Seam 1 BSN Chair Gangway Ratguard

OUR LADY OF LOURDES COLLEGE FOUNDATION
VINZONS AVE. DAET- CAMARINES NORTE

Maritime Department
Course /Subjec:Seamanship 1 Descriptive Title : Ship Ship Routine and Ship Construction
MODULE TITLE Pilot ladders, Hoists, Rat-guards and Gangways.
COMPETENCE/S
A-II/1 F1.C8: Contribute to the safe operation of deck equipment
and machinery
The student shall be able to demonstrate a knowledge and
understanding of performing marlinespike seamanship skills
COURSE OUTCOME
and riggings in accordance with shipboard instructions and
safety standards
KNOWLEDGE
Rig and unrig pilot ladders, hoists, rat-guards and gangways
UNDERSTANDING
PROFICIENCY Rig and unrig bosun's chairs and staging
LESSON PRESENTATION & ACTIVITIES

Introduction
A pilot ladder is a highly specialised form of rope ladder, typically used on board cargo
vessels[1] for the purposes of embarking and disembarking pilots. The design and construction of
the ladders is tightly specified by international regulation under the SOLAS regime.
Engagement Activity
Activity 1: Maritime Training: Pilot Ladders: Safe Rigging Procedures
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlzchF56_nw
Pilot Ladder Safe Rigging Procedures. All seafarers must know Pilot ladder safe rigging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu3gbo6_Kdg
Exploration
Pilot Ladder
The pilot ladder is a special type of rope ladder used on board ships for embarkation and
disembarkation of maritime pilots. It is one of the very first things, which will give an impression
to the pilot about the crew and the master on board – an extremely important thing to consider
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Maritime Department
for the ship’s crew.
The ladders are made by threading and fixing a series of hardwood, machined steps, each not more
than 400 mm × 115 mm × 25 mm (15.75 in × 4.53 in × 0.98 in), onto two pairs of minimum 18 mm
(0.71 in) diameter manila ropes, and binding each step to the ropes at 310 mm (12 in) (+- 5 mm,
0.20 in) intervals. At a maximum interval of eight steps, the standard step is replaced by a spreader,
which is an elongated version of the standard machined step, with a minimum length of 1.8 m (5 ft
11 in). The spreader's function is to prevent the ladder from twisting in the prevailing weather
conditions when in use.
The lowest four steps of the ladder are normally made from a synthetic or composite resin, which is
more resistant than hardwood, to the interaction between the host vessel and the pilot boat coming
alongside.
Because the decks of most commercial ships are far above the waterline, pilots and others who need
to come aboard at sea can usually only do so if a pilot ladder is put out. When not being used, the
ladder is stowed away (usually rolled up) rather than left hanging.
Unlocking of Difficulties
I. Terms and Definitions
Fender - is a bumper used to absorb the kinetic energy of a boat or vessel berthing against a
jetty, quay wall or other vessel. Fenders, used on all types of vessels, from cargo ships to
cruise ships, ferries and personal yachts, prevent damage to vessels and berthing structures.
Manila ropes - s a type of rope made from manila hemp. Manila hemp is a type of fiber obtained
from the leaves of the abacá. It is not actually hemp, but named so because hemp was long a major
source of fiber, and other fibers were sometimes named after it. The name refers to the capital of
the Philippines, one of the main producers of abacá.
Pilot - A maritime pilot, marine pilot, harbor pilot, port pilot, ship pilot, or simply pilot, is
a mariner who maneuvers ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors or river
mouths. They are navigational experts possessing knowledge of the particular waterway such as its
depth, currents, and hazards, as well as being experts in handling ships of all types and size. A
Maritime pilot is an expert ship handler who is licensed or authorised by a recognised pilotage
authority.
Rat guard - is one of the circular sheet metal shields fastened to the mooring lines of
a vessel to prevent rats from boarding or leaving the vessel.
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Maritime Department
Pilot ladder rigging requirements as per SOLAS convention
Pilot Ladder Requirements

The pilot ladder should, therefore, be maintained in good condition and rigged properly for safer
transfer of personnel. Needless to say, even the minutest negligence can lead to a major
mishap.
The crew in charge of rigging the pilot ladder should use their knowledge and also follow the
instructions from the bridge. During pilot transfer using a ladder, a person’s life is directly at
stake and chances of accidents are extremely high. Officers and the crew involved with the
process should thus consider all safety precautions required for the process.
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Maritime Department
Rigging of Pilot Ladder

