NEW IMO REGULATIONS FROM 2028:
36 MONTHS FROM PRODUCTION DATE

Important: This article describes regulations that are not yet in force. They were formally adopted by the IMO and become mandatory from 1 January 2028.

From 2028, the rules around pilot transfer arrangements (PTA) will change significantly. For the first time, IMO introduces an explicit maximum service life for pilot ladders tied to the date of manufacture and the date placed into service.

1) What has been adopted (IMO / SOLAS)

On 6 June 2025, during the 110th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110), the IMO adopted new Performance Standards for Pilot Transfer Arrangements and related SOLAS changes. These requirements become mandatory from 1 January 2028.

2) Key change: a fixed service-life limit

The new IMO performance standards explicitly define maximum service life for pilot ladders and manropes:

IMO MSC.576(110), Section 30:
“Pilot ladders and manropes … shall be removed from service within 36 months after the date of manufacture or within 30 months after the date of being placed into service, whichever comes first.”

This means:

• The manufacture date becomes an absolute limit.
• The earlier of the two deadlines applies.
• Once exceeded, the ladder must be withdrawn from service, regardless of apparent condition.

3) Practical implications after 2028

• Periodic testing will not extend ladder life beyond the IMO service-life limit.
• Long-term storage of “new” ladders becomes commercially and operationally inefficient.
• Replacement planning becomes critical for fleet operators.
• Traceability (manufacture date, placed-into-service date, documentation) becomes even more important.

4) How to prepare (recommended actions)

• Maintain precise records of manufacture dates and placed-into-service dates.
• Plan replacements 12–24 months ahead.
• Align procurement and spare-stock strategy to avoid “ageing in storage”.

Looking for today’s framework?
👉 Production date, certificate issue date and the 30-month rule – current framework →

Transition support from Drewil Entership (CTA)

To close urgent compliance matters quickly and reduce inspection risk, Drewil Entership can offer a practical transition solution:

• Free-of-charge replacement of the specific ladders you requested,
• Replacement logistics arranged by us (replacement transport cost embedded within other ladder shipments for customs/tax handling practicality),
• Full documentation and certification support under current ISO practice,
• Advisory support to prepare your fleet for IMO 2028 compliance.

Contact us to discuss a compliant and cost-efficient replacement strategy.