INSTRUCTIONS FOR USERS
Pilot Ladder
Care, maintenance, inspection and stowage
For the master, officers and crew. Keep these instructions on board with the ladder, its certificates and its records.
Applies to
Drewil Entership pilot ladders, types A, B1 and B2, with seizing or clamping step securing, hardwood (beech) and rubber steps and manila side ropes.
Prepared in line with
IMO Resolution MSC.576(110), Performance Standards for Pilot Transfer Arrangements, Part D, section 24
ISO 799-2:2021, clause 5
Ladder approval
EU Marine Equipment Directive (Wheelmark), item MED/4.49 · DNV EC type-examination certificate MEDB000001G · Notified Body 0575 · design to ISO 799-1:2019, SOLAS V/23, IMO Res. A.1045(27)
Drewil Entership pilot ladders, types A, B1 and B2, with seizing or clamping step securing, hardwood (beech) and rubber steps and manila side ropes.
Prepared in line with
IMO Resolution MSC.576(110), Performance Standards for Pilot Transfer Arrangements, Part D, section 24
ISO 799-2:2021, clause 5
Ladder approval
EU Marine Equipment Directive (Wheelmark), item MED/4.49 · DNV EC type-examination certificate MEDB000001G · Notified Body 0575 · design to ISO 799-1:2019, SOLAS V/23, IMO Res. A.1045(27)
Latest version onlineScan the QR code to open the current version of these instructions, or visit
drewilentership.com/pilot-ladder-instructions
Manufacturer
Drewil Entership Sp. z o.o.
ul. Szkolna 3, 83-305 Pomieczyno, Poland
+48 58 681 50 21 ·
Document DE-PL-IM-01 · Revision 1 · September 2026 · Replaces the earlier Drewil “Maintenance, Use and Inspection Manual” for pilot ladders
Key rules at a glance
WARNING. A pilot ladder is safety-critical access equipment. A person on the ladder depends entirely on its condition. If there is any doubt about the ladder, do not use it: rig the spare and withdraw the doubtful ladder.
- Inspect before and after every use — deck officer, Checklists A and B.
- Detailed inspection every 3 months by a senior deck officer, and a yearly survey by class or flag — Checklists C and D.
- Maximum service life: 36 months from manufacture or 30 months in service, whichever comes first (mandatory from 1 January 2028).
- Never repair or replace steps or spreader steps on board. A ladder with a damaged step is taken out of service (section 5).
- Never paint, varnish, coat, knot, splice or cut side ropes or steps. No cable ties, hose clips or U-clamps.
- Keep it dry, clean and in the shade, away from chemicals, paint, oil and heat. Never stow it wet.
- Secure it only to dedicated strong points (≥ 48 kN, ≥ 915 mm inboard) as shown in section 7.
- Carry a spare: at least one spare compliant pilot ladder and one spare set of manropes, ready to rig on either side.
Contents
- 1Your Drewil pilot ladder
- 2Who inspects, and when
- 3Before and after each use
- 4Detailed inspection, including side ropes
- 5Seizings, clamps and permitted repairs
- 6Care and stowage
- 7Securing the ladder to strong points
- 8Factors that shorten ladder life
- 9When to withdraw the ladder — pictorial examples
- 10Natural fibre (manila) rope — specific care
- 11Manropes
- 12Service life and records
- A–EChecklists and ladder record card
Where each requirement is covered. MSC.576(110) section 24: .1 → section 3 · .2 → section 4 · .3 → section 5 · .4 → section 6 · .5 → section 8 · .6 → section 7 · .7 → section 9 · .8 → section 10. Inspection intervals and records follow ISO 799-2:2021 and MSC.576(110) sections 25–30.
