Hazard hunt: Pilot ladders and gangways
- Safety Flash
- Published on 13 February 2019
- Generated on 20 October 2025
- IMCA SF 02/19
- 1 minute read
A Member has taken a focus on pilot ladders and gangways, following an incident where a gangway collapsed, causing the death of the pilot.
What happened?
The incident occurred when a gangway wire parted, causing the gangway to pivot at the top platform hinge and fall into the sea.
knots in the wooden step
missing chock and steps unsafe for boarding
parted side ropes
broken step on a pilot ladder
gangway damaged after wire parted
break following ineffective maintenance of gangway wire
wrong operation of gangway
What lessons were learned?
Our Member noted that:
- Accommodation ladders and gangways, and associated fittings, should be properly maintained and inspected at appropriate intervals.
- When accommodation ladders and gangways are rigged, checks should be made for signs of distortion, cracks, or corrosion.
- Care should be taken to ensure all moving parts are moving freely and are lubricated as necessary.
- Checks should be made of any lifting equipment or wires.
- Examine the underside of accommodation ladders and gangways at regular intervals.
- Rigging and derigging of accommodation ladders and gangways should be conducted under appropriate supervision.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.