Overview & scope
Resolution A.1045(27) sets the IMO recommendation on pilot transfer arrangements — the construction and rigging standard that gives effect to SOLAS regulation V/23. It is reproduced here as amended by A.1108(29) (2015). Edital: Anexo 2-A items 17 and 18 (pilot transfer recommendations, amendments, risks and safe embarkation/disembarkation).
- ADOPTS the "Recommendation on Pilot Transfer Arrangements" (the Annex).
- Governments must ensure mechanical pilot hoists are NOT used (clause 3).
- Ladders + their arrangements, use and maintenance must meet standards not inferior to the Annex (clause 4).
- Revokes A.889(21); grounded on SOLAS regulation V/23.
- Adopted 30 Nov 2011 by the IMO Assembly (27th session).
- Ship designers should consider all aspects of pilot transfer arrangements early in design.
- Equipment designers/manufacturers especially: paragraphs 2.1.2, 3.1 and 3.3.
📜 A.1045(27) · 1 — texto integral 🇧🇷🇬🇧
Exam targets — overviewalvo de provatrata Res. clauses 1–5 · §1
- A.1045(27) gives effect to SOLAS regulation V/23; adopted 30 Nov 2011; amended by A.1108(29) (2015).Res.
- It revokes A.889(21) and requires that mechanical pilot hoists not be used.Res.
- Ship designers: consider all pilot-transfer aspects early in design; equipment designers/manufacturers — especially §§ 2.1.2, 3.1 and 3.3.1
Pilot ladders
The core of the recommendation: certification, step geometry and materials, replacement steps, spreaders, retrieval line, marking, and the side ropes. These are the most heavily examined numbers.
- A pilot ladder must be certified by the manufacturer as complying with this section or an acceptable international standard.
- Reference standard: ISO 799:2004 (Pilot ladders).
📜 A.1045(27) · 2 — texto integral 🇧🇷🇬🇧
- Securing strong points, shackles and securing ropes ≥ as strong as the side ropes (§2.2). [2.1.1]
- Steps: hardwood = one piece, free of knots;
non-hardwood = equivalent strength/stiffness/durability;
four lowest steps may be rubber. [2.1.2 .1–.3] - Steps: efficient non-slip surface; ≥400 mm between side ropes, 115 mm wide, 25 mm deep (excl. non-slip/grooving). [2.1.2 .4–.5]
- Steps: equally spaced ≥310 mm and ≤350 mm apart; each must remain horizontal. [2.1.2 .6–.7]
- Max two replacement steps fixed by a different method; replace ASAP; any grooves on the longer sides. [2.1.3]
- Ladders with more than five steps: spreader steps ≥1.8 m long; lowest spreader = 5th step from the bottom; interval between spreaders ≤9 steps. [2.1.4]
- Retrieval line (when needed): fastened at/above the last spreader, leading forward; must not hinder pilot or pilot boat. [2.1.5]
- Permanent marking at regular intervals (e.g. 1 m) along the ladder length. [2.1.6]
📜 A.1045(27) · 2.1 — texto integral 🇧🇷🇬🇧
Two favourites of examiners: only the FOUR lowest steps may be rubber, and the lowest spreader is the 5th step from the bottom — swap either number and the statement is false. The retrieval line leads forward, never aft.
- Side ropes: two uncovered ropes ≥18 mm diameter each side, continuous, no joints; breaking strength ≥24 kN per side rope; midpoint half-length on a thimble (≥2 passes). [2.2.1]
- Material: manila or equivalent; protected against actinic degradation (UV). [2.2.2]
- Pairs secured together above and below every step by a mechanical clamp or seizing with chocks/widgets, keeping each step level; seizing is preferred. [2.2.3]
📜 A.1045(27) · 2.2 — texto integral 🇧🇷🇬🇧
It is two ropes on EACH side (four in total), continuous and unjointed — and between the fastening methods, seizing is PREFERRED over the mechanical clamp, not the other way round.
