MariTeam · Pilot transfer equipment
MariTeam supplies pilot ladders, spare parts and pilot transfer equipment for commercial vessels. Select the required construction and length, or send us the existing certificate or vessel arrangement. We can help specify the supply and arrange delivery to your nominated warehouse, agent, vessel supply point or other agreed destination.
Pilot ladder range
Choose the construction and length stated in the vessel specification. If the correct type is uncertain, send MariTeam the existing ladder certificate, identification tag or arrangement drawing and we can help identify the required supply.
Hardwood construction with standard flat steps. Available 1.6–25 m.
Model: Thetis
Hardwood construction with 63 mm normalisation steps. Available 1.6–25 m.
Model: Nereus
Buoyant safety-orange steps in high-impact synthetic elastomer, a resilient rubber-like material. Available 1.6–25 m.
Model: Goliath
Aluminium step construction. Available 1.6–20 m.
Model: Hyperion
Technical overview
| Type | Step construction | Length range | Technical note | Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden Pilot Ladder | Hardwood, standard flat step construction | 1.6–25 m | Standard wooden pilot ladder specification | Thetis |
| 63 mm Normalisation Step Pilot Ladder | Hardwood, 63 mm normalisation steps | 1.6–25 m | Recommended by MariTeam for suitable winch/reel arrangements and specifications requiring 63 mm normalisation steps | Nereus |
| Synthetic Elastomer Pilot Ladder | Buoyant high-impact synthetic elastomer | 1.6–25 m | Synthetic step construction where specified | Goliath |
| Aluminium Pilot Ladder | Aluminium step construction | 1.6–20 m | Aluminium step construction where specified | Hyperion |
Quotation
Start with the product you need. Contact, vessel and delivery details follow in the next step. If you are unsure of the exact specification, select technical assistance and upload the information you have.
Add the ladder, spare part or accessory. Only the fields relevant to your selection are shown. If you are unsure, choose “Not sure” or “Please advise”.
Technical guidance
Use the sections below as needed. The page stays compact by default, while the technical detail remains available for customers who need it.
Use the actual distance from the water surface to the point of access for the relevant operating draught and trim. Do not specify from maximum freeboard alone.
Useful information: vessel name and IMO number, required length if known, existing ladder certificate or identification tag, pilot transfer drawing, flag and class requirements.
Under SOLAS V/23, where the distance from the water surface to the point of access exceeds 9 m, an accommodation ladder used together with the pilot ladder, or another equally safe and convenient means accepted under the regulation, is required.
The revised standards effective from 2028 describe a permitted pilot ladder climb of not less than 1.5 m and not more than 9 m. A climb above 9 m requires a combination arrangement.
Steps provide the footing surface. Spreaders are the longer anti twist members. For arrangements subject to the revised 2028 standards, step spacing is 310–350 mm, the lowest spreader is the fifth step from the bottom and spreaders are at least 1.8 m long.
The side ropes form the load bearing structure. Securing methods must carry the ladder load through the side ropes and avoid loading steps or fittings not designed for that purpose.
Keep the ladder certificate, identification, inspection history and PMS records. Revised 2028 standards also introduce permanent measuring marks every three steps, approximately every metre.
MariTeam recommendation: use a purpose designed securing arrangement that grips both sets of side ropes, carries the required load and avoids local damage to the ladder components.
Improvised arrangements can introduce concentrated loads, slippage or damage. The vessel’s actual securing method must follow the applicable SOLAS requirements, flag and class requirements, approved pilot transfer arrangement and the individual manufacturer’s instructions.
For suitable winch/reel applications, MariTeam recommends 63 mm normalisation step construction and verification that the drum diameter does not crush or place undue pressure on the ladder and its components. Always follow the individual manufacturer’s instructions.
Include in the RFQ: winch/reel manufacturer and model, drum diameter or drawing, required ladder length, existing ladder certificate, photos of the deployment arrangement and the vessel pilot transfer drawing.
MariTeam recommends including pilot ladder inspection and maintenance in the vessel’s Planned Maintenance System. Always use the individual manufacturer’s instructions as the product specific reference.
Wooden steps: do not paint, varnish, oil, wax or otherwise coat pilot ladder hardwood steps unless explicitly permitted by the applicable manufacturer instructions and requirements.
For existing ladders, send MariTeam the model, serial number, certificate or identification tag so compatibility can be checked before supply.
Current framework: SOLAS Regulation V/23, IMO Resolution A.1045(27) as amended, ISO 799-1:2019, ISO 799-2:2021 and ISO 799-3:2022.
From 1 January 2028: revised requirements cover design, manufacture, construction, securing, installation, inspection, maintenance, replacement and familiarisation.
Transition: pre 2028 arrangements do not all move to the new design provisions on the same date. SOLAS Chapter I ships transition at the first applicable survey on or after 1 January 2029; ships not subject to those surveys transition by 1 January 2030.
Embarkation ladders have a different regulatory purpose from pilot ladders and must be specified against the applicable lifesaving requirements. MariTeam can include them in the same enquiry.
Which length do I need?
Use the actual transfer height and arrangement rather than freeboard alone.
What is the difference between a step and a spreader?
A step provides footing. A spreader is the longer anti twist member used to help prevent the ladder from twisting.
How should a ladder be secured at an intermediate length?
MariTeam recommends a purpose designed method that grips both sets of side ropes and avoids concentrated loads or damage.
Can damaged steps be replaced?
Current possibilities depend on the ladder design, applicable requirements and manufacturer instructions. Revised mandatory requirements effective from 2028 prohibit repair or replacement of pilot ladder steps and spreader steps.
Send the information you have. MariTeam can review the requirement before quotation.
Start RFQ