Section 2(1)(c) in The Merchant Shipping (Pilot Ladder) Rules, 1967
(c)the pilot ladder shall be in a position clear of any possible discharges from the ship and so secured that the pilot can gain safe ad convenient access to the ship after climbing not less than 1.5 metres and not more than 9 metres. Whenever the distance from sea level to the point of access to the ship exceeds 9 metres, access from the pilot ladder to the ship shall be by means of an accommodation ladder or other suitably safe or equally convenient means;