---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 32.90-1"
title: "46"
number: "32.90-1"
heading: "Pilot boarding equipment."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/32.90-1"
---

# §32.90-1. Pilot boarding equipment.

- (a) This section applies to each vessel that normally embarks or disembarks a pilot from a pilot boat or other vessel.
- (b) Each vessel must have suitable pilot boarding equipment available for use on each side of the vessel. If a vessel has only one set of equipment, the equipment must be capable of being easily transferred to and rigged for use on either side of the vessel.
- (c) Pilot boarding equipment must be capable of resting firmly against the vessel's side and be secured so that it is clear from overboard discharges.
- (d) Each vessel must have lighting positioned to provide adequate illumination for the pilot boarding equipment and each point of access.
- (e) Each vessel must have a point of access that has:
  - (1) A gateway in the rails or bulwark with adequate handholds; or
  - (2) **Two handhold stanchions and a bulwark ladder that is securely attached to the bulwark rail and deck.**
- (f) The pilot boarding equipment required by [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section must include at least one pilot ladder approved under [subpart 163.003](/cfr/46/subpart163.003.md) of this chapter. Each pilot ladder must be of a single length and capable of extending from the point of access to the water's edge during each condition of loading and trim, with an adverse list of 15°.
- (g) Whenever the distance from the water's edge to the point of access is more than 30 feet, access from a pilot ladder to the vessel must be by way of an accommodation ladder or equally safe and convenient means.

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 79-032, 49 FR 25455, June 21, 1984, as amended by USCG-2020-0519, 89 FR 76695, Sept. 18, 2024]

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 3703, 3719; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4; Subpart 32.59 also issued under the authority of Sec. 4109, Pub. L. 101-380, 104 Stat. 515.

### Source

Source: CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 16671, Dec. 30, 1965, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[CGD 79-032, 49 FR 25455, June 21, 1984, as amended by USCG-2020-0519, 89 FR 76695, Sept. 18, 2024]