Vessel Access
- All gangways and stairways should be properly maintained. Keep gangways, stairways, ladders and alleyways clean to prevent falls as a result of slippery conditions. All surfaces should have non-skid treads.
- Gangplanks, shore gangways and ladders should be secured against dislodgment or collapse.
- Don’t jump from the vessel to shore or from the shore to the vessel.
- Always use a net under the gangway, with a lifebuoy placed close at hand in case of emergencies.
- Railings should be maintained in good order. Portable handrails should always be secured and in position when the gangway is used.
- Handholds should be provided wherever necessary. The area around stairway entrances and bases should be kept free of obstacles.
- Regular checks must be done on all access equipment, ladders, gangways, etc. and recorded in a register.
- Don't carry heavy loads on stairways or ladders, and always try to hold on to a handrail with at least one hand.
- If you need to move a heavy load between decks, don't try and do it yourself - get somebody to help.
- Consideration should be given to closing off the upper accesses to ladders and stairways when not in use or in rough weather.
- When using vertical ladders, always face the ladder and make sure only one person is on it at a time.
