Summary of Amendments to SOLAS Regulation V/23 (June 2025)

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The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted major revisions to SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 23 on Pilot Transfer Arrangements (PTAs). These updates were adopted at MSC 110 in June 2025, and will enter into force on 1 January 2028, with full compliance required no later than the first survey on or after 1 January 2029. While early adoption is encouraged, current requirements remain in effect until the new standards become mandatory.

Scope and Applicability

  • PTAs must be designed, manufactured, constructed, secured, and installed in line with new performance standards (Parts A, B, and C).
  • The regulation applies retroactively. Ships with PTAs installed before 1 January 2028 must comply by their first survey on or after 1 January 2029.
  • The expression “installed on or after 1 January 2028” refers to either the contractual delivery date of the equipment or, if none, the actual delivery date to the vessel.
  • All vessels, regardless of installation date, must comply with provisions for inspection, stowage, maintenance, replacement, and crew familiarization by 1 January 2028 (Parts D and E).

Revised SOLAS Regulation V23 Implementation Timeline
Revised SOLAS Regulation V23 Implementation Timeline1010Ă—687 74.3 KB

Equipment and Maintenance

  • Pilot ladders limited to 36 months (or 30 months from entry into service).
  • Repair or replacement of pilot ladder steps or spreader steps is prohibited.
  • Ships must carry spare ladders and manropes.
  • Manufacturers shall supply instructions withwith each pilot ladder, manropes and associated equipment.
  • The certificate forms Record of equipment for passenger ship safety (Form P), and for cargo ships (Form C and Form E), and the 1994 and 2000 HSC Codes “Record of Equipment” forms are amended to include ĘşPilot ladder and manropes, spare pilot ladder and manropes, and means of securing a pilot ladder at intermediate lengthĘş.
    Equipment and Maintenance
    Equipment and Maintenance693Ă—841 49.3 KB

Secuiring Arrangements

  • Minimum breaking strength doubled from 24kN to 48kN for strong points, shackles, and ropes.
  • Type-approved devices must prevent side rope slippage and withstand 48kN.
  • Securing arrangements to be placed at least 915 mm from the deck edge (or the maximum possible).
  • Until devices are approved, 3m rope tails rated at 48kN with rolling hitches are the safest option.

Securing Arrangements
Securing Arrangements936Ă—407 31.2 KB

Rope and Step Standards

  • The side ropes shall be between 20–22 mm diameter, mildew-resistant manila or polyester with polypropylene core.
  • Regarding the spreaders no more than 8 steps between spreaders is allowed (insdead of 9).

Certification and Approval

  • Approval of PTAs restricted to administrations; only manufacturers with certified QMS can gain type approval.
  • Certificates amended to reflect new requirements:
    • Passenger (Form P), Cargo (Forms C & E)
    • HSC Codes (1994 & 2000) “Record of Equipment”
    • Special Purpose Ship (SPS) Code certificates
  • The Code of Safety for Fishermen and Fishing Vessels updated to align with new Regulation 23.
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Performance Standards and Guidance

  • The new Performance Standards for PTAs (effective 1 January 2028) replace Resolutions A.1045(27) and A.1108(29).
  • They cover the entire lifecycle design, construction, securing, installation, inspection, stowage, maintenance, replacement, and crew familiarization.
  • A revised IMO poster (MSC.1/Circ.1428) has been released to promote correct practices.

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These amendments significantly raise the global safety baseline for pilot transfer arrangements. They close loopholes, align SOLAS with ISO 799 standards, and ensure uniform safety for both new and existing vessels. By 2029, all ships must meet stricter requirements for equipment, securing methods, inspection, documentation, and crew training strengthening both pilot safety and maritime trade security.

References:
MSC.1-Circ.1428-Rev.1-Required-Pilot-Transfer-Arrangements-For-Pilots-And-Other-Personnel-Secretariat.pdf (902.4 KB)
MSC.1-Circ.1690-Voluntary-Early-Implementation-Of-The-Amendments-ToSolas-Regulation-V23-On-Pilot-Transfer.-Secretariat.pdf (140.8 KB)
MSC.572110.pdf (222.5 KB)
MSC.576110.pdf (264.5 KB)

Download the IMO posters here:

Trap Door_Side Door boarding arrangements_V16a.pdf (437.8 KB)
IMPA Pilot Ladder Boarding Arrangements Poster.pdf (1.2 MB)
Alternative Panel - Bulwark Ladder.pdf (534.7 KB)

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