Exam targets — pilot laddersalvo de provatrata 2 · 2.1.1–2.1.6 · 2.2.1–2.2.3
- Step geometry: 115 mm wide, 25 mm deep, ≥400 mm clear width, spacing 310–350 mm.2.1.2
- >5 steps ⇒ spreaders ≥1.8 m; lowest = 5th step; interval ≤9 steps.2.1.4
- Side ropes: 2 × ≥18 mm, continuous, breaking strength ≥24 kN, manila; seizing preferred.2.2
- Max two replacement steps; four lowest steps may be rubber.2.1.2–2.1.3
- Ladder certified by the manufacturer — this section or an international standard acceptable to the Organization (ISO 799:2004).2
- Strong points, shackles and securing ropes ≥ as strong as the side ropes; replacement-step grooves in the longer sides.2.1.1 / 2.1.3
- Retrieval line at/above the last spreader, leads forward, must not hinder pilot or boat; permanent marking every e.g. 1 m; side-rope midpoint on a thimble (≥2 passes).2.1.5–2.1.6 / 2.2.1
Combination arrangements (accommodation ladder + pilot ladder)
When an accommodation ladder is used in conjunction with a pilot ladder, section 3 fixes the slope, platform height, fencing, the 2 m overlap and the trapdoor aperture.
- Alternative arrangements allowed for special ships if equally safe. [3.1]
- Accommodation ladder: angle of slope ≤45°; width ≥600 mm. [3.2]
- Lower platform: horizontal, secured to the ship's side, ≥5 m above sea level. [3.3]
- Intermediate platforms self-levelling; safe foothold at operative angles. [3.4]
- Both sides: stanchions + rigid handrails (handropes tight & secured); vertical gap securely fenced. [3.5]
- Pilot ladder rigged immediately adjacent to the lower platform; extends ≥2 m above it; horizontal gap 0.1–0.2 m. [3.6]
- Trapdoor (if fitted): aperture ≥750 mm × 750 mm; opens upwards; not part of handholds; after part fenced (§3.5). [3.7]
- Whole arrangement to the satisfaction of the Administration (SOLAS II-1/3-9). [3.8]
📜 A.1045(27) · 3 — texto integral 🇧🇷🇬🇧
Directions matter: the trapdoor opens UPWARDS, the pilot ladder rises ≥2 m ABOVE the lower platform, and the platform itself sits ≥5 m above the sea. Examiners invert each of these.
Exam targets — combination arrangementsalvo de provatrata 3.1–3.8
- Accommodation ladder slope ≤45°, width ≥600 mm; lower platform ≥5 m above sea.3.2–3.3
- Pilot ladder overlaps ≥2 m above the platform; horizontal gap 0.1–0.2 m.3.6
- Trapdoor aperture ≥750 × 750 mm, opens upwards.3.7
- Alternatives for special ships may be accepted if equally safe; whole arrangement to the satisfaction of the Administration (SOLAS II-1/3-9).3.1 / 3.8
- Intermediate platforms self-levelling; stanchions + rigid handrails both sides (handropes tight & secured); vertical space to the stringers securely fenced.3.4–3.5
Mechanical hoists · Access to deck · Safe approach of the pilot boat
The prohibition on mechanical pilot hoists (§4), the means of access between the ladder head and the deck (§5, as amended), and the unobstructed ship's side for the pilot boat (§6).
- The use of mechanical pilot hoists is PROHIBITED by SOLAS regulation V/23.
📜 A.1045(27) · 4 — texto integral 🇧🇷🇬🇧
Strongest norm in the resolution: mechanical pilot hoists are PROHIBITED by SOLAS V/23 — not "discouraged", not "subject to Administration approval". Any softer wording is wrong.
- Ensure safe, convenient, unobstructed passage between the head of the pilot/accommodation ladder and the deck, via a platform guarded by handrails.
- Gateway in rails/bulwark: handholds each side 0.7–0.8 m apart, ≥32 mm diameter, extending ≥1.2 m above the deck to which fitted. [.1]
- Bulwark ladder: two separate handhold stanchions each side 0.7–0.8 m apart, ≥32 mm diameter, extending ≥1.2 m above the bulwark top; ladder securely attached (anti-overturn); stanchions/handrails not attached to the bulwark ladder. [.2]
📜 A.1045(27) · 5 — texto integral 🇧🇷🇬🇧
The A.1108(29) amendment is itself examinable: for a gateway the handhold now extends ≥1.2 m above the DECK to which it is fitted (the original said "above the top of the bulwarks"). And the bulwark-ladder stanchions must NOT be attached to the bulwark ladder.
