In the demanding world of maritime operations, few pieces of equipment carry as much responsibility for safety
as pilot and embarkation ladders. their flawless performance is significantly important, making compliance with
international regulations and uncompromising quality standards non-negotiable. for shipowners and operators, selecting a manufacturer that guarantees reliability, certification, and durability is not just a matter of procurement—it is a critical investment in safety and operational continuity.
The operational reliability of pilot and embarkation ladders is non-negotiable. Any failure or compromise in their integrity can
lead to serious incidents, making them one of the most safety-critical pieces of equipment on board. Their quality, durability,
and compliance with international standards are essential and they can all depend on selecting a trusted manufacturer.
A primary concern for shipping companies when purchasing pilot ladders is ensuring that the manufacturers comply with the
SOLAS/MED requirements and the ISO 799-1:2019 standards. Adhering to these regulations is essential and is often the first aspect evaluated by Port State Control Officers or experienced Pilots.
MEETING INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Verifying the certification and quality assurance processes behind essential equipment, like pilot and embarkation ladders, is a fundamental step in responsible procurement. With this in mind, LALIZAS ensures that its ladders meet the highest standards of safety and compliance.
Our ladders are type-approved by Bureau Veritas Marine and Offshore (BV). In addition to operating a manufacturing facility that fully complies with ISO 9001 quality management standards, our company ensures that its pilot and embarkation ladders fully comply with SOLAS standards and the requirements of the Marine Equipment Directive (MED) 2014/90/EU.
The Module D Production Assurance Certificate, issued by DNV in accordance with the Marine Equipment Directive, attests to the implementation of an annual audit regime to ensure that ongoing production remains in conformity with the approved type and maintains consistent quality standards. The most important document provided to customers is the Declaration of Conformity (DoC), which formally certifies that the equipment meets the mandatory EU regulations for use on EU-flagged vessels.
Each ladder is assigned a unique serial number and is custom-manufactured to meet the specific needs of the end user, ensuring: maximum product quality, extended service life and full compatibility with vessel requirements.
Also, at the end of the manufacturing process and before each ladder is released for sale, we strictly apply all the production
tests and inspections required by ISO 799-1:2019 on a ladder-by-ladder basis. We keep record of these test results for
every single ladder.
Furthermore, upon request, we provide a Declaration of Load Test. In terms of documentation, buyers receive the Type Approval Certificate, the Quality Assurance Certificate of Production (MED D), and the Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DURABILITY AND SERVICE LIFE OF LADDERS
The quality of raw materials and the production process play a critical role in the overall durability of the equipment. Additionally, the marine environment presents inherent challenges, particularly due to its harsh conditions. It is important to note that the pilot ladder has a validity period of 30 months from the manufacturing date. After this period, retesting by an authorised service station is required to ensure compliance with safety standards. Such testing, however, requires both time and financial investment. As a result, many clients opt to replace the pilot ladder rather than incur the costs associated with retesting.
WHY CHOOSE LALIZAS AS A PILOT LADDER SUPPLIER
Buyers should prioritise safety standards and certification above all, ensuring compliance with IMO, SOLAS, and ISO regulations to avoid legal, financial, and reputational risks. It is important to evaluate a supplier’s reputation, ensuring they deliver reliable, high-quality products backed by solid after-sales support. Additionally, lead times and delivery reliability are key to minimizing operational disruptions.
With over 40 years of experience and commercial presence in more than 130 countries, LALIZAS has been a trusted LSA/FFE manufacturer and service provider, consistently meeting stringent regulatory standards while serving the world’s largest ports.
*R&D CATEGORY MANAGER, LALIZAS
