National Ports Act, 2005 (Act No. 12 of 2005)RulesPorts RulesChapter 3 : Health and SafetyPart A : Vessel Safety Measures68. Gangways |
| (1) | The master of a vessel that is alongside a wharf, quay or jetty, lying at buoys or at anchor, or outside another vessel must provide a safe and proper gangway to allow for free and safe passage to and from the deck of the vessel. |
| (2) | The gangway must be sufficiently illuminated. |
| (3) | A proper safety net must be rigged and secured below a gangway as soon as the gangway is in position, to safeguard persons using the gangway from falling into the water or onto a wharf, quay or jetty. |
| (4) | The master is responsible for the handling of the gangway and must ensure that the operations are carried out in a proper and safe manner. |
| (5) | The person in control of the gangway must regulate the number of persons allowed on the gangway at any one time. |
| (6) | A notice indicating the maximum number of persons to be allowed on the gangway at any one time must be clearly displayed at each end of the gangway. |
| (7) | A lifebuoy with a line attached to it must be placed near each gangway and kept ready for immediate use. |
| (8) | The master must ensure that the gangway is at all times positioned so that it does not obstruct or foul rail or crane tracks, constitute a hazard to the safe movement of trucks and cranes or interfere with bunkering operations. |
| (9) | The master of a vessel must take the necessary precautions to prevent damage to quay surfaces by the vessel's gangways and loading ramps. |
| (10) | Where the nature or construction of a jetty or wharf is such that it is impossible for the vessel to comply with this rule, the master of the vessel must conform to the Harbour Master's instructions concerning vessel to shore access. |