The Merchant Shipping (Means of Access) Regulations 1988

General Duties Concerning Access Arrangements

4.—(1) The employer and the master shall ensure that there is a safe means of access between the ship and any quay, pontoon or similar structure or another ship alongside which the ship is secured and in particular (and without prejudice to the generality of such duty) the employer and the master shall ensure that—

(a) any equipment necessary to provide a safe means of access is placed in position promptly after the ship has been so secured and remains in position while the ship is so secured;

(b) access equipment which is in use:

(i) is properly rigged, secured, deployed, and is safe to use; and

(ii) is so adjusted from time to time as to maintain safety of access;

(c) access equipment and immediate approaches thereto are adequately illuminated;

(d) any equipment used for means of access and any safety net is of good construction, of sound material, of adequate strength for the purposes for which it is used, free from patent defect and properly maintained.

(2) When access is necessary between ship and shore, and the ship is not secured alongside, the employer and master shall ensure that such access is provided in a safe manner.

(3) The employer and the master in carrying out the obligations contained in this regulation shall take full account of the principles and guidance in the Code.