Embarkation Ladder
An embarkation ladder* is a special type of ladder used on ships to help people safely get on or off, whether the ship is anchored, docked, or transferring to another vessel or pier. The ladder must extend from the deck to the water and can be used even if the ship is tilted up to 10° forward or back, or up to 20° to either side. It’s a key safety feature at stations where lifeboats are launched. Designed for marine professionals, our embarkation ladder ensures safe and easy boarding in all conditions, making it a reliable choice for any maritime operation.
Add Embarkation Ladder Protective Cover
*Note - All Pilot and Embarkation Ladders are made to order and cannot be returned and refunded unless the goods are deemed faulty.
Boarding Embarkation Ladder - Transfer Embarkation Ladder for Moving Between Vessels - Embarkation Ladder for Ship Boarding and Debarkation
Marine embarkation ladders are specialised ladders designed for use in maritime environments. The embarkation ladders ensures safe boarding or disembarking from a vessel, particularly when docked or anchored, and facilitates transfers between the ship and another vessel, a dock, or the shore.
A marine embarkation ladder must extend from the deck to the waterline. It functions effectively under conditions of up to 10° trim and 20° list either way. This ladder is crucial at each boarding station or every two adjacent stations for lifeboats launched alongside the vessel. Ideal for marine professionals and maritime operations, These marine embarkation ladder provide safety and stability during embarkation tasks and secure and efficient boarding in maritime conditions.
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Key Features & Equipment Benefits:
- Marine-Grade Design: Specifically engineered for safe boarding and disembarking in marine and maritime environments.
- Versatile Use: Facilitates transfers between ships, piers, and shores, especially when the ship is anchored or docked.
- Full Reach: Extends from the deck to the waterline, ensuring accessibility in all water levels.
- Operational Flexibility: Functions effectively under conditions of up to 10° trim and 20° list either way.
- Safety Compliance: Required at each embarkation station or every two adjacent stations for survival craft launched alongside the ship.
- Durable Construction: Steps, spreader, and thimbles made from hardwood (beech wood) and ropes made from 4 strand Manila rope.
- Sturdy Hardware: Equipped with aluminum rope clamps for secure assembly.
- Regulatory Approvals: Certified by Istituto Giordano and Wheelmark.
- Two Variations Available: Also supplied in a synthetic (non manila rope) version
Technical Information:
- Article Number: EMBAR
- Step Material: Hardwood (beech wood)
- Spreader Material: Hardwood (beech wood)
- Step Thimbles: Hardwood (beech wood)
- Side Ropes: 4 Strand Manila rope
- Rope Clamp: Aluminium
- IMPA Code: 232052
Approvals:
- Istituto Giordano
- Wheelmark
*Note - All Pilot and Embarkation Ladders are made to order and cannot be returned and refunded unless the goods are deemed faulty.
SPECIFICATION
Article Number: EMBAR
Material:
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Steps: Hardwood (beech wood)
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Spreader: Hardwood (beech wood)
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Side Ropes: 4 Strand Manila rope
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Step Thimbles: Hardwood (beech wood)
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Rope Clamps: Aluminium
Dimensions:
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Length: Reaches from the deck to the waterline
Operational Conditions:
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Trim: Up to 10°
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List: Up to 20° either way
Compliance and Approvals:
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Certifications: Istituto Giordano, Wheelmark
Standards:
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IMO Res. A1045(27)
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MSC / Circ. 1428
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ISO 799 (2004)
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SOLAS 74 Conv. as amended Reg. V23, X/3
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IMPA Code:
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232052
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Key Features & Benefits:
-
Marine-Grade Design: Specifically engineered for safe boarding and disembarking in marine and maritime environments.
-
Versatile Use: Facilitates transfers between ships, piers, and shores, especially when the ship is anchored or docked.
-
Full Reach: Extends from the deck to the waterline, ensuring accessibility in all water levels.
-
Operational Flexibility: Functions effectively under conditions of up to 10° trim and 20° list either way.
-
Safety Compliance: Required at each embarkation station or every two adjacent stations for survival craft launched alongside the ship.
-
Durable Construction: Steps, spreader, and thimbles made from hardwood (beech wood) and ropes made from 4 strand Manila rope.
-
Sturdy Hardware: Equipped with aluminum rope clamps for secure assembly.
Contact Us
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The embarkation ladders supplied by I.C. Brindle & Co. Ltd are designed for marine use. The manufacturer's product documentation identifies the applicable standards and approvals for the product. A sample datasheet is available to download for reference, and the relevant certification documentation is supplied with the goods when ordered. For further details, refer to the manufacturer's embarkation ladder specifications.
What are embarkation ladders used for?
Embarkation ladders are designed to provide safe access between a vessel's deck and the waterline, particularly at stations where lifeboats and other waterborne survival craft are launched. They can also be used to provide access between a vessel and another vessel, pier or shore.
Where are embarkation ladders used?
Embarkation ladders are installed at survival craft embarkation stations to provide safe access to waterborne survival craft, including lifeboats and rescue boats, after launching. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) defines embarkation ladders as equipment provided for the safe embarkation of waterborne survival craft along a vertical portion of a ship's hull (MCA, 2024).
They allow personnel to descend the vessel's side to reach survival craft and, where necessary, climb back aboard. MCA guidance also addresses the use of embarkation ladders as a means of descent when a vessel is heeled over or abandonment takes place in adverse conditions (MCA, 2014; MGN 519, 1.2).
What is the difference between an embarkation ladder and a pilot ladder?
Although both are marine rope ladders, they are designed for different applications.
Pilot ladders are primarily used to transfer marine pilots between a pilot boat and a ship and incorporate spreader steps at specified intervals to help prevent the ladder from twisting.
