Article

China wants to change pilot ladder regulations

published on 3 May 2022 - 1878 -

Show comment section |

Despite the current regulations describing the different types of pilotage transfers, there are still many non-compliant pilotage transfers today.

China has already submitted proposals to the IMO regarding changes to SOLAS, Chapter 23, and IMO A.1045(27) in early 2021.

At both MSC104 and MSC105 (which ended last week) there was no time to address this important issue. At MSC105, the intention was expressed to discuss this issue at the upcoming MSC106.

The attached PDF shows the proposal submitted by China to improve safety when transferring via pilot ladders.
The paper also discusses the so-called trapdoor arragements.

On LinkedIn these days, the internationally respected safety expert on pilot ladders, Capt. Arie Palmers assessed the submitted proposals as follows:
"Indeed it is better to take enough time to discuss this important and urgent matter. Not just the footnotes in SOLAS chV reg.23 and IMO A.1045(27) need to be amended; there is a lot more to change as you might know. Indeed a very good paper forwarded by China last year."

Click to download PDF

Download: Chinas proposals to the IMO (PDF)

What's your opinion on this?

Video Inside the IMO Maritime Safety Committee | The Nautical Institute

published on 27 August 2026

Title: Inside the IMO Maritime Safety Committee. Subtitle: How Global Shipping Rules Are Made Opening What happens inside the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee and how are global shipping rules really made? This episode takes you behind the scenes during MSC. Full Description: In this episode of Your Voice at the IMO, we go inside the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) at the International Maritime Organization, the body responsible for shaping global maritime safety regulations. As...

Article Podcast: Maritime Pilot Safety and reducing the risk in pilot transfer operations

published on 4 July 2023

This is an in-depth discussion of the risks involved in maritime pilot transfers; an interesting job but with a risky commute to work.

Article Combinations Ladders: "1,000 combinations around" (by Arie Palmers)

by Arie Palmers, Netherlands - published on 13 July 2020

Before you, you see my third article on pilot boarding arrangements. After my two previous articles
(‘1000 ways to secure a pilot ladder’ and ‘1000 ladders around’, I have received a lot of feedback and
also questions to get deeper into the matter of combinations and embarkation platforms.

Video Pilot Embarking in rough weather

published on 6 January 2025

Welcome to the world of Sailor Entertainment! This channel is filled with captivating content that will keep you hooked. Prepare to embark on thrilling sailornk adventures, discover hidden secrets, and witness breathtaking performances. From sailor-themed skits to mesmerizing dance routines, our videos are designed to entertain and leave you wanting more. So, hoist the sail of excitement and hit that subscribe button to join our crew of loyal fans. Don't miss out on the fun – subscribe now!...

Video Marine Pilot - Rylan Stott

published on 16 August 2021

Video The way of Pilot on boarding

published on 2 December 2021

The pilot plays a crucial role in the safe navigation of the vessel to her destination. Expert in the local waters, a Pilot is imperative to the Bridge Team. Berthing/un-berthing, anchoring, transiting narrow channels etc. are very specialized operations and require expertise of a very objective manner that results in efficient planning, monitoring and execution of safe passage. When a ship needs to enter or leave a harbor, marine pilots are sent aboard via a small pilot boat to safely...

Video A Container Ship Appears Out of Nowhere in Dense Fog | Pilot Transfer Operations

published on 15 June 2026

A routine station watch turns surreal as a massive container ship slowly emerges from dense fog. We board the pilot, complete the transfer, and watch the vessel disappear back into the mist.

Article USCG: Marine Saefty alert on accommodation ladders

published on 15 September 2021

The Coast Guard Office of Investigations and Analysis has released Marine Safety Alert 05-21, to notify mariners to a potentially dangerous situation involving corrosion of the turntable pin on accommodation ladders.

Article New Pilot Ladder Magnet Is Switchable

published on 29 June 2021

On the back of the long-standing success of the Yellow-Mag ll Pilot Ladder Magnet worldwide, Serpent & Dove—Applied Magnetics is introducing its patented Yellow-Mag lll Switchable Pilot Ladder Magnet.