IMO has adopted revised requirements for pilot transfer arrangements, scheduled to enter into force on 1 January 2028. Everlux has updated its S6200 safety poster and introduced two complementary panels, S6210 and S6211, to support preparation. For shipowners and crews, this is an opportunity to review equipment, procedures and onboard familiarisation ahead of the applicable deadlines.
What is changing?
The amendments to SOLAS regulation V/23 are set out in resolution MSC.572(110). They introduce mandatory performance standards under MSC.576(110), covering equipment design, installation and operation. Revised illustrations are provided in MSC.1/Circ.1428/Rev.1.
Key implementation dates
- 1 January 2028: New installations must meet the revised design, construction, securing and installation requirements. Inspection, stowage, maintenance, replacement and familiarisation requirements also apply to all pilot transfer arrangements, regardless of installation date.
- First survey on or after 1 January 2029: Existing arrangements installed before 1 January 2028 on ships subject to SOLAS Chapter I must meet the revised equipment and installation requirements by this survey.
- 1 January 2030: The corresponding deadline for existing arrangements on ships outside SOLAS Chapter I.
Confirm the applicable survey and implementation plan with the vessel’s flag Administration or recognised organisation.
Prepare the equipment and the crew
The performance standards address the complete transfer arrangement. Areas to review include:
- Equipment identification: Ladder and manrope markings, traceability and documentation.
- Rigging and securing: Securing arrangements, access points and combination arrangements.
- Inspection and replacement: Documented checks and maintenance. Under the new standards, pilot ladders and manropes, including spares, must be removed from service within 36 months of manufacture or 30 months of entering service, whichever comes first, or earlier if they no longer comply.
- Crew familiarisation: Personnel involved must understand the vessel’s equipment and safe procedures. Inspection, rigging and transfers require supervision by a designated responsible officer.
Updated S6200 and two new Everlux pilot transfer posters
Everlux has retained the reference S6200 for the revised poster. The updated artwork includes revised transfer illustrations and a section on the responsible officer’s duties. An existing S6200 reference alone therefore does not establish which edition is on board.
S6210: Trap door and side door arrangements
Required Pilot Transfer Arrangements for Trap Door and Side Door provides dedicated illustrations of these two access configurations. It complements the general S6200 poster.
S6211: Rope ladder practices requiring correction
Practices Requiring Correction – Rope Ladder illustrates examples of incorrect ladder construction or rigging to help crews recognise problems during preparation and inspection.
S6210 and S6211 are separate panels that complement S6200. Refer to the specific product code when requesting a quotation.
Check the edition of the posters displayed on your vessels. Updated visual guidance supports crew awareness, but a poster does not replace compliant equipment, vessel procedures or training.
Discuss your fleet’s requirements with MariTeam
See our Everlux S6200 pilot transfer poster, Everlux maritime safety signs and posters and pilot ladders for commercial vessels.
When enquiring about S6200, specify the revised edition referencing MSC.572(110) and MSC.576(110). For S6200, S6210 or S6211, include the product reference, quantity, preferred size and material, delivery location and required date so the supplied edition and availability can be confirmed.
Contact MariTeam about pilot transfer posters and equipment →
Sources and further reading
- Everlux: revised pilot transfer safety poster
- IMO resolution MSC.572(110): amendments to SOLAS V/23
- IMO resolution MSC.576(110): performance standards
- IMPA: pilot transfer guidance and illustrations
Regulatory information checked in October 2026. Use the official instruments and the vessel’s applicable flag requirements when planning compliance.