![](https://pilotladdersafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/step-serial-number-plate-1024x498.jpeg)
On many pilot ladders the sign of a small steering wheel is depicted in the certificate and on the pilot ladder as well. What does that mean? The simple answer is: The steering wheel is the symbol of compliance with the EU Marine Equipment Directive. But there is much more to that.
![](https://pilotladdersafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/original-steering-wheel-icon-ship-steering-wheel-helm-sea-wall-stickers-wall-art-decal.png)
In September 2016, the parliament of the European Union adopted Marine Equipment Directive (MED) 2014/90/EU. The aim of this MED is to set regulations on the standards of marine equipment onboard of EU ships. The scope of the directive is (1) SOLAS 1974: (Life-saving appliances/navigation equipment/radio equipment) and (2) MARPOL 1973: (Marine pollution COLREGS 1972: Prevention of collisions). Since pilot ladders are part of the SOLAS equipment onboard of ships, they are part of this directive as well.
The Marine Equipment Directive 2014/90/EU was then turned into an EU Regulation: Since September 2020, the design, construction, performance requirements and testing standards for marine equipment onboard EU ships are governed by EU Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1170, based directly on the above-mentioned directive.
In section MED 4.49 of the above regulation, the following table is noted:
![](https://pilotladdersafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/med-table-1.png)
Table 1: Design-, construction- and performance requirements and testing standards for pilot ladders ; (Source: COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2020/1170)
From table 1 the following can be concluded: Pilot ladders on all EU ships must comply with:
- For type-approval:
- Solas 74 Reg V/23 (Safety of navigation) and
- X/3 (Safety measures for high-speed craft)
- For performance requirements:
- SOLAS 74 Reg. V/23,
- IMO Res. A.1045(27), (i.e. the Imo Guidelines)
- IMO MSC/Circ.1428, (i.e. the Wheelhouse poster)
- Testing Standards:
- IMO Res. A.1045(27), as amended
- ISO 799: 2004 (last placing oboard 12.8.2023; e.i. first installation of the equipment in its functional position or stowing in its functional position on board an EU ship) or
- ISO 799-1: 2019 (first placing on the market after 12.8.2020)
- Various modules of conformity assessment. (Column 6)
In other words, for EU ships, not only SOLAS V (23), but also IMO 1045 (27), the wheelhouse poster and the industry standard ISO 799 (either 2004 or 2019) are mandatory.
Reference:
LR Marine Equipment Directive home page
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2020/1170
DIRECTIVE 2014/90/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL