Every year pilots are injured and even killed while boarding and disembarking vessels. Such events are not only traumatic, but also come with the consequence of legal liabilities to the vessel. Ensuring that vessels can be accessed safely is a key loss prevention issue. Defective pilot ladders in use Introduction Pilots come aboard ships to ensure the safe arrival and departure of vessels from ports about which they possess particular local knowledge. Pilots usually board and disembark the vessel via a traditional rope ladder due to the lack of other alternatives. In some circumstances this can be extremely dangerous and has resulted in a number of deaths and serious accidents. In addition to personal injury claims that arise from defective pilot transfer arrangements, pilots also have the right to refuse to use defective ladders which may significantly delay the vessel. Pilots may also choose to report defective ladders to port state control authorities which may also cause delays and possible financial penalties. Therefore, in order to reduce claims and delays arising from pilot transfer arrangements, it is important to ensure compliance with all requirements.  A high proportion of accidents to pilots occur at the top of the pilot ladder due to poorly designed access arrangements or inadequately rigged equipment. Further causes of accidents involving pilot ladders include: defects in the ladder treads and/or side ropes; and lack of proper attachment of the ladder to the vessel The condition of the pilot ladder should be regularly checked by a competent person prior to rigging to prevent accidents. Guidance The primary requirements for the rigging of pilot transfer arrangements are detailed in  Regulation No. 23, Chapter V of the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) 1974 , as amended. New SOLAS requirements have come into force from 1 July 2012 and ships constructed after this date must comply with these new equipment and arrangement requirements. Equ