Gangway and Accommodation Ladder Inspection Guide
A practical guide to accommodation ladder and gangway inspection, testing, maintenance and records, including winches, wires, foundations and safe access controls.
Accommodation ladders and gangways provide routine access but can expose crew, visitors and pilots to falls, crushing and equipment failure. SOLAS II-1/3-9 and IMO guidance address construction, installation, maintenance and inspection of means of embarkation and disembarkation. Safe use also depends on berth conditions, rigging and supervision.
Define the equipment inventory
Record ladder or gangway maker, identification, safe working load, design angle, winch, motor, brake, falls, sheaves, rollers, platforms, stanchions, handrails, safety nets, foundations and securing points. Port and starboard arrangements should be tracked separately.
Routine crew inspections
Before use, inspect supporting structure, treads, side members, handrails, wires, winch controls, brakes, limit switches, securing, lighting and safety net. Check the landing area and account for tide, draft and vessel movement. Maintain continuous safe access and adjust the arrangement as conditions change.
Detailed periodic examination
A competent examination may require cleaning, access to foundations, wire-rope measurement, brake and limit testing, pin and bush checks, weld inspection and verification of guards and emergency operation. Corrosion can be concentrated beneath brackets, at drain traps and around platform connections.
Wire ropes and winches
Check broken wires, corrosion, diameter reduction, crushing, kinks, lubrication, drum anchorage and correct spooling. Replacement criteria and intervals should follow maker, flag and class requirements. Winch brakes must hold and control the arrangement safely; oil contamination and poor adjustment require correction.
Load and operational testing
Agree the required test load, distribution, ladder angle, test method and witnessing before attendance. Establish barriers and prevent personnel entering beneath the arrangement. Test weights and lifting points must be suitable and traceable. Record deflection, brake performance, controls and post-test examination.
Common deficiencies
- Wasted platforms, steps or supporting brackets.
- Damaged wires and seized sheaves.
- Defective limits, brakes or emergency controls.
- Missing SWL and identification markings.
- Unsafe safety-net attachment or incomplete handrails.
- Repairs without approved details or post-repair testing.
- Certificates that cannot be matched to the equipment.
Attendance information
Send drawings, certificates, previous reports, photographs, wire details and known defects. State whether the request is inspection, annual examination, five-year test, repair or wire renewal, and confirm terminal access and available operating space.
Arrange inspection
Review gangway and accommodation ladder inspection and submit equipment and schedule details through the quotation form.
References
Consult SOLAS II-1/3-9, MSC.1/Circ.1331, flag and class requirements, approved drawings and manufacturer maintenance instructions.
Technical guidance notice. Last reviewed September 3, 2026. Requirements can vary by flag, class, vessel, equipment maker and Administration. Confirm the current authoritative requirements before arranging inspection, testing or repair.