Gangway safeties in ships. Things to be checked before using the gangway.

The accommodation ladder and gangway must:

1. be firmly secured to the bulwark;

2. be properly aligned with the means of access to the vessel;

3. have treads that are at least 600 mm in width and 200 mm in depth, with a permanent non-slip surface;

 4. be equipped with two handhold stanchions that are not less than 40 mm in diameter;

5. extend not less than 1.2 m above the top of the bulwark;

 6. be fitted at the point of boarding or disembarking the vessel not less than 700 mm and not more than 800 mm apart.

 Every accommodation ladder and gangway must:

1. be maintained in a safe condition;

2. be installed in a manner that reduces movement;

3. be suitably rigged and maintained to compensate for the movement of the vessel;

 4. be adequately lighted;

5. as far as practicable, be not be more than a 40° angle to the horizontal plane;

6. be provided with a lifebuoy that has an attached line and is strategically placed and ready for immediate use; and

 7. have the mechanical, electrical, gearing, hydraulic and pneumatic systems in good working order.