1Your Drewil pilot ladder
Figure 1 — Main parts (schematic, not to scale; clamping system shown)
| Construction | |
|---|---|
| Side ropes | Mildew-resistant manila, 20 mm, ISO 1181 quality 1. Breaking strength ≥ 24 kN. One continuous length per side, no joints below the top step. Uncoated. |
| Steps | One-piece beech hardwood, free of knots, not painted or varnished. Grooved non-slip top face. ≥ 115 mm wide, ≥ 25 mm thick, ≥ 400 mm clear between side ropes. |
| Four lowest steps | Rubber. |
| Spreader steps | ≥ 1.8 m long. The lowest is the 5th step from the bottom; further spreaders according to ladder length. |
| Step spacing | 330 mm nominal (310–350 mm), uniform over the full length. |
| Step securing | Seizing system: step fixtures above and below each step, held by figure-of-eight racking seizings. Clamping system: clamps above and below each step, gripping each side rope separately. |
| Measuring marks | Permanent marks every three steps (about 1 m) to rig the ladder at the height the pilot asks for. |
| Securing ropes | (when supplied) ≥ 3 m long, breaking strength ≥ 48 kN, shackled to the thimbles at the top of the side ropes. |
1.2 Identification
Each ladder is permanently marked on the underside of the uppermost step and of the lowest spreader step in accordance with ISO 799-1 (clause 8): the manufacturer’s name and address, the model designation, “ISO 799-1” and “SOLAS”, the year of assembly and the approval marking (notified body 0575). The serial number is on the ladder’s identification plate and, with the date of production, on the Certificate of Manufacturer. The date of production starts the service-life count (section 12). If the marking is missing or cannot be read, withdraw the ladder.
1.3 Documents supplied with the ladder
- Certificate of Manufacturer with the serial number and date of production.
- Declaration of Conformity under the EU Marine Equipment Directive.
- These instructions — the current version is always available at drewilentership.com/pilot-ladder-instructions and through the QR code. Print a copy and keep it on board with the ladder.
Keep these documents with the ladder records (section 12). Port State Control, class and flag surveyors, port authorities and pilots may ask to see them.
2Who inspects, and when MSC.576(110) §25 · ISO 799-2 cl. 4
| When | Who | What | Checklist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before every use | Deck officer (STCW certificated) | Check of the ladder, its securing and the associated equipment before and while rigging. | A |
| After every use | Deck officer | Check for damage from the transfer, clean if needed, dry, stow. | B |
| Every 3 months | Senior deck officer (chief officer or master), helped by an experienced crew member | Detailed inspection of the full length, including opening the side ropes (section 4). Includes the spare ladder and manropes. | C |
| Every year | Classification society or flag State surveyor | Survey of the ladder, spare, stowage and records. The surveyor may use their own checklist. | D |
- Include these inspections in the ship’s planned maintenance system and safety management system (SMS).
- Record every inspection, finding and repair (section 12).
- Rigging and recovering the ladder are safety-critical tasks. Carry out a risk assessment for them under your SMS.
- Crew who rig and inspect pilot ladders shall be trained in these instructions and the applicable rules, with periodic refresher training.
- A detailed inspection is also needed after any incident, heavy-weather use, contact with a pilot boat, or if the ladder has been stowed in poor conditions.
3Before and after each use MSC.576(110) §24.1
3.1 Before use
- Check the ladder record: the ladder is within its service life (section 12) and has not been found unfit.
- Unroll the ladder and look along its full length before it goes over the side. It must hang straight with every step level.
- Side ropes: look at and feel the rope you can reach — no cuts, chafe, broken strands, knots, stiff, wet or discoloured areas.
- Steps: none cracked, split, warped, loose or painted; grooves clean; rubber steps not cracked or torn.
- Clamps or seizings: all present, tight and undamaged; no step has moved; spacing even.
- Securing: securing ropes, shackles (pins moused) and strong points in good condition; ladder secured as in section 7.
- Height: lowest step at the height the pilot has asked for, using the measuring marks.
- Ready at the access: manropes if requested, lifebuoy with self-igniting light, heaving line, and lighting at night.
- Record the check (Checklist A). If anything fails, do not use the ladder — rig the spare.
3.2 After use
- Recover the ladder without dragging it over sharp edges or across a dirty deck.
