IMO issued Circular MSC.1/Circ.1690 dated 5th Sept 2025 advising that in adopting the amendments to SOLAS regulation V/23 on Pilot transfer arrangements, the Committee, having considered the need for their voluntary early implementation, in accordance with the Guidelines on the voluntary early implementation of amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention and related mandatory instruments (MSC.1/Circ.1565), agreed to encourage the Contracting Governments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, to implement them prior to the entry-into-force date.

Please note that due date for revised pilot transfer arrangment is 01st Jan 2028. The amendment was adopted amendments to SOLAS regulation V/23 on Pilot transfer arrangements by resolution MSC.572(110).

Voluntary early implementation should be communicated by a Contracting Government to the Organization for dissemination through GISIS (module on survey and certification).