- If rubbing bands/constructional features could block the pilot boat, cut them back to give ≥6 m of unobstructed ship's side.
- Exception: specialized offshore / other similar ships under 90 m where a 6 m gap is impracticable (as determined by the Administration) — instead take other appropriate measures for safe embark/disembark.
📜 A.1045(27) · 6 — texto integral 🇧🇷🇬🇧
Don't confuse — devices & prohibitionsnao confundir
| Item | What it is / rule | Key contrast |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway (in rails/bulwark) | Opening with handholds each side; handhold extends ≥1.2 m above the deck to which fitted | Handhold height is measured above the deck (changed by A.1108) |
| Bulwark ladder | Needs two separate handhold stanchions each side; stanchion extends ≥1.2 m above the bulwark top | Height measured above the bulwark top, not the deck; stanchions NOT attached to the bulwark ladder |
| Mechanical pilot hoist | PROHIBITED by SOLAS V/23 (and clause 3 of the resolution) | Never allowed |
| Pilot ladder winch reel | Allowed (section 7), but must not support the ladder in use — secure to an independent strong point | A reel is NOT a hoist; the reel only stows/deploys the ladder |
Exam targets — hoists, access, approachalvo de provatrata 4 · 5 (as amended) · 6
- Access to deck gained directly by a platform securely guarded by handrails — passage safe, convenient and unobstructed.5
- Mechanical pilot hoists prohibited (SOLAS V/23).4
- Handholds/stanchions 0.7–0.8 m apart, ≥32 mm dia.; gateway handhold ≥1.2 m above deck; bulwark stanchion ≥1.2 m above bulwark top.5
- Cut back rubbing bands to give ≥6 m unobstructed side; exception ships <90 m.6
Pilot ladder winch reels
Section 7 covers winch-reel installations: point of access, physical positioning (upper deck vs side opening), handrails, securing the ladder independently of the reel, and mechanical locking of the reel itself.
- Section 7 covers pilot ladder winch reels: point of access (7.1), physical positioning (7.2), handrails & handgrips (7.3), securing the ladder (7.4), mechanical securing/locking of the reel (7.5).
📜 A.1045(27) · 7 — texto integral 🇧🇷🇬🇧
- Reel sited so embarking/disembarking persons have safe, convenient, unobstructed access/egress. [7.1.1]
- Access may be via a ship's side opening, an accommodation ladder (combination), or a single section of pilot ladder. [7.1.2]
- Access area kept clear of obstructions (incl. the reel): 915 mm width (longitudinal), 915 mm depth (from side plating inwards), 2,200 mm height (from the access deck). [7.1.3]
📜 A.1045(27) · 7.1 — texto integral 🇧🇷🇬🇧
- Reels usually on the upper (main) deck or at a side opening (side doors, gangway, bunkering points); upper-deck reels can mean very long ladders. [7.2.1]
- Upper-deck reel serving a lower side opening / accommodation ladder must:
suspend the ladder vertically, in a straight line to the access point [.1];
give safe unobstructed passage [.2];
provide a platform extending ≥750 mm outboard, length ≥750 mm, guarded by handrails [.3];
secure ladder & manropes 1,500 mm above the platform access point [.4];
in combination, keep the accommodation ladder firmly against the side [.5]. [7.2.2] - Reel inside a side opening must:
give safe unobstructed passage [.1];
provide a clear area ≥915 mm long × 915 mm wide × 2,200 mm high [.2];
if a horizontal ladder section is needed, allow a rigid platform cover for ≥915 mm from the side inwards [.3]. [7.2.3]
📜 A.1045(27) · 7.2 — texto integral 🇧🇷🇬🇧
- Handrails/handgrips per section 5 (except platforms extending outboard, §7.2.2.3).
- Horizontal distance between handrails/handgrips 0.7–0.8 m apart.
📜 A.1045(27) · 7.3 — texto integral 🇧🇷🇬🇧
- Where the ladder is stowed on a reel (inside the side opening or on the upper deck):
- The reel must NOT be relied upon to support the ladder in use [.1];
- Secure the ladder to a strong point, independent of the reel [.2];
- Secure it at deck level inside the side opening, or — on the upper deck — ≥915 mm from the side inwards [.3].
📜 A.1045(27) · 7.4 — texto integral 🇧🇷🇬🇧
The reel is a STOWAGE device: it must never be relied upon to support the ladder in use — the ladder is secured to a strong point independent of the reel. Statements making the reel load-bearing are false.