A pilot ladder should be capable of covering the whole length from the point of access to the
water level. The height from water level is informed to the bridge by the port control or the pilot
himself depending on the height of the pilot vessel.
Here’re few points to consider while rigging the pilot ladder:
The top portion or head of the pilot ladders should be secured at the strongest point of the vessel
Pilot ladder should be positioned and secured so that it is clear of any discharges from the ship,
with parallel body length of the ship and as far as practicable within the half way length (midship)
of the ship
All steps of the pilot ladder should rest firmly against the ship side. In certain ships, where
constructional features such as fenders or rubbing band prevent the implementation of above
safety features, special arrangements are to be made for safe embarkation and disembarkation
Two man ropes to be between 28 mm and 32 mm diameter and made of manila rope or other
material which gives firm grip for climbing the ladder, should be rigged along the side of pilot
ladder if requested
During night, the whole length of the pilot ladder, point access, and egress should be well
illuminated. A life buoy with self-igniting light and a heaving line should be kept ready. Hand hold
stanchions and bulwark ladder are to be used if required.
If the point of access from sea level is more than 9 meters, a combination ladder should be used.
A combination ladder is a conjunction of the pilot ladder and accommodation ladder. This is a
common arrangement found on vessels with high freeboard. The accommodation ladder is rigged
in such a way that it leads aft of the vessel and has a slope angle of not more than 55 degrees.
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Maritime Department
Actions to be Taken by Officer of the Watch Before Using a Pilot Ladder

The following pilot ladder specifications are to be taken care of by the officer of the watch for
utmost safety during using a pilot ladder:
Collect the necessary information like VHF channel used by the pilot, position of pilot ground and
other services. This information can be obtained from Nautical Publication NP 286 ALRS
(Admiralty list of radio signals) for the particular port or from guide port entry. Vessel Traffic
Services (VTS) of the particular area also provides such information.
Maintain watch on VHF channel, which is used by the pilot. This is mostly a dedicated channel
different from the channels used by port control and Vessel traffic scheme (VTS).
Calculate the ETA (Estimated time of arrival) to the pilot boarding ground, observe prevailing
weather condition and sea state and the same has to be reported to the master
Crew/officer should climb down ladder 1/2 way prior to pilot doing so, usually while approaching
boarding area. If YOU think that’s too dangerous for crew/officer, then why do you expect pilot to
do it? Every Master should have his crew rig a ladder without supervision one day in port when
time permits. Then that Master should climb down the ladder all the way to water and then back
up to deck. Why? It will teach Masters that they should appreciate the pilots first task to
accomplish safely. It will remind Masters the importance of having an officer watch the ladder
while it is being rigged, not moments before the pilot steps on it (too late).
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Maritime Department
Topic : Rat guard
Watch and learn Video title : taking off and bringing on board the rat guards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH53Mqk1amo
A rat guard for a ship, installed on a rope which connects a quay and a ship, to prevent hygiene-
threatening animals, such as rats, snakes and cats from boarding the ship.
Picture showing unsecured rat guard
Rat guard installed at the port
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Maritime Department
Topic :Gangways
A gangway is a narrow passage that joins the quarterdeck to the forecastle of a sailing ship. The
term is also extended to mean the narrow passages used to board or disembark ships.
Accommodation ladder
An accommodation ladder is a portable flight of steps down a ship's side. Accommodation ladders
can be mounted parallel or perpendicular to the ship's board. If the ladder is parallel to the ship, it
has to have an upper platform. Upper platforms are mostly turnable.
The accommodation ladder is a one point access to ship’s deck for shore personal, port
lashing/cargo crew and seafarers. Just like any other deck equipment, the accommodation ladder
is used in port, at sea, or in anchorage for getting pilot/ crew onboard ship or vice-versa (The
same purpose can be solved by the gangway of the ship as well).
Though the accommodation ladder appears to be a simple system, its installation and
maintenance procedures are strictly regulated by the ship’s crew. Needless to say, any accident
related to accommodation ladder directly involves ship or shore personnel using the same.
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Maritime Department
Gangway And Accommodation Ladders
These are still two of the most often interchanged ship terms in use on vessels. Although, their purpose is
the same . i.e to serve as a link / bridge between the ship and the shore, their rigging and usage is different.
Gangways are rigged at right angles to the fore and aft line of the ship. Gangways should not be used at
an angle of inclination greater than 30 degrees to the horizontal. Gangways are mandatory for ships over
30 meters in length. Gangways must only be rigged on railings that are reinforced for this purpose.
Accommodation Ladders are rigged in the fore and aft direction of the ship and face astern. The
maximum angle of inclination from the horizontal shall not exceed 55 degrees. Accommodation
ladders are generally fixed on the vessel and are swung out using dedicated winches and motors.
These are mandatory for vessels over 120 meters in length.
Figure : Accommodation Ladder for Pilot.
Understanding the General Arrangement of Accommodation Ladder On Ship:

