Pilot Ladder
F5. The Reference Layer: Glossary, Units, Signals and Information SourcesDefinition
Ladder constructed to SOLAS V/23 standards.
A pilot ladder is the rope ladder with rigid steps rigged over a ship’s side for a marine pilot to board or leave a vessel under way, governed by SOLAS Regulation V/23 and IMO Resolution A.1045(27) on pilot transfer arrangements. The standard fixes side ropes of at least 18 mm uncovered manila or equivalent, hardwood steps 480 mm long and 115 mm wide spaced 310 to 350 mm apart, and a single length of rope; for a freeboard over 9 m it must combine with an accommodation ladder. Steps must be horizontal and the ladder secured to certified strong points.
Source: SOLAS Regulation V/23; IMO Resolution A.1045(27), Pilot Transfer Arrangements.