Safe embarkation and disembarkation protect both crew members and visitors. Therefore, shipowners, operators, and masters must treat this activity as a critical safety task.
In recent years, international standards for accommodation ladders, shore gangways, and associated winches have evolved. These updates clarify requirements and align practices with global safety expectations.
Applicability of Standards
The applicability of revised ISO standards depends on the ship’s construction date and the installation date of the equipment.
- For ships built or equipped before 1 July 2026, earlier ISO standards remain applicable.
- For equipment installed on or after 1 July 2026, the revised ISO standards apply. These introduce stricter design, maintenance, and testing requirements.
- For older vessels built before 2010, compliance remains required as far as reasonably practicable, considering technical feasibility.
As a result, operators must assess each vessel individually.
New Definitions
The revised framework introduces two key clarifications.
First, “installed on or after 1 July 2026” defines when equipment qualifies as newly installed. This depends on the shipbuilding contract date, keel laying, or equipment delivery date.
Second, a “safety net” refers to a net rigged between the ship’s side and the means of embarkation or disembarkation. Its purpose is to prevent falls overboard or onto the quay.
Mandatory Safety Practices
Crew members must wear life jackets and safety harnesses when rigging accommodation ladders, gangways, or safety nets.
In addition, operators may now use side nets as an alternative to a full safety net. However, this option is acceptable only when a rigid top railing of at least one metre height provides adequate protection.
Moreover, crews must inspect safety nets and side nets regularly. They must maintain them properly and replace them when necessary. Proper storage also remains essential to prevent damage from sunlight or chemical exposure.
Testing of Ladders and Gangways
The revised standards also clarify testing requirements.
- Crews must perform five-yearly static tests on accommodation ladders and gangways using the maximum working load.
- For accommodation ladders, crews must also test the winch operationally by raising and lowering the unloaded ladder.
- During testing, the ladder or gangway must remain in the horizontal position. The wires must suspend the ladder while the winch provides support.
Consequently, maintenance and testing plans require careful review.
What Shipowners and Operators Should Do
Shipowners, operators, masters, officers, and manufacturers should take several proactive steps.
First, they should familiarise themselves with the revised requirements.
Next, they should ensure crews receive proper training and clear instructions.
Finally, they should update maintenance and testing schedules to match the new standards.
How Marine Surveyor Consultant Can Support You
At Marine Surveyor Consultant Sagl, we assist shipowners and operators in assessing compliance with updated embarkation and disembarkation requirements.
Specifically, we support:
- Compliance assessments against MSC.1/Circ.1331
- Review of maintenance and testing records
- Preparation for Flag State and PSC inspections
Therefore, if you want to ensure safety, efficiency, and full readiness, our team is ready to help.
📩 Contact Marine Surveyor Consultant to schedule a compliance review and prepare your vessels for the upcoming standards.