- Look for damage from the transfer: impact from the pilot boat, chafe against the hull or bulwark, crushed or cracked steps, moved clamps.
- If the ladder is wet with sea water or dirty, rinse it with fresh water only (section 6.2).
- Let it dry naturally before final stowage. Never stow it wet.
- Roll it up evenly with the steps flat, no kinks or twists, and stow it as in section 6.
- Record the check and any findings (Checklist B). Report damage to the officer in charge.
A pilot ladder must not stay rigged when it is not being used. Recover it after each transfer.
4Detailed inspection, including side ropes MSC.576(110) §24.2 · ISO 799-2 cl. 5 b, c
The 3-monthly inspection (Checklist C) and the annual survey (Checklist D) cover the whole ladder, step by step, on both sides. Lay the ladder out flat on a clean, dry deck in good light.
4.1 Side ropes — how to inspect
Do this at every measuring mark (about every 1 m), at the thimbles at the top of the side ropes, and just above and below the clamps or seizings.
- Grip the rope with both hands and twist it gently against the lay to open the strands. Do not force it.
- Look inside. Healthy fibres are clean, light-coloured and strong. Powder, short or broken fibres, dark or grey spots, or a musty smell can indicate internal wear, rot or mildew.
- Check the outside for cuts, chafe, flattened sections, hard or glazed areas and stains. If surface fibres can be picked off with a fingernail, the rope has been weakened by sunlight.
- Run your hand along the rope and compare the diameter. A local thinning, thickening or change in the lay shows overload or internal damage.
- Pull out a loose fibre from the surface: if it breaks easily, the rope has lost strength.
- Let the lay close again. Any finding in section 9 means the ladder is withdrawn.
4.2 Clamps and seizings
Clamping system. The rope inside a clamp cannot be seen. Check instead that every clamp is complete, undamaged and tight, that no step has slipped or tilted, that the spacing is uniform, and that no fibres are squeezed out or cut at the edges of the clamps.
Seizing system. Check that every seizing is complete, tight, not rotten or stained, and that the step fixtures are firmly in place. Pay particular attention to the seizings and whipping at the side-rope ends below the bottom step.
4.3 Steps, spreaders, marking and fittings
- Each wooden step: no cracks, splits, splinters, warping, paint or coating; grooves not worn smooth. Each rubber step: not cracked, torn, hardened or softened.
- Spreader steps: not cracked or bent, firmly secured, at least 1.8 m long.
- Measure the step spacing at several points: 310–350 mm, even along the ladder.
- ID marking legible under the uppermost step and the lowest spreader; measuring marks visible.
- Thimbles, shackles, securing ropes and their tags; the strong points on deck.
- Service-life dates in the ladder record (section 12).
- The spare ladder and manropes: same inspection.
4.4 Annual survey
The surveyor reviews the ladder records, checks that these instructions and the certificates are on board, inspects the ladder, the spare and their stowage, and confirms the service-life dates. Have the ladder records ready.
5Seizings, clamps and permitted repairs MSC.576(110) §24.3, §28
5.1 Inspection
- Seizings (seizing system): figure-of-eight racking seizings above and below each step, tight, with no broken, loose or rotten turns.
- Clamps and step fixtures: all parts and screws present; no cracks, bending, corrosion or wear; each clamp grips each rope of the pair independently and holds the step level.
- Securing ropes, shackles, thimbles and intermediate-length securing: see sections 7 and 9.
5.2 Repairs permitted on board (by a competent crew member, recorded in the ladder record)
- Renewing the whipping on a frayed end of a securing rope or of a side-rope tail below the bottom step, if the rope itself is undamaged.
- Replacing a shackle, or replacing a securing rope with a tagged Drewil securing rope (≥ 48 kN).
- Cleaning with fresh water (section 6.2).
5.3 Never do on board
- Repair or replace any step or spreader step. A ladder with a damaged step is taken out of service (MSC.576(110) §28, §30).
- Cut, splice, knot or join a side rope, or replace a section of it.
- Open, adjust or replace clamps, chocks or step fixtures.
