The United Kingdom Maritime Pilots' Association (UKMPA) has launched a digital ladder safety poster designed to improve understanding and compliance with the newly revised SOLAS Regulation V/23 – helping to ensure pilot transfer safety.
The launch of the interactive poster follows the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee's adoption of updated performance standards for pilot transfer arrangements (PTAs) in June 2025 (MSC 110). These now require that non-compliant arrangements are reported and not used until rectified – a critical shift in accountability for both pilots and ship crew. With mandatory internet access now required onboard ships under the Maritime Labour Convention, the new digital resource is readily accessible to all vessels.
The UKMPA interactive poster allows users to click through visual representations of compliant and non-compliant arrangements, supporting onboard training and operational decision-making. IMAGE: UKMPA/ Kevin Vallance, John Slater and Jon Smith of the UKMPA T&TC, in collaboration with James Musgrove
Last year, Nautilus welcomed the planned SOLAS amendments on the back of a safety campaign by the UKMPA which found non-compliance with existing requirements is widespread, and that 50% of reported defects related to the rigging of pilot ladders. Research carried out by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) had also found that, of the 96,000 pilot transfers reported by the UK's Competent Harbour Authorities in 2022, there were over 400 incidents or accidents
The interactive poster has clickable diagrams and highlights common compliance failures vs. best-practice setups. The aim is to support training, safety inspections, and pre-arrival checks and encourage early adoption ahead of the enforcement of phased deadlines: 1 January 2028 for new installations; 1 January 2029 for 'at first survey' for existing installations on SOLAS ships during their first survey; and 1 January 2030 for non-SOLAS ships.
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