When working near water or on floating structures, safety is paramount. Ship gangways serve as critical connectors between docks, ships, and shorelines to provide access and give safe passage for people, goods, and services. This guide will explore essential aspects of shore and gangway safety, with insights into regulations, practical tips, and premium dock ramp solutions.
A gangway is a narrow walkway, dock ramp, or bridge that provides safe access to a vessel. An accommodation ladder, on the other hand, is a robust kind of staircase fixed to the side of a ship. Ship gangways are vital for marine environments, facilitating the movement of people, cargo, and equipment.
On ships, a gangway connects the vessel to the dock, allowing crew and passengers to board or disembark safely. These gangways must accommodate a floating dock or a ship’s movement due to tides or waves, making flexibility and durability key features. Their non-slip surfaces enhance safety during boarding in wet conditions, and railings and safety nets can provide additional security for passengers and crew on board.
Marine gangways can be made of various materials, including aluminum, steel, or fiberglass. They are often designed to be sturdy, lightweight, and resistant to environmental wear, ensuring functionality even in challenging conditions. The design of a gangway should take into account the maximum load it will carry, as well as the ship’s deck and dock conditions.
Gangways are high-traffic areas that can be prone to accidents if they are not adequately designed or maintained. Ensuring safety involves complying with regulations, installing them properly, and using high-quality materials:
Gangways and dock ramps play a vital role in ensuring safe access for crew members. Gangways must be constructed, installed, maintained, and inspected in accordance with the IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1331.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets strict guidelines for walkway safety. OSHA catwalk requirements ensure safe and healthful working and walking conditions for employees. Gangway ramps must be maintained in secure, hazard-free conditions, and owners must ensure they’re designed and constructed to support the maximum intended load.
Compliance with these regulations not only ensures safety but also minimizes liability for marina owners.
Potential safety hazards of gangways include:
What can you do to proactively prevent accidents, liabilities, and hazards? Here are things you can do to prevent mishaps.
Check for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion.
Keep the gangway surface free from debris and algae to maintain grip.
Ensure the gangway is firmly anchored to prevent movement.
Install lights for safe use during low-visibility conditions.
Avoid placing the gangway on a bulwark or side railing unless these structures are designed to support the gangway’s weight.
Narrow walkways can pose a safety risk for crew members and passengers:
Safety net rigging should be designed and installed to provide a secure and reliable safety net. The net should be made of durable materials and able to withstand various weather conditions. It should also be installed at a height that provides adequate protection for crew members and passengers. Additionally, routine inspections of the safety net rigging are essential for keeping everyone safe.
Carolina Waterworks is a quality manufacturer of commercial/residential gangways, floating docks, dock ladders, buoys, and Safe Haven drive-on boat and jet ski lifts. With decades of industry expertise, we’ve designed our products to be everything you need while facing the harshest environments and still deliver safety and performance.
Our high-quality dock ramps and gangways are designed with marine-grade aluminum and various decking materials to suit residential and commercial needs. They are engineered to withstand the most demanding marine environments and are highly durable and safe.
Choose from:
Our marine-grade aluminum docks and gangways feature quiet operation through hinged plates and dock wheels, marine accessories like dock ladders and dock floats for seamless integration, and customizable sizes and configurations for any dock application. They are ideal for both residential and commercial applications.
When you choose a Carolina Waterworks, Inc. ramp or gangway, you benefit from over 30 years of experience in the marine industry on your project. For contractors, our dock ramps streamline projects and increase customer satisfaction. For homeowners, they add long-term value to waterfront properties.
Choosing Carolina Waterworks, Inc., for your dock, gangway, and marine needs means you get the following:
If you’re looking for reliable, high-quality gangway solutions that prioritize safety and durability, Carolina Waterworks, Inc., is your go-to provider. Whether you need a portable gangway, a ship gangway, or a custom-designed ramp for the length of your dock, their expert team is ready to help you find the solution you need.
Explore our complete line of marine products to enhance your waterfront experience with marine solutions that stand the test of time! And feel free to contact us at any time with questions or if you need guidance on product selection—we are here to help!
Tags: dock safety, floating dock
Carolina Waterworks is a quality manufacturer of dock floats, commercial/residential gangways, floating docks, buoys, and Safe Haven drive-on boat and jet ski lifts.
We are a privately owned company with over 30 years of experience in the marine industry.
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