RA13 - March 2010 - One of a series of Steamship Mutual Loss Prevention Bulletins produced by the Ship Safety Trust Page 1 of 1 For further information please contact the Loss Prevention Department, Steamship Insurance Management Services Ltd., Tel: +44 20 7247 5490; Email: loss.prevention@simsl.com Web: www.simsl.com/loss-prevention-and-safety-training.html Gangway and Accommodation L Gangway and Accommodation LGangway and Accommodation L Gangway and Accommodation Ladder Inspection adder Inspection adder Inspection adder Inspection and Maintenance and Maintenanceand Maintenance and Maintenance Introduction IntroductionIntroduction Introduction In May 2008 the IMO adopted SOLAS regulation II1/3-9 concerning the ‘Means of embarkation on and disembarkation from ships’, which entered into force on the 1 st January 2010. The new regulation refers to the construction, installation, maintenance and testing requirements as detailed in MSC.1/Circ.1331 ‘Guidelines for Construction, Installation, Maintenance and Inspection / Survey of Means of Embarkation and Disembarkation’. Regulat RegulatRegulat Regulatory Requirements ory Requirementsory Requirements ory Requirements Whilst the legislation is principally concerned with the provision of a means of embarkation and disembarkation, such as accommodation ladders and gangways, on ships constructed on or after 1 st January 2010, the final paragraph of regulation 39 applies to existing as well as new ships. The final paragraph states that the means of embarkation and disembarkation shall be inspected and maintained (with reference to MSC.1/Circ.1331) at appropriate intervals (Circ.1331 refers to SOLAS regulation III/20.7.2 which states monthly inspection and maintenance), to ensure they are in a suitable condition for their intended purpose, taking into account any restriction related to safe loading. It is therefore recommended that suitable periodic inspection and maintenance routines along with suitable checklists be included in the vessel’s planned maintenance system. Inspection and Maintenance Inspection and MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance Inspection and Maintenance The monthly inspection requirement as detailed in SOLAS regulation III/20.7.2 refers to the instructions for onboard maintenance in regulation III/36. Regulation 36 states that the instructions for onboard maintenance be easily understood, illustrated wherever possible, and as appropriate shall include the following: checklists, maintenance schedules, lubrication instructions, spare parts information and inspection and maintenance records. Checklists for the inspection and maintenance of accommodation ladders and gangways should include: • Checking for distortion and cracks. • Checking for corrosion, particularly where aluminium accommodation ladders or gangways have mild steel fittings. • All moving parts such as turntables, sheaves, tracks, bearings and rollers should be free to turn and periodically greased with an appropriate grease product. • Bent stanchions should be replaced and side ropes inspected along their entire length and replaced as necessary. • The underside of an accommodation ladder or gangway should also be inspected for condition, distortion, cracks and corrosion. • The structure of supporting points and winch beds should be inspected for distortion, cracks or corrosion. • Where in use bulwark ladders should be closely inspected. • Safety nets should be checked for wear, damage, the effects of actinic degrad