Gangway Installation Procedure

GANGWAY INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
PROJECT :
DOC.No.: AFC-HSE-PR-24
DATE:
Page 1 of 8
Rev. 0
AFCONS INFRA LTD.
PROCEDURE NO: AFC-HSE-PR-24
Rev
Date
Prepared By
Checked by
Tables of Contents
Reviewed & Approved by

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Page 2 of 8
1.0
General Gangway Assembly & Associated
Equipment..3
2.0
Double Banked Vessels.
4
3.0
General Gangway Safety..
5
4.0
Passenger Vessel Gangway Safety.
.6
5.0
Vessel to Platform Personnel Transfer....
.7
Rev. 0

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1.0 General Gangway Assembly & Associated Equipment

The setting up of an access or gangway (see Figure) is an important job and must be undertaken by a suitably
qualified and experienced person from the vessel. The gangway must not be placed on a bulwark or side rail of
the vessel, unless the bulwark or side rail is of sufficient strength to bear the weight of the gangway and
persons using it. Relevant equipment must also be available as follows:
1 Test -After installation, the winch and the accommodation ladder should be operationally tested to confirm
proper operation and condition of the winch and the ladder after the test.
2 Handrails These should adequately fence off the ladder and be kept at 1m in height. If these are made of
rope they must be monitored and kept taut at all times
3 Steps and Platforms Must be kept clear of oil and debris. If a bottom platform is fitted on the gangway, this
must be kept horizontal and have stanchions fitted to enable the safety rope to continue through them.
4 Illumination The access area of the vessel, the total length of the gangway and the quayside is to be kept
adequately lit to ensure safe transit.
5 Lifebuoy This must be fitted with a separate safety line attached to a quoit or similar device and a self
igniting light. This must be positioned on the vessel at the top of the access point.
6 Safety Net If it is applicable and practicable a safety net is to be fitted under every part of the access ladder
or gangway extending on both sides and kept taut. The net must not be secured to any fixed point on the quay.
Figures 2 and 3 show gangways incorrectly rigged therefore increasing the risk of incidents. Figure 4 shows a
correctly rigged gangway, with access ladder, security point, security notices and the permanent presence of a
watch keeper.
7. Watchman Even if it is not applicable under local regulations for some vessels to comply with the ISPS
Code, it must be borne in mind that it is good practice to have a member of the vessels crew permanently
stationed at the gangway for safety purposes. They will be able to assist persons transiting the gangway as
required and to monitor
Any dangerous practices. The watchman must keep in mind that he is the first point of contact on the vessel for
the boarding person. If a vessel is alongside a berth affected by tidal conditions, constant reassessment of the
situation should be carried out. In addition the watchman must have access to the times of high and low waters
and be

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Aware of any cargo operations which may affect the vessels trim. If a watchman is not present at the gangway
and an incident occurs, the vessels crew may carry on with their duties unaware of the situation.
8 Bulwark Ladder These should be utilised when the top of the gangway or portable ladder rests or is level
with the bulwark. It should be securely attached to the vessel to prevent movement and must be equipped with
2 rigidly secured handrails / stanchions. Figure 5 shows a bulwark ladder in use but as highlighted
Is incorrectly secured to the vessel by using its goose neck vent.
9 Fire Plan This is placed in the vicinity of the gangway and contains information That may be useful in an
emergency e.g. cargo stowage plan, stability details, Crew list, General Arrangement plan and a plan
highlighting the location of Vessels safety equipment etc ... In addition, prevailing circumstances e.g. Weather
and events, which may create temporary tripping hazards must be taken into account and highlighted as
necessary. When assembling an access it is not only the vessels equipment, access and procedures that need
to be assessed and followed but also those ashore. It should be ensured, as far as possible, that the end of the
ladder being located on the quay is placed in an unobstructed area clear of debris and oil patches and is away
from impending dangers such as Lorries / cranes for cargo work and cargo being loaded /discharged
10 Lifting - The lifting equipment should be inspected, tested and maintained.
11 Inspection - All inspections, maintenance work and repairs of accommodation ladders and gangways should
be recorded in order to provide an accurate history for each appliance. The information to be recorded
appropriately on board should include the date of the most recent inspection, the name of the person or body
who carried out that inspection, the due date for the next inspection and the dates of renewal of wires used to
support the embarkation and disembarkation arrangement
After the access has been rigged and prior to use, the gangway should be checked to ensure that it is safe to
utilise.
Areas to concentrate on include:
Cleanliness
Faults, including physical damage. All boarding equipment should be maintained and checked at regular
intervals designated by a planned maintenance programme. Any faults which are noted on the equipment
must be dealt with immediately and in a fully approved manner. Aluminium equipment should be
particularly checked for corrosion and ladders should not be painted in case this conceals defects
All moving parts are in good working order and are well greased.
All associated equipment is available and correctly located
2.0 Double Banked Vessels
It should be noted that when vessels are double banked (i.e moored alongside each other) the vessel which is
outboard will normally set up the equipment to the other vessel although, in cases where the freeboard differs
greatly, access should be provided by the vessel with the greater freeboard.

