S.L. 646.2 Art. 10Safe means of access.

If a ship is lying at a wharf or quay for the purpose of loading or unloading or coaling, there shall be safe means of access for the use of persons employed at such times as they have to pass from the ship to the shore or from the shore to the ship, namely:

(a) where reasonably practicable the ship’s accommodation ladder or a gangway or a similar construction not less than fifty-six centimetres wide, properly secured, not inclined at too steep an angle, constructed of materials of good quality and in good condition, and fenced throughout on each side to a clear height of eighty-four centimetres by means of upper and lower rails, taut ropes or chains or by other equally safe means, except that in the case of the ship’s accommodation ladder such fencing shall be necessary on one side only provided that the other side is properly protected by the ship’s side;

(b) in other cases a ladder of sound material and adequate length which shall be properly secured to prevent slipping: Provided that nothing in this regulation shall be held to apply to cargo stages or cargo gangways if other proper means of access are provided in conformity with these regulations: Provided also that as regards any sailing vessel not exceeding 250 tons net registered tonnage and any steam vessel not exceeding 150 tons gross registered tonnage, this regulation shall not apply if and while the conditions are such that it is possible without undue risk to pass to and from the ship without the aid of any special appliances.