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Maritime Department
General arrangement of accommodation ladder on ship is as follows:
Two opposite hands accommodation ladders are permanently fitted on both port and starboard
side of the ship at upper deck level, adjacent to crew accommodation area
The system is such constructed that the accommodation ladder can be stowed 90 degree to its
rigged position, close to the ship’s hull
It usually comes with fixed steps and foldable aluminium handrails outside ladder stringer
It is flexible enough to be rigged either alongside or parallel to any of the ship’s sides or at an
angle with the lower platform moved away from the ship with its quay roll resting on the jetty
The upper platform of the ladder (inboard platform) can revolve around the fixed shipboard
arrangement
An electric spindle is used to move the ladder in and out of ship’s side
The accommodation ladder is suspended by use of wires and telescopic hoisting arm connected
to an individual ladder winch on both sides, and it can be electrically or manually driven
Both side ladders are remote controlled by a push button remote box
The telescopic hoisting arm is fitted in such a way that it does not collide with the container gantry
crane
Regulations and Requirements Of Accommodation Ladder

As far as practicable, the means of embarkation and disembarkation should be sited clear off the
working area and should not be placed where cargo or other suspended loads may pass
overhead
Adequate lighting should be provided to illuminate the means of accommodation ladders on both
sides
A lifebuoy equipped with a self-igniting light and a buoyant lifeline should be available for
immediate use in the vicinity
The arrangement at the head of the accommodation ladder should provide direct access between
the ladder and the ship’s deck by a platform securely guarded by handrails and adequate
handholds.
The ladder should be securely attached to the ship to prevent overturning.
Each accommodation ladder should be of such a length to ensure that, at a maximum design
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operating angle of inclination, the lowest platform will be not be more than 600 mm above the
waterline in the lightest seagoing condition
Each accommodation ladder or gangway should be clearly marked at each end with a plate
showing the restrictions on the safe operation and loading, including the maximum and minimum
permitted design angles of inclination, design load, maximum load on bottom end plate, etc.
A safety net should be mounted in way of the accommodation ladders and gangways as a person
may fall from the means of embarkation and disembarkation or between the ship and quayside
Operation of Accommodation Ladder:

Rigging of Accommodation Ladder-
For rigging the accommodation ladder, following points must be kept in mind
*Ensure the rigger has don all important PPE’s including life jacket and safety harness
*Switch on the electrical power supply to the winch
*Remove lashing from the accommodation ladder which is used to tie it up in stowed position
*Using the remote control, lower the ladder by pushing the down button
*Because of the spring buffer, the ladder will cant to its horizontal position first. Continue lowering
*the ladder till it reaches 2m below the hoisting arm
*Start positioning the hand railings and stanchions on the upper platform first
*Continue positioning the hand rails on the ladder and connect it to the upper platform hand
railings
*Now rig the lower platform and positions the stanchions on the same
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*Put safety nets around the rigged ladder
*If required, slew the ladder over the quay to achieve required position using electrical spindle
Hoisting and Stowing of Accommodation Ladder:

Ensure the operator has don all important PPE’s including life jacket and safety harness
Use the electric spindle to bring the ladder close to ship side
Connect the upper platform to the torque tube (if disconnected)
Hoist the accommodation ladder using remote control by pushing UP button till 2 m below the
hoisting arm
Rig the lower platform in horizontal position and remove the stanchions
Fold the handrails from both side of the ladder
Remove railings and stanchions from the upper platform
Now continue hoisting the ladder until it has been canted in to the recess
Fasten the lash the accommodation ladder
Switch off the electrical supply to the winch and remote control
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Maritime Department
Accomodation ladder
Gangway
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Maritime Department
Accommodation Ladders & Gangway