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3.0 General Gangway Safety

To assist with safety, signs can be erected to notify the person boarding the gangway of any dangers or
problems that may occur when transiting or alighting onto the vessel or quay. Please see Figure issued by
Transport Canada. This highlights the importance of using the designated means of access.
Safety Signs
Working Safely
Never jump. Always use the gangway or ladder when boarding or leaving the vessel.
The Club has also issued a passenger safety card (See Figure) which highlights the need for using the
gangway.

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Signage can also highlight connected safety procedures such as:

! Maximum number of persons on the gangway at one time.
! The good practice of not carrying too much whilst on the gangway. This enables the person to leave a hand
free to hold onto the handrail. It is preferable for gangways to be fitted with a non-skid surface. Some are
constructed
Using gratings with this in mind but others are not. Ways in which this can be rectified is by applying non-skid
paint or by using a system which can be added to an existing gangway.
When the gangway is in use it is extremely important that the maximum allowable number of people using the
gangway does not exceed the permitted limits. Where the excessive amount of persons on the gangway
caused a harmonic movement which resulted in the bottom of the gangway shifting clear of the quay, throwing
the men boarding at the time into the water. This unfortunately resulted in a fatality.
4.0 Passenger Vessel Gangway Safety
On passenger vessels, it is imperative for their crew to remember that they are the first point of contact for
boarding passengers and they give a first impression on how the vessel is managed. Passengers may not be
familiar with the vessel and its potential dangers and therefore the importance of a designated crew member
standing by at the boarding area to assist, advise and instruct is essential.
Prior to the commencement of embarking / disembarking operations it is important for the crew members
concerned to assess the boarding area for any potential problems e.g. the requirement to rope off unguarded
areas around gangway as shown in Figure (this highlights an unprotected area existing between the gangway
and vessels railings that should be roped off accordingly).
When the passengers are embarking / disembarking, designated crew members for gangway duty should be
assertive and patient, taking into account any special requirements of the boarding personnel e.g. passengers
with physical disabilities. They should remain on duty throughout their watch and not proceed to leave their
position until relieved by a fellow crew member. Responsibilities of the crew members should be included in the
vessels working procedures and referred to as necessary.

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5.0 Vessel to platform Personnel Transfer

Gangways must be designed to ensure that they are sturdy, durable and fit for purpose. This
means of transfer is the most preferred way of transferring personnel from the vessels to platform
or the jetty.
A qualified, competent Engineer shall be designed each gangway in accordance with good
engineering practice.
Gangways shall be fabricated by certified, competent welder(s).
All gangways and their fittings used for personnel transfer shall be thoroughly inspected before
use.
All gangways are to be installed and / or stored in a suitable, designated location clear from
possible mechanical damage or chemical contamination.
The gangway shall be stamped with the SWL for which it was designed and the date of
manufacture (for new builds).
Never exceed the capacity of any gangway
Inspect and colour coded padeyes on gangways in accordance with the approved schedule and
colour as indicated in the area specific procedures for certification and control of lifting equipment.
The Foreman or designee shall inspect installed gangways at least once per shift to ensure safe
access is maintained.
Gangway floor gratings shall be free of grease, not worn and free from tripping hazard, i.e. uneven
areas of grating.
All gangways shall have a mid-rail and handrail at least one (1) meter high.
Gangways are to have netting or gratings installed down the entire length from floor to handrail.
This is to prevent objects, tools and or equipment being transported across the gangway from
falling over the side
The setting up of an access or gangway (see Figure) is an important job and must be undertaken by a suitably
qualified and experienced person from the vessel.

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After the access has been rigged and prior to use, the gangway should be checked to ensure that it is safe to
utilise. Areas to concentrate on include:
Cleanliness
Faults, including physical damage. All boarding equipment should be maintained and checked at
regular intervals designated by a planned maintenance programme. Any faults which are noted on
the equipment must be dealt with immediately and in a fully approved manner. Aluminium
equipment should be particularly checked for corrosion and ladders should not be painted in case
this conceals defects
All moving parts are in good working order and are well greased.
All associated equipment is available and correctly located
Gangway Installation
Gangways shall be secured at both ends via adequate wire rope slings and shackles and shackles
shall be moused.
Gangway (if not the telescopic type) and sling lengths shall take into account the maximum and
minimum tidal and / or wave heights to be encountered over the period of installation.
Gangway Access
Safe access (i.e. ingress and egress) is to be maintained at all times. No materials or equipment is
to be stored on a gangway in such a way as to impede access.
Access along the gangway shall be free from trip hazards such as welding cables, air hoses and
fire hoses. These shall be tied off outboard of the gangway, or installed within cable trays located
outboard of the gangway, if required to be installed on a more permanent basis.
All personnel transferring across a gangway shall wear as a minimum a work-vest. This is in
addition to the minimum PPE required for working offshore. The work-vest shall be worn and
securely fastened at all times while transferring. This does not apply when the vessel is tied
alongside the dock.
A life buoy / ring shall be in close proximity to the gangway complete with attached lifeline.
Safety Net shall be provided under the gangway to avoid accidental falling of personnel /
equipment to sea during transferring.

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GANGWAY INSTALLATION PROCEDURE