- All reels: means to prevent accidental operation from mechanical failure or human error. [7.5.1]
- Reels may be manual or powered by electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic means. [7.5.2]
- Manual reels: a brake (or suitable arrangement) to control lowering and lock the reel in position. [7.5.3]
- Powered reels: safety devices that cut off power and lock the reel [7.5.4];
clearly marked levers/handles lockable in neutral [7.5.5];
plus a mechanical device or locking pin [7.5.6].
📜 A.1045(27) · 7.5 — texto integral 🇧🇷🇬🇧
Exam targets — winch reelsalvo de provatrata 7.1–7.5
- Clear access 915 × 915 × 2,200 mm (L×D×H).7.1.3 / 7.2.3
- The reel must not support the ladder in use — secure to an independent strong point; ≥915 mm inboard on upper deck.7.4
- Manual reel: brake + lock; powered reel: cut-off safety device, neutral-lock levers, locking pin.7.5
- Reel sited for safe, unobstructed access; point of access may be a side opening · accommodation ladder (combination) · single section of pilot ladder.7.1.1–7.1.2
- Reels sit on the upper (main) deck or at a side opening; upper-deck reel: ladder hangs vertically, in a straight line; outboard platform ≥750 × 750 mm; ladder + manropes secured 1,500 mm above the platform; horizontal ladder section covered by a rigid platform for ≥915 mm inwards.7.2.1–7.2.3
- Handrails/handgrips per section 5, 0.7–0.8 m apart (except outboard platforms, §7.2.2.3); all reels: means against accidental operation; drive may be manual or electrical/hydraulic/pneumatic.7.3 / 7.5.1–7.5.2
Key numbers & glossary
One-screen revision of every dimension in A.1045(27), the traps the examiner sets with near-identical numbers, and the glossary of terms.
All the numbers in A.1045(27)sintese editorial
Steps (rungs)
| Item | Value / limit | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| Step width | 115 mm | 2.1.2.5 |
| Step depth | 25 mm | 2.1.2.5 |
| Clear width between side ropes | ≥400 mm | 2.1.2.5 |
| Spacing between steps | ≥310 mm and ≤350 mm | 2.1.2.6 |
| Lowest steps that may be rubber | four lowest | 2.1.2.3 |
| Max replacement steps (different method) | two | 2.1.3 |
| Hardwood steps | one piece, free of knots | 2.1.2.1 |
Spreaders, marking, retrieval line
| Item | Value / limit | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| Spreader needed when | more than 5 steps | 2.1.4 |
| Spreader length | ≥1.8 m | 2.1.4 |
| Lowest spreader position | 5th step from bottom | 2.1.4 |
| Interval between spreaders | ≤9 steps | 2.1.4 |
| Permanent marking interval | regular, e.g. 1 m | 2.1.6 |
| Retrieval line | at/above last spreader, leads forward | 2.1.5 |
Side ropes
| Item | Value / limit | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| Side ropes per side | 2 uncovered ropes | 2.2.1 |
| Side rope diameter | ≥18 mm | 2.2.1 |
| Breaking strength per side rope | ≥24 kN | 2.2.1 |
| Joints | continuous, none | 2.2.1 |
| Material | manila or equivalent; UV-protected | 2.2.2 |
| Securing method preferred | seizing (above & below each step) | 2.2.3 |
Accommodation ladder (combination)
| Item | Value / limit | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| Angle of slope | ≤45° | 3.2 |
| Width | ≥600 mm | 3.2 |
| Lower platform above sea level | ≥5 m | 3.3 |
| Pilot ladder overlap above platform | ≥2 m | 3.6 |
| Horizontal gap (pilot ladder ↔ platform) | 0.1–0.2 m | 3.6 |
| Trapdoor aperture | ≥750 mm × 750 mm, opens upwards | 3.7 |
Access to deck (as amended)
| Item | Value / limit | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| Spacing of handholds / stanchions | 0.7–0.8 m apart | 5.1 / 5.2 |
| Handhold / stanchion diameter | ≥32 mm | 5.1 / 5.2 |
| Gateway handhold height | ≥1.2 m above the deck (amended) | 5.1 |
| Bulwark-ladder stanchion height | ≥1.2 m above the bulwark top | 5.2 |
Pilot-boat approach
