Pilot Ladders

2023-04-30

Inspection

Are Pilot ladders being accompanied with type approval certificates complying with IMO Resolution A.1045(27) and / or ISO standards 799?
Are the following parts free of cracks, deformation, wearing?

- Steps

- Twist-preventing steps

- Rubber steps

- Side rope

- Seizing rope or metal clamps

- Man rope

- Thimbles

- Shackles

- Split distance pieces

Are the man ropes certified?
Are the steps and fixing pieces free of gap?
Is permanent marking being provided at regular intervals (e.g. 1 m) thorough the length?
Are the ladders properly tagged or permanent marked corresponding to their type approval certificate?
Are there records related to the date put in service and any repairs effected?
Is the Record of Approved of Safety Equipment updated to reflect the manufacturer, material and the standard to which the pilot ladder was made and tested?

In case the pilot ladder is certified in line wth ISO standards 799, they must be replaced at 30-monthly intervals; otherwise, test as specified in section 6.6 to be performed.
Maximum two (2) steps and one (1) twist-preventing step can be replaced; however, they should be provided by the manufacturers in accordance with ISO 799.

Signs of cracks were observed on the steps.
Gaps between steps and fixing pieces.
Fixing piece was missing.
Side ropes found in poor condition.
The pilot ladder was not certified in line with IMO requirements or ISO standards.
The replacement step was not provided by the manufacturers.