–0.80.
mm; current recommendation ≥32.
m; current recommendation ≥1.2.
m; recommendation 6 m, subject to specified special-ship exception.
mm; current recommendation ≥915 for upper-deck winch-reel arrangement.

Associated Equipment & Operations

mm; current SOLAS 28–32 when required by pilot.

2028 Performance-Standard Readiness

These adopted requirements take effect from 1 January 2028 under MSC.572(110)/MSC.576(110), with phased application for existing arrangements. They are shown separately and do not create a 2026 current-compliance failure in this tool.

months; 2028 removal by 36 months from manufacture or 30 months in service, whichever first.
months.

Transfer Readiness Checks

Safety and compliance limitation: this calculator is a screening/cross-check tool. It does not approve a pilot transfer arrangement, replace the current SOLAS text, IMO Required Boarding Arrangements poster, flag/class requirements, pilotage-provider requirements, manufacturer certification or the Master’s responsibility. A pilot or other person should not use an arrangement believed to be unsafe or non-compliant. Local requirements can be more restrictive.
Regulatory basis used: current screen follows SOLAS V/23 and IMO resolution A.1045(27), as amended by A.1108(29), including the 1.5–9 m pilot-ladder climb band, combination arrangement above 9 m, ladder geometry, safe access, associated equipment, lighting and winch-reel securing principles. The separate future panel uses MSC.572(110) and MSC.576(110), adopted in 2025 for entry into force on 1 January 2028, including new mandatory performance standards for design, inspection, maintenance, replacement and familiarization. Existing arrangements have phased application provisions.
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