====== Equipment ======

Marine Inspectors from Sector Maryland-National Capital Region (NCR) identified several red flags during their inspection. The fraudulent ladder’s identification plate contained multiple discrepancies, including an incorrect ISO standard reference (ISO 779-1 instead of ISO 799-1) and missing designation type. While the serial numbers matched the accompanying certificate, both the number of steps and ladder length failed to correspond with the certified specifications.((https://archive.ph/lECHE#selection-577.0-580.0))

The counterfeit equipment falsely claimed manufacture by QINGDAO GOOD BROTHER MARINE LIFE SAVING APPLIANCE Co. LTD., a legitimate producer of SOLAS-approved pilot ladders. This isn’t the first instance of such counterfeiting – the Australian Maritime Safety Authority previously identified similar fraudulent ladders bearing the same company’s name and SOLAS certification in March 2019.((https://archive.ph/lECHE#selection-581.0-584.0))