The accommodation ladder is a one point access to ship’s deck for shore personal, port lashing/cargo crew and seafarers.

1. Accommodation Ladder On Ships –
Requirements, Operations and Maintenance
ByAnishFebruary 7, 2019Guidelines
The accommodation ladder is a one point access to ship’s deck for shore
personal, port lashing/cargo crew and seafarers. Just like any other deck
equipment, the accommodation ladder is used in port, at sea, or in anchorage for
getting pilot/ crew onboard ship or vice-versa (The same purpose can be solved
by the gangway of the ship as well).
Figure 1: Riggen Accommodation Ladder. Pic credits: Dhina Dev

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Though the accommodation ladder appears to be a simple system, its installation
and maintenance procedures are strictly regulated by the ship’s crew. Needless to
say, any accident related to accommodation ladder directly involves ship or shore
personnel using the same.

3. Figure 2: Accommodation Ladder for Pilot. Pic credits – Ruari McLachlan

4. Understanding the General Arrangement of
Accommodation Ladder On Ship:
General arrangement of accommodation ladder on ship is as follows:
 Two opposite hands accommodation ladders are permanently fitted on
both port and starboard side of the ship at upper deck level, adjacent to
crew accommodation area
 The system is such constructed that the accommodation ladder can be
stowed 90 degree to its rigged position, close to the ship’s hull
 It usually comes with fixed steps and foldable aluminium handrails outside
ladder stringers
 It is flexible enough to be rigged either alongside or parallel to any of the
ship’s sides or at an angle with the lower platform moved away from the
ship with its quay roll resting on the jetty
 The upper platform of the ladder (inboard platform) can revolve around
the fixed shipboard arrangement
 An electric spindle is used to move the ladder in and out of ship’s side

5.  The accommodation ladder is suspended by use of wires and telescopic
hoisting arm connected to an individual ladder winch on both sides, and it
can be electrically or manually driven
 Both side ladders are remote controlled by a push button remote box
 The telescopic hoisting arm is fitted in such a way that it does not collide
with the container gantry crane
Regulations and Requirements Of
Accommodation Ladder
 As far as practicable, the means of embarkation and disembarkation should
be sited clear off the working area and should not be placed where cargo
or other suspended loads may pass overhead
Figure 3: Accommodation Ladder Damaged By Cargo – Pic credits: Nishant
Govardhan

6.  Adequate lighting should be provided to illuminate the means of
accommodation ladders on both sides
 A lifebuoy equipped with a self-igniting light and a buoyant lifeline should
be available for immediate use in the vicinity
 The arrangement at the head of the accommodation ladder should provide
direct access between the ladder and the ship’s deck by a platform securely
guarded by handrails and adequate handholds.
 The ladder should be securely attached to the ship to prevent overturning.
 Each accommodation ladder should be of such a length to ensure that, at a
maximum design operating angle of inclination, the lowest platform will be
not be more than 600 mm above the waterline in the lightest seagoing
condition
 Each accommodation ladder or gangway should be clearly marked at each
end with a plate showing the restrictions on the safe operation and
loading, including the maximum and minimum permitted design angles of
inclination, design load, maximum load on bottom end plate, etc.
 A safety net should be mounted in way of the accommodation ladders and
gangways as a person may fall from the means of embarkation and
disembarkation or between the ship and quayside
Checkout the Basic Difference Between Gangway and Accommodation ladder

7. Credits: J Rosbach
Operation of Accommodation Ladder:
Rigging of Accommodation Ladder-
For rigging the accommodation ladder, following points must be kept in mind
1. Ensure the rigger has don all important PPE’s including life jacket and
safety harness
2. Switch on the electrical power supply to the winch
3. Remove lashing from the accommodation ladder which is used to tie it up
in stowed position
4. Using the remote control, lower the ladder by pushing the down button
5. Because of the spring buffer, the ladder will cant to its horizontal position
first. Continue lowering the ladder till it reaches 2m below the hoisting arm

8. 6. Strat positioning the hand railings and stanchions on the upper platform
first
7. Continue positioning the hand rails on the ladder and connect it to the
upper platform hand railings
8. Now rig the lower platform and positions the stanchions on the same
9. Put safety nets around the rigged ladder
10.If required, slew the ladder over the quay to achieve required position
using electrical spindle
Credits: Cleven Lonzaga

9. Hoisting and Stowing of Accommodation Ladder:
1. Ensure the operator has don all important PPE’s including life jacket and
safety harness
2. Use the electric spindle to bring the ladder close to ship side
3. Connect the upper platform to the torque tube (if disconnected)
4. Hoist the accommodation ladder using remote control by pushing UP
button till 2 m below the hoisting arm
5. Rig the lower platform in horizontal position and remove the stanchions
6. Fold the handrails from both side of the ladder
7. Remove railings and stanchions from the upper platform
8. Now continue hoisting the ladder until it has been canted in to the recess
9. Fasten the lash the accommodation ladder
10.Switch off the electrical supply to the winch and remote control
Maintenance, Checks and Surveys
It is very important to continuously monitor and perform regular planned
maintenance on the accommodation ladder.
The general maintenance, which needs to be performed are:
1. General inspection of ladder, platforms, lashing, wire and permanent
fixtures
2. All greasing points must be greased regularly with seawater resistant
grease which will include:
 Various hoisting sheaves on the ladder
 Hoisting sheaves on davit arm
 Hoisting sheaves on steel structure
 Wire ropes
3. Monthly inspection of wire which will be recorded in the log book
4. Renewal of wire due to deterioration of the falls or at intervals of not more
than five years, whichever is earlier

10. Caution:
Nowadays, the gearbox is filled with “Lubrication for Life”, hence do not empty
and refill. If needed, contact the manufacture for assistance
If the stanchions of the ladder are fitted with nylon bearings, they did not need
any greasing
Checks and Surveys:
Following are annual checks which needs to be performed as per SOLAS
regulations I/7 and I/8 on accommodation ladder: .
1. steps
2. platforms
3. all support points such as pivots, rollers, etc.
4. all suspension points such as lugs, brackets, etc.
5. stanchions, rigid handrails, hand ropes and turntables
6. davit structure, wire and sheaves, etc. and
7. any other relevant provisions stated in these guidelines
On gangway:
1. treads