Means of access

Question 1

What is meant by a means of access?

Answer 1

Providing a safe means of access to the ship is fundamental in ensuring the health and safety of seafarers, workers and other person on the ship.

Question 2

What are the requirements for means of access?

Answer 2

• The master is responsible for ensuring a safe means of access
• A safe means of access should be in place promptly after the ship is alongside and remain in place until departure
• The means of access and approaches should be illuminated
• All equipment and safety nets should be of good construction and of sound material
• A lifebuoy with self-activating light and safety line attached to a quoit should be ready for use at the point of access to the ship

Question 3

What are the gangway requirements?

Answer 3

• Every ship of more than 30m should carry a gangway

- The gangway should be used at an angle of more than 30 degrees from horizontal

Question 4

What are the requirements for an accommodation ladder?

Answer 4

• Ships of more than 120m must carry an accommodation ladder

- The angle of slope should not be more than 55 degrees

Question 5

What MGN could you look at for more information of means of access?

Answer 5

MGN 533 Means of access