Safety bulletin 36 – Counterfeit pilot ladders: importance of verifying genuine SOLAS approved equipment
Published 10 January 2025
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Safety bulletin 36 – Counterfeit pilot ladders: importance of verifying genuine SOLAS approved equipment
07 January 2025
Summary of Issue regarding Counterfeit Pilot Ladders:
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), as the UK Market Surveillance Authority for marine equipment, has been made aware of counterfeit ladders that the US Coast Guard discovered during a Port State Control Examination at the Port of Baltimore and issued US Coast Guard Safety Alert 11-24, Counterfeit Pilot Ladders
Key Findings:
- The counterfeit ladder referenced ISO 779-1 instead of ISO 799-1.
- The serial number on the ladder matched its certificate, however, the number of steps and the length of the ladder did not align with the specifications listed on the certificate.
- The plate and certificate indicated that the ladder was produced by “QINGDAO GOOD BROTHER MARINE LIFE SAVING APPLIANCE Co. LTD”, a company that manufactures SOLAS-approved pilot ladders. It is however worth noting that the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in March 2019 identified counterfeit pilot ladders falsely bearing the company’s name and SOLAS certification.
The issue highlights the critical need for shipowners and operators to thoroughly verify the authenticity of marine equipment, particularly when dealing with items that are critical to safety at sea.
What should you do:
- Thoroughly inspect pilot ladders to ensure vessels are outfitted with genuine SOLAS-approved equipment.
- Verify certification details. Check for proper ISO approval numbers and ensure the specifications on the certificate match the actual ladder.
For further reference on the issue, and to view more details about the counterfeit pilot ladders discovered, please consult the United States Coast Guard Safety Alert on Counterfeit Pilot Ladders.
Further information
For any further information please contact the MCA using the email MEQA@mcga.gov.uk
Related Documents
MSN 1874 amendment 9 - United Kingdom conformity assessment procedures for marine equipment, Other Approval and Standards.