The complete chief officer 32 the gangway

32 The Gangway
The Gangways, regardless of the size of ship, is a constant source of problems. On
small vessels, it often has to be moved to different deck levels with the rise and fall of
the tide. Any move of the gangway includes a move of the safety netting and the
gangway platform at the inboard end, particularly if it is hooked onto the top of a rail.
On larger vessels with a fixed system and a swivel platform, the rollers can often
cope with the rise and fall, allowing the gangway freedom to move along the jetty
provided there are no obstacles in the way. The problem here is that many jetties, in
their initial construction, had the crane tracks built too close to the edge, with the
result that there is little room between the cranes and the ship's side. This often
means that, when the cranes need to move past the gangway, it must be hoisted in
to avoid damage. This particularly applies to very large ships with amidships
gangways. With the movement of shore equipment and often the proximity of
bollards, it is essential that the gangway is tended.
In rivers or berths where there is large vessel traffic past your ship, regardless of the
speed regulations or the care that pilots and Masters take, there will always be some
movement caused by passing vessels. This can be alleviated by ensuring that lines are
tight. It is wise to consider hoisting your gangway a few feet above the ground rather
than risking possible damage to the rollers.

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Remember that the safety net MUST go from the ship to the shore, and not just be
wrapped around the gangway where it does no good at all. If there are no bollards or eye
rings where the ends can be secured on the shore, then two oil drums can be filled with
cement, eyes put in the top and these can be used in any port as required.
A major problem on large vessels is where an amidships gangway is in use. Being
amidships it can be out of sight and out of mind, so you must ensure that the duty officer is
keeping a regular watch on it. Next problem is cargo debris dropping on those using it.
This has been a major issue for years and countless Chief Officers and Masters on

countless ships have requested gangway sheltering to be provided as part of the
equipment. Very rarely has any company supplied it. This can often be a dangerous
situation, particularly for those boarding. I suggest that you have a notice made or added
to the existing ones at the head and foot of the gangway, warning of possible falling cargo
debris.

32.1 Gangway Maintenance
Your gangway has an SWL and you must be careful that this is not exceeded, particularly
when bringing heavy stores onboard.
Check that the stanchion holders are not broken or loose.
The rigging and steps must be tight and not slippery. They must be free from oil and
grease and not loose.
The gangway must be well lit, either by an overhead light that must illuminate the entire
gangway, or by a light string running along the gangway length.
One of the serious problems that can occur with a gangway is the cracking of the
underside of the turntable and supports. As this is hidden, it is quite often not noticed. It is,
therefore, essential that the gangway is lifted off the platform and examined.
The gangway falls and wires must be well greased and in good order with the wires in
date.
The head of the gangway must be clean, not just for safety but because this is the first
impression that all visitors will get of your ship.
Make sure that the lower platform rollers are well greased and free running. Normally the
platform should not be on the ground, but when you have to extend the gangway out
beyond the vertical falls, this will occur. It is in this position that most gangway damage
occurs.
When you have a gangway in this position, ensure that you have good holding lines
attached to the bottom. In some ports, these will be pinched so ensure that
there are lines provided just before letting go. This will enable the shore riggers to pay
out slowly and allow the gangway to ease itself back to the vertical. If they just leave it,
when you hoist it will drag sideways damaging the roller, or it will be out until clear of the

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ground and then let it go, causing it to swing in hard against the ship's side. Either way,
you will get damage.

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