(LONDON) — Maritime pilots around the world make a critical contribution to the safety of navigation, the prevention of waterborne pollution and the efficiency of maritime trade. Delivering this public benefit is now made safer by the adoption of amendments to SOLAS and a new mandatory performance standard for pilot transfer arrangements.
“Maritime pilots deliver an extremely effective public service,” said Capt. Simon Pelletier, president of the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA). “The IMO (International Maritime Organization) has taken the most significant step in a generation to make doing that work safer. IMPA appreciates the support we have received across member states at IMO, and the outcome is testament to what can be achieved when pilots’ organizations around the world work together.”
The amendments to SOLAS build on existing requirements, recommendations and industry standards, while introducing critical changes. For example, pilot ladders and man ropes will now be treated as consumables, to be replaced automatically no later than 36 months after the date of manufacture, and self-certification by manufacturers is no longer an option due to a tighter type-approval regime.
The new performance standards also align with ISO 799 parts 1, 2 and 3 in key areas, including the design, arrangement and rigging of trapdoors. In response to a study by NC2 and commissioned by IMPA, the new performance standards also require dedicated means of securing pilot ladders at intermediate lengths.
The results of IMPA’s 2025 Annual Safety Survey serve as a timely reminder of the importance of these changes. Observed noncompliance remains high, at 14 percent, based on over 5,000 reports received in May 2025. Pelletier emphasized that the new performance standards will help change this situation. He encouraged flag states to pursue voluntary early implementation and maritime pilots to continue to educate shipboard personnel where they can.
“We are ready to assist member states, shipowners, operators, seafarers and equipment manufacturers to implement the new requirements,” he said.
IMPA Secretary-General Matthew Williams highlighted that the new performance standards are not just for the benefit of maritime pilots.
“Seafarers, inspectors, surveyors, and other personnel using pilot transfer arrangements should also benefit from the changes,” he said.
The new requirements enter into force on Jan. 1, 2028. To help seafarers, the new performance standards are supported by a revision of the IMO circular on required pilot transfer arrangements (MSC.1/Circ.1428). The illustrations prepared by IMPA and approved by IMO now contain a QR code, which allows access to a resources page on the IMPA website to support Companies and seafarers in presenting compliant pilot transfer arrangements.
– International Maritime Pilots’ Association
