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New IMO rules will shift pilot transfer safety requirements from ladder rigging towards ship design and construction. In June 2025, MSC 110 adopted amendments to SOLAS V/23 (MSC.572(110)) and mandatory performance standards for pilot transfer arrangements (MSC.576(110)), covering ladders, accommodation ladders, trapdoors, manropes, winch reels, strong points and securing arrangements. From 1 January 2028, operational requirements for inspection, stowage, maintenance, replacement and familiarisation will apply to all arrangements, while design and construction requirements will apply to newly installed arrangements, with subsequent deadlines for existing ships. The standards include a minimum breaking strength of 48kN for strong points, shackles and securing ropes, alongside requirements for spare equipment and ladder replacement. From 2028, pilots who suspect non-compliant arrangements should inform the master and refuse to use them until deficiencies are corrected, while the 2026 IMPA Safety Campaign recorded 13% non-compliance across 4,051 observations from 34 countries.