- Use cable ties, U-clamps, hose clips, wire, tape or glue on any part.
- Paint, varnish, oil, tar or coat steps, ropes or fittings.
- Drill, cut or modify any part; join two ladders or add sections.
Replacement steps — change in the rules. Under ISO 799-1 (10.1) and ISO 799-2 (6.1), damaged steps are replaced with the manufacturer’s replacement steps — at most two, not next to each other, and one replacement spreader step — fitted by the manufacturer or an approved repair facility, not by the crew. From 1 January 2028, MSC.576(110) §28 prohibits the repair or replacement of steps and spreader steps: a ladder with a damaged step must then be withdrawn and replaced.
For any other damage, or if you are unsure whether a repair is allowed, withdraw the ladder and contact Drewil: · +48 58 681 50 21.
6Care and stowage MSC.576(110) §23, §24.4 · ISO 799-2 cl. 8
WARNING — these weaken the ladder, often without visible signs: acids and acid fumes, solvents and cleaning agents · paint and its fumes · fuel, oil and grease · cargo residues and dust · sunlight (UV) · stowage while wet · heat · ice · grit in the rope.
6.1 Where and how to stow
- In a dry, cool, well-ventilated locker or box close to the pilot access, so it can be rigged quickly on either side.
- Away from paint stores, chemical stores, batteries, fuel and exhausts, and out of direct sunlight.
- Rolled evenly, steps flat, no kinks or twists, with air able to circulate. Nothing heavy on top.
- If it must stay on open deck: on a raised grating clear of standing water, under a breathable UV-resistant cover that also protects the securing ropes. Inspect it more often.
6.2 Cleaning and drying
- Rinse with fresh water at low pressure. No soap, detergent or solvent; no pressure washer — it drives grit into the rope.
- Dry naturally in the shade with good air flow. Never use heaters, hot air or engine rooms.
- When dry, shake the ladder to remove grit, then stow it.
- In freezing weather, thaw the ladder completely before use. Frozen fibres break easily; never beat ice off.
6.3 Spare and stored ladders
Keep spares in their protective cover. The 36-month limit runs from the date of manufacture, also in store.
7Securing the ladder to strong points MSC.576(110) §6, §12, §24.6 · ISO 799-3
Acceptable
Not acceptable
Do
- Secure the ladder to dedicated strong points (ring plates or padeyes) with the securing ropes and shackles; screw shackle pins fully home and mouse them.
- Strong points, shackles and securing ropes each with a breaking strength of at least 48 kN; securing ropes at least 3 m long and tagged.
- Strong points at least 915 mm inboard from the ship’s side or, where the deck is too narrow, as far inboard as the deck allows (except combination arrangements).
- Load both sides equally so the ladder hangs vertically with every step level against the hull.
- Where the ropes pass over a bulwark or deck edge, provide a smooth, rounded surface (e.g. a pipe) against chafe.
Do not
- Push deck tongues, bars or pipes through the ladder or between steps.
- Secure to stanchions, handholds, rails, bulwark ladders, or the lower platform of an accommodation ladder.
- Put shackles or hooks around a side rope, or tie knots in it — except the rolling hitch for intermediate length.
- Use cable ties, U-clamps, hose clips, wire or improvised lashings.
- Secure only one side, load the sides unequally, or join two ladders.
- Use the ladder for anything other than personnel transfer (for example draught reading or hull work).
Intermediate length: secure each pair of side ropes separately with a Drewil securing rope (manila, ≥ 48 kN, 3 m, tagged). Tie a rolling hitch around both ropes of the pair directly below the lower chock of a step, so the step above acts as a stop, and make the other end fast to a strong point. Load both sides equally. From 1 January 2028 this means must be type-approved (MSC.576(110) §6.3).
Bowsing: to hold the ladder against the hull, use removable means such as Drewil pilot ladder magnets, applied and released by one person, always with the safety strap attached. Bowsing means must never carry the weight of the ladder or the pilot (MSC.576(110) §6.2).