| Item | Value / limit | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| Unobstructed ship's side | ≥6 m | 6 |
| Exception (other measures instead) | ships <90 m where 6 m impracticable | 6 |
Winch reels
| Item | Value / limit | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| Clear access width (longitudinal) | 915 mm | 7.1.3 / 7.2.3 |
| Clear access depth (from side inwards) | 915 mm | 7.1.3 / 7.2.3 |
| Clear access height | 2,200 mm | 7.1.3 / 7.2.3 |
| Outboard platform (extends / length) | ≥750 mm × ≥750 mm | 7.2.2.3 |
| Secure ladder & manropes above platform | 1,500 mm | 7.2.2.4 |
| Upper-deck securing from side inwards | ≥915 mm | 7.4.3 |
Don't confuse — near-identical numbersnao confundir
| Value | Belongs to | Not to be confused with |
|---|---|---|
| 115 mm | step width | 25 mm = step depth |
| 400 mm | clear width between side ropes | 310–350 mm = spacing between steps |
| 18 mm | side rope diameter | 32 mm = handhold/stanchion diameter |
| 24 kN | side rope breaking strength (per side) | — |
| 1.8 m | spreader step length | 2 m = pilot ladder overlap above accommodation platform |
| 0.7–0.8 m | spacing of handholds/stanchions | 0.1–0.2 m = gap pilot ladder ↔ lower platform |
| 750 mm | trapdoor aperture (×750) AND outboard platform (≥750×750) | 915 mm = winch clear-access L/D; 1,500 mm = securing height above platform |
| 5 m | lower platform above sea level | 5th step = lowest spreader position; 6 m = unobstructed side for pilot boat |
| 2,200 mm | winch clear-access height | 915 mm = its width/depth |
| ≤9 steps | interval between spreaders | >5 steps = threshold to need spreaders; max 2 = replacement steps |
Glossary — terms in A.1045(27) (20)
- Pilot ladder
- Rope ladder, certified by the manufacturer, used for boarding/leaving a ship by the pilot.
- Side ropes
- The two uncovered ropes (≥18 mm, ≥24 kN each) forming each side of the pilot ladder; continuous, no joints.2.2
- Step / rung
- Horizontal tread of the pilot ladder (115 × 25 mm, ≥400 mm clear width).2.1.2
- Spreader step
- Longer step (≥1.8 m) preventing the ladder from twisting; required when more than 5 steps.2.1.4
- Retrieval line
- Line fastened at/above the last spreader, leading forward, to help rig the ladder safely.2.1.5
- Thimble
- Loop fitting at the midpoint half-length of the side ropes, sized for ≥2 passes of rope.2.2.1
- Seizing
- Preferred method of binding the side ropes together above and below each step.2.2.3
- Manropes
- Hand ropes used by the person climbing; secured with the ladder at winch-reel arrangements.7.2.2.4
- Accommodation ladder
- Ship's gangway-type ladder; used in combination with a pilot ladder (slope ≤45°, width ≥600 mm).3
- Combination arrangement
- Accommodation ladder + pilot ladder used together for transfer.3 / 7
- Bulwark ladder
- Ladder over the bulwark; needs two separate handhold stanchions, not attached to the ladder.5.2
- Gateway
- Opening in the rails/bulwark for access, with handholds each side.5.1
- Trapdoor
- Hatch in the lower platform giving access to/from the pilot ladder (aperture ≥750 × 750 mm, opens upwards).3.7
- Rubbing band
- Constructional feature on the hull; cut back to give ≥6 m unobstructed side for the pilot boat.6
- Pilot ladder winch reel
- Reel that stows/deploys the pilot ladder; must not support the ladder in use.7
- SOLAS V/23
- SOLAS regulation on pilot transfer arrangements; prohibits mechanical pilot hoists. A.1045(27) gives effect to it.
- Mechanical pilot hoist
- Powered device to lift the pilot; PROHIBITED by SOLAS V/23.4
- Administration
- The flag State (its maritime authority) to whose satisfaction many requirements must be met.
- Actinic degradation
- Weakening of rope by sunlight/UV; side ropes must be protected against it.2.2.2
- A.1108(29)
- 2015 resolution amending section 5 (Access to deck) of A.1045(27).