PRODUCTION DATE,
CERTIFICATE ISSUE DATE AND THE 30-MONTH RULE

Summary: This article explains how pilot ladder validity is assessed today based on ISO standards, and why the production/assembly marking and the 30-month test interval matter more than a certificate “issue date”.

In daily maritime operations, one question appears repeatedly: From which date is a pilot ladder or embarkation ladder considered “valid”—the production date, the installation date on board, or the certificate issue date? Below we explain the rules applicable today (until 31 December 2027), based on ISO standards and Port State Control / classification society practice.

1) Production date vs. certificate issue date

The issue date or renewal date of a manufacturer’s certificate does not change the production date of a ladder. A certificate confirms that ladders were manufactured under an approved quality system during a defined period.

The decisive reference for inspections is the production/assembly date permanently marked on the ladder.

ISO 799-1:2019, clause 8.1(d):
“the year of assembly or reassembly of the ladder.”

This marking is typically the primary reference used by PSC inspectors and classification societies, regardless of when a certificate was issued or renewed.

2) What the “30 months” rule really means today

Under the current ISO framework, there is no automatic expiry of a pilot ladder after 30 months. The “30 months” relates to the maximum interval between mandatory strength tests.

ISO 799-1:2019, clause 10.4:
“Each ladder shall be subjected to the ladder and step attachment strength test … at not more than 30-month intervals.”

ISO 799-2:2021, clause 6.6:
“Each ladder shall be subjected to the strength test … at intervals of not more than 30 months.”

After testing, the ladder must be appropriately marked and supported with documentation. The standard also requires operational records for traceability:

ISO 799-2:2021, Clause 7 (Records):
“the dates when the pilot ladder was put into service and withdrawn from service.”

3) Practical summary (rules applicable today)

• The production/assembly marking on the ladder is decisive for inspections.
• The certificate issue date confirms process compliance, not product age.
• A strength test is required at intervals not exceeding 30 months.
• PSC and class inspections rely on ladder markings and a valid test certificate kept on board.

Read next: IMO has adopted new rules that introduce a fixed service-life limit from 1 January 2028.
👉 See what will change from 2028 →

FAQ

Does a renewed certificate “extend” a ladder’s age?

No. A renewed certificate confirms compliance of the manufacturer’s system, but the ladder’s production/assembly marking remains the reference point for the ladder itself.

Does “30 months” mean the ladder expires after 30 months?

In the ISO framework, “30 months” primarily refers to the maximum interval between strength tests and related marking/documentation requirements.

Call to action (CTA)

If you are uncertain about the compliance status of your pilot ladders, we can review your markings and documentation and advise the correct inspection pathway.

Contact Drewil Entership for a quick compliance check and recommended testing/replacement planning.