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Mar 28, 2025
Embarkation ladder is a ladder specifically designed for the safe embarkation onto a lifeboat or liferaft that has been deployed onto the water. It is usually installed at the embarkation point of the lifeboat or liferaft to help personnel safely board the deployed lifeboat or liferaft from the ship.
One end of the embarkation ladder is always fixed to the deck of the ship, and when needed, the folded ladder can be lowered along the side of the ship. Similar to a pilot ladder, a liferaft embarkation ladder does not have lateral support frames and is suitable for crew members and passengers to quickly board the lifesaving equipment in an emergency.
In common scenarios, the embarkation ladder is usually fixed near the liferaft station to a deck fitting. Once the protective canvas is removed, the ladder can be quickly lowered to facilitate emergency evacuation. It is important to note that the storage location of the embarkation ladder should have handrails to ensure safety during boarding. However, some ships might not have handrails or might use movable handrails, which can affect usability during emergencies.
Safety handrails: The ladder should be equipped with handrails to ensure the safety of personnel when climbing up and down the ladder.
Tread requirements: The treads should be made of smooth, hard wood or equivalent materials (such as aluminum alloy sheets), with no sharp edges or burrs. The tread surface should be anti-slip, which can be enhanced by longitudinal grooves or anti-slip coverings.
Tread dimensions: The length of the treads should be no less than 480 mm, the width no less than 115 mm, and the thickness no less than 25 mm.
Tread spacing: The spacing between treads should be uniform, not less than 300 mm, and not more than 380 mm. The fixing method should ensure that the treads remain horizontal.
Side rope requirements: Each side rope should consist of two unspliced manila ropes with a diameter of no less than 21 mm. The free ends of the ropes should be securely tied to prevent loosening.
To ensure that the liferaft embarkation ladder can be used smoothly in an emergency, daily inspection and maintenance are crucial:
Waterproofing and sun protection: The embarkation ladder is usually covered with canvas to prevent water ingress and sun exposure. The tying ropes should be designed for easy release to avoid complicated operations affecting ladder deployment.
Regular inspection: Regular inspection and airing of the canvas are necessary to ensure there is no mildew or damage. The dryness and cleanliness of the canvas are vital for extending its service life.
Maintenance of metal parts: The deck fitting and shackles need regular derusting and painting to prevent equipment damage due to rust. Connecting parts, in particular, must remain flexible and free from rust-induced jamming.
Rope inspection: Special attention should be given to the ends of the ropes to ensure the free ends are securely tied and the deck fitting end is treated with antifungal agents to prevent rope damage.
The liferaft embarkation ladder is key equipment for ensuring the safe evacuation of personnel at sea. It provides a quick means to board a liferaft or lifeboat in an emergency. To ensure the device is operational in dangerous situations, ships should regularly inspect and maintain the liferaft embarkation ladder, ensuring it complies with safety standards and is ready for use at any time. Through scientific and reasonable maintenance, the liferaft embarkation ladder will add a strong guarantee to maritime safety.
