Pilot Transfer Arrangements - AMSA Notice 04/2023 – Update – 21/08/2023 Loss Prevention Loss Prevention Published: July 07, 2023 Contact author Download article pdf Pilots play a pivotal role in ensuring safe passage of vessels through critical, often hazardous, waterways. They provide an important service to the maritime industry, greatly contributing to the safety and efficiency of surface navigation.  The process involved with embarkation and disembarkation comes with underlying risks as climbing up or down a pilot ladder can be perilous, even in the calmest conditions. The ladder, which is often combined with an accommodation ladder, allows the pilot to ascend from the pilot cutter onto the ship, or vice versa. The safety aspects of pilot transfer arrangements are critical, and the method for securing these ladders is key for the Pilot's protection throughout the transfer operation.  All aspects of pilotage operations must adhere to safety standards and laws. This includes adhering to the requirements of SOLAS Regulation V/23 and IMO Resolutions A.1045(27) and A.1108(29), which establish minimum equipment standards and pilot transfer arrangements.  A manufacturer's declaration that a pilot ladder complies with SOLAS V/23 or "with an international standard acceptable to the Organization" is necessary. ISO 799-1:2019, which deals with pilot ladder design and construction standards, is also mentioned. When a manufacturer verifies that its pilot ladder fulfils either the IMO or ISO standard, the provision in SOLAS V/23 is considered to be satisfied.   The newest maritime advisory 04/2023 – Pilot Transfer Arrangements issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) reminds industry stakeholders of the need for providing and maintaining safe transfer arrangements for Pilots. It is the result of various incidents over the last few years that have put pilots' lives in danger, as well as AMSA receiving many incident reports on safety co