Embarkation & Disembarkation System from Ships (Gangways, Accommodation Ladders,
including Winch and Fittings, as well as use for Pilot Transfer)
Accommodation Ladders and Gangways, for means of embarkation and disembarkation which
are provided on board ships
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Maritime Department
LEARNING OUTCOME 2 LO. Rig and unrig bosun’s chairs and staging.
TOPIC bosun’s chairs and staging
LESSON PRESENTATION & ACTIVITIES
Introduction
What is a bosun chair? There is a great history behind the bosun chair for work at height.
Borne from the sea, the boatswain (Bosun) was the ship’s officer responsible for maintaining the
sea vessel. They used a wooden seat suspended from rope rigging to access hard to reach
areas.
A bosun's chair (or boatswain's chair) is a device used to suspend a person from a rope to
perform work aloft. Originally just a short plank or swath of heavy canvas, many modern bosun's
chairs incorporate safety devices similar to those found in rock climbing harnesses such as
safety clips and additional lines.
Engagement Activity
Activity 1: watch and learn
STAGING AND BOSUNS CHAIR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBrFmFksZcY
Bosun Chair Preparing For Staging Or Working Aloft https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B6NT-
c85X8
HOW TO TIE A PLANK STAGE/ GONDOLA | PAANO MAGTALI NG GONDOLA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdrrlkw4wo0
Exploration
Bosun is short for Boatswain and is a term with history stretching back to the earliest days of the
navy. The Bosun was the ship’s officer in charge of equipment and crew, and responsible for
overseeing repairs to the rigging, masts and sails. Hence the term “Bosun’s Chair.”
Modern bosun’s chairs are nothing like the old ones, where often the chair was a plank of wood
attached to a halyard. There were no safety features or buckles and padding. Comfort and safety
are seemingly modern concepts far removed from our ancestor’s thoughts.
Advantages of a Bosun’s chair: In essence, bosun’s chairs are designed for use on a boat for
all those repairs that require you going aloft. Built for the purpose, they offer stability at height,
with comfortable seats and additional padding. They are designed with safety in mind, and they
come equipped with tool pouches and pockets so that once you are up there, you can get on
with the job.
Unlocking of Difficulties
Buson / Boatswain - A also known as a Petty Officer, deck boss, or a qualified member of the
deck department, is the senior most rate of the deck department and is responsible for the
components of a ship's hull.
Painting Stage – two worker could use at the same time.
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Maritime Department
Lesson Presentation
TOPIC 2.
There are many key points to consider when choosing to work with a bosun chair:
* Bosun chair equipment and procedures cannot be ‘mixed’ with modern rope access equipment. Use of
rope access equipment would require rope access certification and adequate program management.
* Lines supporting work platforms (OHS Section 13.9) must be kept free of knots or splices; except for
terminal eye splices. Bosun chair work cannot use knots for rigging and support lines.
Different use of Boastwain chair onboard vessel
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Painting Accomodation Greasing Wire of ships crane
Painting Ships Funnel Painting Ships side / Hull
Procedure on tying a buson chair
Topic : Painting stage ( Staging )

Use of Painting Stage onboard
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Painting the funnel De rusting and painting under ships wing
Procedure on tying Painting stage
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Maritime Department
Procedure on tying Painting stage
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Working aloft job onboard
Using safety belt for safety
Using Safety Harness attached to a lifeline.
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Maritime Department
References (APA)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilot_ladder
https://www.marineinsight.com/guidelines/accommodation-ladder-on-ships-requirements-
operations-and-maintenance/
https://www.asmoloobhoy.com/Service/AccomodationLadder
https://betterboat.com/best-bosuns-chairs/
https://pacificropes.com/bosun-chair-rope-work-history-current-regulation/
https://cultofsea.com/deck-work/working-aloft/
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Seam 1 BSN Chair Gangway Ratguard

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OUR LADY OF LOURDES COLLEGE FOUNDATION

VINZONS AVE. DAET- CAMARINES NORTE

MODULE TITLE Pilot ladders, Hoists, Rat-guards and Gangways.

LESSON PRESENTATION & ACTIVITIES

Pilot ladder rigging requirements as per SOLAS convention

Pilot Ladder Requirements

Rigging of Pilot Ladder

Actions to be Taken by Officer of the Watch Before Using a Pilot Ladder

Picture showing unsecured rat guard

Rat guard installed at the port

Figure : Accommodation Ladder for Pilot.

Understanding the General Arrangement of Accommodation Ladder On Ship:

Regulations and Requirements Of Accommodation Ladder

Operation of Accommodation Ladder:

Hoisting and Stowing of Accommodation Ladder:

Accommodation Ladders & Gangway

Painting Stage – two worker could use at the same time.

Different use of Boastwain chair onboard vessel

Painting Accomodation Greasing Wire of ships crane

Painting Ships Funnel Painting Ships side / Hull

Procedure on tying a buson chair

Topic : Painting stage ( Staging )

Painting the funnel De rusting and painting under ships wing

Procedure on tying Painting stage

Procedure on tying Painting stage

Using safety belt for safety

Using Safety Harness attached to a lifeline.

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