8Factors that shorten ladder life MSC.576(110) §24.5 · ISO 799-2 cl. 5 g, j
The 36/30-month limit (section 12) is a maximum. The expected service life may be less than 30 months, particularly where parts of the side ropes cannot be inspected, for example inside clamps. Inspect more often, and expect a shorter life, when any of these apply:
- Stowage: open deck, sun, heat, damp, or chemicals, paint or fuel nearby.
- Rigging: over unprotected sharp edges or around tight bends.
- Wrong securing: shackles on side ropes, bars through the ladder.
- Use: frequent transfers, long periods rigged, heavy weather.
- Impact and load: pilot boats, fenders, snagging, shock loads, lifting.
- Contamination: cargo dust and residues, oil, cleaning agents, paint overspray.
- Climate: tropical sun and heat; ice and freezing spray.
- Clamping system: watch closely for slipping steps or damage at the clamp edges.
9When to withdraw the ladder — pictorial examples MSC.576(110) §24.7, §30
Withdraw the ladder immediately if you find any of the conditions below, or any other damage that could reduce its strength or safety. If in doubt, withdraw. A withdrawn ladder must not be used to embark or disembark pilots or other persons. Mark it “WITHDRAWN – DO NOT USE”, record it, and remove it from the pilot station. Once replaced, dismantle or destroy it so it cannot be used again.
Illustrations are schematic. Photographs from service will be added in a later revision.
1Cut, chafed or frayed side rope
Any cut, chafe mark, flattened section, broken yarn or strand, or fibres standing out from the rope surface.
2Internal wear
When the lay is opened: powder, short or broken fibres, fibres that snap easily, or a core darker than the outside.
3Rot, mildew, chemical or sun damage
Dark or grey spots, musty smell, stains, stiff or glazed areas, or surface fibres that can be picked off with a fingernail.
4Knot, splice or join
Any knot, splice, join or repair in a side rope below the top step.
5Cracked or split step
Any crack, split, splinter, broken edge or warping in a wooden step.
6Step not horizontal or moved
A step that is tilted, twisted, loose, or has slipped along the side ropes.
7Painted step or worn non-slip surface
Paint, varnish or any coating on a step, or grooves worn smooth or clogged with dirt that cannot be removed.
8Damaged rubber step
A rubber step that is cracked, torn, hardened, swollen or softened by oil, or has pieces missing.
9Clamp or step fixture missing, loose or damaged
Any clamp or fixture missing, loose, cracked, bent or corroded, or with a screw missing.
10Loose or broken seizing
A seizing that is loose, broken, rotten, or no longer holds the step fixture tight.
11Uneven step spacing
Any spacing outside 310–350 mm, or spacing that is visibly uneven along the ladder.
12Damaged spreader step
A spreader step that is cracked, bent, loose or missing, or shorter than 1.8 m.
13Unravelling rope end
A side-rope tail below the bottom step that is unravelling or has lost its whipping or seizing, or any loop at the bottom.
14Worn thimble, shackle or securing rope
Thimble deformed or corroded, shackle worn or corroded, pin not secured, or securing rope cut, chafed or without its tag.
15Marking unreadable or service life reached
ID marking missing or illegible, no certificate, or service-life limit reached (section 12).
16Unauthorised repair or fastening
A step repaired or replaced on board, or cable ties, hose clips, U-clamps, wire or tape anywhere on the ladder.
Also withdraw a ladder that has been shock-loaded or used for lifting, soaked in chemicals, oil or paint, exposed to fire or high heat, stowed wet for a long period — even if no damage is visible.
10Natural fibre (manila) rope — specific care MSC.576(110) §24.8 · ISO 799-2 Annex B
- Manila is a natural plant fibre. It grips well in the hand and stretches little, but it can rot, and it is weakened by moisture, heat, sunlight and chemicals.
- The side ropes are mildew-resistant manila. This resistance is lost faster if the rope is stowed damp or washed with detergent.
- Damage often starts inside the rope: grit wears the fibres from within, and rot can start in the core. That is why the lay is opened during detailed inspections (section 4.1).
