(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) A gangway refers to a platform, a walkway or a ramp connecting the ship to land or other vessels and is used as a means of safe access for the crew. The gangway must be properly rigged and maintained to prevent accidents or injuries and to counter the movement from tidal streams, swell, cargo operations and surge movements caused by ships in the vicinity. LEGISLATION Accommodation ladders and gangways fitted on ships before 01 July 2026 on board ships constructed on or after 1 January 2010, should, to the extent possible, adhere with the IMO circular MSC.1/Circ.1331, Rev.1 – IMO “ Revised Guidelines for Construction, Installation, Maintenance and Inspection of means of Embarkation and Disembarkation ” . This circular should be referred to in conjunction with the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulation II-1/3-9 (Means of Embarkation on and Disembarkation from Ships). ARRANGEMENT Always ensure that each accommodation ladder is long enough. Even when tilted at its steepest working angle, its lowest platform must stay less than 600mm above the waterline, even when the ship is empty and at its lightest. Moreover, the arrangement for the gangway should allow direct access between the ladder and the landing at the ship’s deck. The platform should be securely guarded by handrails and adequate handholds. When the gangway overhangs the water in port, a net or suitable protection should be provided to prevent personnel from falling. CAUTIONARY NOTICE The maximum and minimum permissible designed angles of inclination, design and maximum load on the bottom end plate should be clearly displayed on each side of the gangway. Personnel embarking on the gangway should be aware of the maximum number of persons allowed on the gangway at any one time to avoid overloading. Additionally, if the maximum operational load differs from the design load, this distinction should be noted on the marking plate. Example of gangway notice GANGWAY OPERATIONS The ship must ac