UKMPA provides safe pilot transfer guidance

"Vessels with non-compliant or unsafe boarding conditions face immediate delays, as pilots cannot board until the arrangement is rectified," said the UKMPA. "In some cases, these deficiencies serve as red flags, indicating broader issues with vessel management and may trigger port state control inspections, during which ships can be detained until issues are resolved."

Guidance and digital resources from the UKMPA is accessed online through any internet service and browser.

“This is a life-saving tool,” said UKMPA chair Christopher Hoyle. “With global regulations tightening, this visual resource enables masters, naval architects, pilots and port authorities to immediately visualise what compliance looks like, reducing risks and delays in port operations.”

According to the association, this digital tool translates technical requirements into an accessible, interactive format.

"Users can click through visual representations of compliant and non-compliant arrangements, supporting onboard training and operational decision-making," said the UKMPA.

It features interactive visual designs and diagrams, instructions for safety inspections and pre-arrival checks, and compares common compliance failures with best-practice setups.

The SOLAS V/23 compliance deadlines are 1 January 2028 for newbuilds, 1 January 2029 for existing SOLAS ships and 1 January 2030 for non-SOLAS vessels.

“Safety during pilot transfers is a shared responsibility,” said Capt Hoyle. “Our easily accessible interactive poster reinforces that shared responsibility and helps to minimise costly delays caused by non-compliance – ultimately protecting both lives and the global supply chain.”

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