- Wet manila swells and stiffens. Let it dry naturally; never dry it with heat.
- Acid fumes destroy natural fibres quickly. Never stow the ladder near batteries, acids or chemical cargo.
- Keep the side ropes uncoated: no paint, tar, grease, oil or protective treatment of any kind.
- New manila is light golden. Grey, darkened or blotchy rope has been weathered or attacked and needs close inspection.
11Manropes MSC.576(110) §11, §15 · ISO 799-3 cl. 4
- Manropes are 28–32 mm manila, in a single length, free of splices and knots, except knots used to secure them to strong points.
- Each manrope is tagged or permanently marked by its manufacturer and is inspected, cared for and stowed in the same way as the pilot ladder.
- Rig them on request when the pilot is boarding, and ready for use when the pilot disembarks. Secure them to dedicated strong points on deck, led through the eye or ring at the top of the stanchions.
- The same service-life limit applies to manropes (section 12). Keep one spare set on board.
12Service life and records MSC.576(110) §27, §29, §30 · ISO 799-2 cl. 7
12.1 Service life
From 1 January 2028, every pilot ladder and manrope, including spares, must be removed from service at any time it does not comply with the performance standards, and in any case 36 months after the date of manufacture or 30 months after it was placed into service — whichever comes first. Drewil recommends applying this rule now.
| Example | |
|---|---|
| Date of manufacture (Certificate of Manufacturer) | 10/2025 → + 36 months = 10/2028 |
| Placed into service on board | 03/2026 → + 30 months = 09/2028 |
| Withdraw no later than | 09/2028 (the earlier date) |
Until MSC.576(110) applies, ISO 799-1 (10.4) and ISO 799-2 (6.6) require a strength test at intervals of not more than 30 months for a ladder to stay in service. Drewil recommends replacing the ladder instead.
12.2 Spare equipment
Carry at least one spare compliant pilot ladder and one spare set of manropes, ready to be moved to either side of the ship.
12.3 Records
The master keeps a record for each ladder and manrope set (Record card E), available to Port State Control, class and flag surveyors, port authorities and pilots. It shows: serial number; Certificate of Manufacturer and Declaration of Conformity; date of manufacture; date received on board; date placed into service; anticipated date of withdrawal; each inspection (date, type, person, findings); repairs and any replacement steps; risk assessments for rigging (under the SMS); sources of spare parts and replacements (Drewil); and the date of and reason for withdrawal.
These instructions do not replace the requirements of the flag Administration, the classification society or the ship’s safety management system.
A–EChecklists and ladder record card
Copy these pages for use on board or add the items to the ship’s planned maintenance system. Tick Yes or No for each item.
Checklist A — Before each use
Carried out by a deck officer before and while rigging the ladder. See section 3.1.
Ship / IMO No.
Ladder serial No.
Date
| # | Check | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ladder is within its service life (section 12) and has not been found unfit. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 2 | Certificate of Manufacturer on board; ID marking legible under the uppermost step and lowest spreader. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 3 | Side ropes: no cuts, chafe, broken strands, knots, splices, stiff, wet or discoloured areas. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 4 | Steps and spreaders: not cracked, split, warped, loose, painted or worn; rubber steps undamaged. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 5 | Steps level and evenly spaced (310–350 mm); no step repaired or replaced on board. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 6 | Clamps / seizings complete, tight and undamaged; no cable ties, clips or improvised fastenings. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 7 | Securing ropes, shackles (pins moused) and strong points in good condition; ladder secured as in section 7. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 8 | Lowest step at the height requested by the pilot (using the measuring marks). | ☐ | ☐ |
| 9 | Manropes available if requested and in good condition; lifebuoy with light, heaving line and lighting ready. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 10 | Risk assessment for rigging carried out and the check recorded. | ☐ | ☐ |
Result: the ladder is fit for use ☐ Yes ☐ No — if No: do not use, rig the spare, withdraw the ladder and record it.
