ISO 799:2004 specifies requirements for a ship's pilot ladder which is provided to enable a maritime pilot to embark and disembark a ship safely along a vertical portion of the ship's hull. It is applicable to merchant ships which embark and disembark maritime pilots with the ship underway. National maritime safety administrations are urged to accept ladders complying with ISO 799:2004 on their ships, as complying fully with the requirements of the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), as amended.