SOLAS regulation V/23.3.3 states:
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Safe and convenient access to, and egress from, the ship shall be
provided by either:
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.1 a pilot ladder requiring a climb of not less than 1.5 m and not
more than 9 m above the surface of the water so positioned and secured
that:
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.1.4 the single length of pilot ladder is capable of reaching
the water from the point of access to, or egress from, the ship and due
allowance is made for all conditions of loading and trim of the ship, and
for an adverse list of 15°; the securing strong point, shackles and
securing ropes shall be at least as strong as the side ropes; or
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.2 an accommodation ladder in conjunction with the pilot ladder
(i.e. a combination arrangement), or other equally safe and convenient means,
whenever the distance from the surface of the water to the point of access to
the ship is more than 9 m.
Interpretation
Subparagraphs 1 and 2 of SOLAS regulation V/23.3.3. address two different and distinct arrangements – the
former when only a pilot ladder is provided; the latter when a combined arrangement of
"an accommodation ladder used in conjunction with the pilot ladder" is provided.
1 SOLAS regulation V/23.3.3.1 prescribes an operational instruction that
limits the climb to not more than 9 m on a single ladder regardless of the trim or list
of the ship.
2 SOLAS regulation V/23.3.3.2 and section 3 of resolution A.1045(27) applies to a combined arrangement of "an accommodation
ladder used in conjunction with the pilot ladder" for "Safe and convenient access to,
and egress from, the ship" for which a 15° list requirement does not apply.
3 Member States are invited to use the unified interpretation provided in paragraphs 1
and 2 above as guidance when applying the relevant provisions of SOLAS regulation V/23.3.3 for pilot transfer equipment and arrangements and to
bring them to the attention of all parties concerned.