Name and rank
Signature
Master’s signature
Checklist B — After each use
Carried out by a deck officer after recovering the ladder. See section 3.2.
Ship / IMO No.
Ladder serial No.
Date
| # | Check | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No damage from the transfer (impact, chafe, crushed or cracked steps, moved clamps). | ☐ | ☐ |
| 2 | Side ropes: no new cuts, chafe or broken strands. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 3 | Steps level, evenly spaced and undamaged; clamps / seizings tight. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 4 | Rinsed with fresh water if wet with sea water or dirty; no detergent used. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 5 | Left to dry naturally before final stowage. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 6 | Rolled evenly without kinks and stowed as in section 6. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 7 | Findings recorded and reported. | ☐ | ☐ |
Result: the ladder is fit for use ☐ Yes ☐ No — if No: do not use, rig the spare, withdraw the ladder and record it.
Name and rank
Signature
Master’s signature
Checklist C — Every 3 months
Carried out by a senior deck officer (chief officer or master), assisted by an experienced crew member. See section 4. Repeat for the spare ladder and manropes.
Ship / IMO No.
Ladder serial No.
Date
| # | Check | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ladder laid out flat in good light and inspected over its full length, both sides. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 2 | Side ropes opened at every measuring mark, at the thimbles and next to clamps / seizings: no powder, broken fibres, rot, mildew or smell. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 3 | Side ropes: diameter even; no cuts, chafe, stains, glazing, UV damage or knots. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 4 | Clamping system: no step slipped or tilted, no fibres squeezed out or cut at clamp edges, all clamps complete and tight. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 5 | Seizing system: all seizings complete, tight and sound; rope ends below the bottom step seized and whipped. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 6 | Every step and spreader sound, unpainted, non-slip surface effective; rubber steps undamaged. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 7 | Step spacing measured: 310–350 mm and even. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 8 | ID marking and measuring marks legible. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 9 | Thimbles, shackles, securing ropes (tagged) and strong points in good condition. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 10 | Stowage as in section 6; spare ladder and manropes inspected. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 11 | Service-life dates and anticipated withdrawal date entered in the ladder record. | ☐ | ☐ |
Result: the ladder is fit for use ☐ Yes ☐ No — if No: do not use, rig the spare, withdraw the ladder and record it.
Name and rank
Signature
Master’s signature
Checklist D — Annual survey
Carried out by a classification society or flag State surveyor, who may use their own checklist.
Ship / IMO No.
Ladder serial No.
Date
| # | Check | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ladder records reviewed: inspections, findings, repairs, dates placed into service. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 2 | These instructions, the Certificate of Manufacturer and the Declaration of Conformity are on board. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 3 | Service life not exceeded (section 12); anticipated withdrawal date recorded. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 4 | Ladder condition acceptable against section 9 (side ropes, steps, spreaders, clamps / seizings, spacing). | ☐ | ☐ |
| 5 | No step repaired on board; replacement steps (if any) fitted by Drewil or an approved facility, max. 2, not adjacent, none from 1 Jan 2028; no improvised fastenings. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 6 | ID marking legible under the uppermost step and lowest spreader; measuring marks visible. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 7 | Stowage in accordance with section 6. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 8 | Spare pilot ladder and spare manropes on board, compliant and in good condition. | ☐ | ☐ |
| 9 | Securing arrangements and strong points in accordance with section 7. | ☐ | ☐ |
I confirm that the above pilot ladder is fit for continued use: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Surveyor’s name
Classification society / Administration
Signature
Record card E — Pilot ladder / manropes
| Item | ☐ Pilot ladder ☐ Spare pilot ladder ☐ Manropes ☐ Spare manropes |
| Serial No. / length / steps | |
| Date of manufacture | |
| Certificate of Manufacturer / DoC No. | |
| Date received on board | |
| Date placed into service | |
| Anticipated withdrawal date earlier of: manufacture + 36 months, in service + 30 months | |
| Date withdrawn and reason |
| Date | Inspection / repair | Findings and action | Name, rank, signature |
|---|---|---|---|
