This paper provides a preliminary review of options for making marine pilot transfers safer, as the traditional method of transferring via a pilot ladder has resulted in fatalities and serious injuries. The project included a review of the literature, interviews with pilots and a survey of methods used in other industries for similar tasks. Results indicate that the safety of the current transfer arrangement would be increased through strategies including ladder design improvements, use of fall protection systems and/or use of mechanical personnel elevation systems. Each of these strategies requires further investigation to determine the design criteria best suited to the task, the pilot population and the marine environment. The report also identifies a number of additional initiatives requiring review that contribute to reducing the risks in the pilot transfer task.