Maritime Boarding and Gangway Accidents

Getting on and off a ship can be hazardous. Boarding and gangway accidents are unfortunately common in the maritime industry and affect workers and passengers. A maritime lawyer can help you seek compensation if you were hurt on a vessel’s gangway.

What Is a Gangway?

Gangway is a maritime term for the equipment used to board or disembark a boat or ship. It is typically an elevated walkway or bridge that allows passengers and workers to get on and off a vessel.

The gangway can be used when the vessel is docked or when moving between two vessels at sea, for instance, from a larger vessel to a tender to get to shore.

How Can Using a Gangway Be Dangerous?

The primary danger associated with gangways is the possibility of a fall. A person using a gangway may fall into the water or onto a hard surface, such as a pier or dock. Depending on the height of the gangway and other equipment that might be in the way, a fall could lead to serious injuries or even be fatal.

Another potential accident is a slip or trip and fall within a gangway. Even if the individual does not fall off the gangway, they can be hurt in this type of situation.

Accidents with gangways may also involve workers as they are setting up or taking down the equipment. These types of incidents can result in falls or injuries caused by being struck with equipment.

Injuries involving gangways can result in fractures, sprains and strains, head or back injuries, lacerations, crush injuries, or even fatalities.

What Causes Gangway Accidents?

Gangways should be safe to use for both workers and passengers. These are some of the causes of gangway accidents and injuries:

• Slippery surfaces and trip hazards can cause falls.
• Improperly maintained gangways and safety equipment can fail and cause a fall.
• Lack of safety equipment can make using gangways dangerous. They should have adequate handrails, safety nets, and, in some situations, safety harnesses for workers to wear.
• Incorrect gangway rigging can lead to falls and injuries. For example, the bottom platform of a gangway should be parallel rather than angled. Missing stanchions can also be dangerous.
• Exceeding the recommended weight limit on a gangway can lead to a collapse and falls.
• Dangerous weather and water conditions can lead to gangway accidents. While these conditions cannot be prevented, workers should know when to delay boarding or disembarking.
• Workers should offer assistance to passengers who need it when boarding or disembarking. If they do not, accidents can result.

How Can Gangway and Boarding Accidents Be Prevented?

Most accidents involving gangways could and should have been prevented. Proper maintenance and correct equipment rigging are essential for making the gangway safe for both workers and passengers.

All workers involved in rigging or using gangways should be adequately trained to do their jobs and follow safety protocols and procedures. They should also be provided with and required to use safety equipment, such as harnesses or lifejackets.

When passengers are involved, there should be adequate supervision during boarding and disembarking. Those who need assistance due to age or disabilities must be provided with help to keep them safe.

Examples of Gangway Accidents

There are plenty of unfortunate examples of gangway accidents that resulted in injuries or death:

• An accident in 2018 led to a pilot’s death after falling into the water when trying to board a vessel. The fall occurred because the gangway separated from the vessel.
• The Maritime Authority in the Cayman Islands released a safety warning in 2023 after several gangway incidents on large yachts. People lost their footing and fell due to incomplete safety railings or stanchions. In one incident, a crew member lost his footing and fell from the gangway. He landed on a hard surface and then into the water, suffering back injuries and broken ribs. He would not have fallen if the gangway had adequate protection on its sides.
• Another gangway accident led to a multi-million dollar fine. A worker was using a gangway to get from a vessel to an offshore oil rig when rough weather caused the distance to shorten, trapping his feet under a step and causing serious crush injuries.

What to Do if You Were Hurt on a Gangway

If you are a worker and were injured in a gangway accident, get any necessary medical care first. Report the incident as soon as possible, including the extent of your injuries and any care you received. Your report should follow the appropriate chain of command.

If you are a passenger and were injured on a gangway, you should also get medical attention first. Employees should report the incident to officers on the vessel. Keep track of your resulting injuries and any medical care you receive.

Talking to a maritime lawyer is a good idea whether you are a worker or a passenger. These experienced professionals understand maritime law and can give you the best advice for seeking compensation for medical and other expenses.

As a maritime worker, you might be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, depending on where you work. Passengers are usually entitled to sue for damages if negligence caused the accident. A lawyer gives you the best chance of receiving compensation for your injuries.