Embarkation ladders are designed specifically for access to waterborne survival craft along the vertical portion of a ship's hull. They have different construction and regulatory requirements and are covered by the relevant embarkation ladder standards.
What are embarkation ladders made from?
The standard embarkation ladders we supply are made using hardwood beech wood steps, spreaders and step thimbles, with continuous 4-strand manila side ropes and aluminium rope clamps.
A synthetic non-manila version is also available for vessels requiring an alternative to traditional manila rope.
What is the synthetic embarkation ladder made from?
The synthetic embarkation ladder uses 4-strand non-manila polypropylene rope instead of traditional manila rope.
Polypropylene is water-resistant and does not absorb water in the same way as natural fibre rope. It also offers resistance to rot, mildew, oils, chemicals and UV exposure and is buoyant, whereas manila rope sinks.
The synthetic version provides an alternative for vessels where the properties of non-manila rope are preferred.
How long are embarkation ladders?
The required length depends on the vessel, the embarkation station and the distance between the deck or embarkation point and the waterline.
I.C. Brindle embarkation ladders are available in different lengths and are designed to extend from the deck to the waterline. If you are unsure which length is required, contact I.C. Brindle & Co. Ltd with your vessel and embarkation arrangement details.
Can embarkation ladders be used if a vessel is not level?
Yes. These embarkation ladders are designed for use with vessels experiencing up to 10° of trim forward or aft and up to 20° of list to either side.
The ladder and its installation must still be suitable for the vessel's specific arrangement and operating conditions.
How should an embarkation ladder be secured?
An embarkation ladder must be securely attached to the vessel using an appropriate securing arrangement suitable for the intended embarkation station.
The ladder should be positioned and secured so that it remains stable during use and provides safe access to the waterborne survival craft. The vessel operator should follow the ladder manufacturer's instructions and the requirements.
How should an embarkation ladder be inspected?
Embarkation ladders should be inspected regularly to identify damage, wear or deterioration that could affect safe use.
Checks should include the condition of the side ropes, hardwood steps, spreaders, step thimbles, rope clamps and securing arrangements. Particular attention should be paid to damaged, cracked or excessively worn wooden components and deterioration of the rope.
Any ladder that is damaged or no longer in suitable condition should be withdrawn from service until the appropriate action has been taken.
How should embarkation ladders be stored and maintained?
Embarkation ladders should be stored in a way that protects them from unnecessary exposure to conditions that could cause deterioration, including prolonged moisture, saltwater, UV exposure, chemicals and physical damage.
The ladder should be kept clean and inspected regularly. Manila rope should be allowed to dry appropriately after exposure to water, while synthetic rope should also be inspected for abrasion, cuts and other damage.
I.C. Brindle supplies an embarkation ladder protective cover designed to protect ladders during storage and onboard stowage.
Can damaged steps or ropes on an embarkation ladder be replaced?
Embarkation ladders should not be repaired or modified without confirming that the resulting arrangement continues to meet the applicable requirements
If a ladder has significant damage to its steps, spreaders, ropes or securing components, it should be withdrawn from service and assessed by the responsible person or organisation in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and vessel procedures.
How do I choose the right embarkation ladder?
The correct embarkation ladder depends on the vessel, embarkation station, required length, survival craft arrangement and other applicable requirements.
When selecting a ladder, consider the required length from the embarkation point to the waterline, the vessel's operating conditions, the required certification and whether manila or synthetic rope is appropriate. If you are unsure which ladder or specification is suitable, contact I.C. Brindle & Co. Ltd with details of the vessel and intended application.
Do embarkation ladders have an IMPA code?
Yes. The embarkation ladder supplied by I.C. Brindle & Co. Ltd is listed under IMPA code 232052.
IMPA codes are commonly used within the maritime supply industry to identify equipment when ordering through ship suppliers, purchasing departments and marine procurement systems.
Do you supply synthetic and manila embarkation ladders?
Yes. I.C. Brindle supplies both traditional manila rope embarkation ladders and synthetic non-manila embarkation ladders.
The correct option will depend on the vessel's requirements, specification and applicable certification.
Do you supply embarkation ladder protective covers?
Yes. I.C. Brindle supplies protective storage covers for embarkation ladders.
The covers are manufactured from 630 g/m² wipe-clean PVC with stainless steel eyelets and are available in sizes suitable for ladders from 2 metres to 40 metres. They are designed to help protect ladders from UV exposure, rain, salt and general weathering during storage.
Do you supply embarkation ladder accessories?
Yes. I.C. Brindle supplies a range of equipment for pilot and embarkation ladder arrangements, including embarkation ladder protective covers, manila man ropes, oversized shackles, embarkation ladder location signs and other marine safety equipment.
These accessories can help support the correct storage, identification and installation of embarkation ladders onboard vessels.
Are I.C. Brindle embarkation ladders made to order?
Yes. The embarkation ladders we supply are made to order in the required length.
Because these products are manufactured to the customer's specified requirements, they cannot normally be returned or refunded unless the goods are faulty. Customers should therefore confirm the required ladder length and specification before ordering.
What standards do your embarkation ladders comply with?
The embarkation ladders supplied by I.C. Brindle & Co. Ltd are designed for marine use. The manufacturer lists Wheelmark certification and standards and requirements including IMO Resolution A.1045(27), MSC/Circ. 1428, ISO 799 (2004) and SOLAS 1974, as amended. Sample certification documents are available to download for reference, and the relevant certification documentation is supplied with the goods when ordered.
Can I get documentation with my embarkation ladder?
Yes. I.C. Brindle embarkation ladders are supplied with supporting technical documentation, including the manufacturer's certificate of conformity and relevant approval information. Technical datasheets and drawings are also available for the embarkation ladders, both standard and synthetic models.
