gangways

A gangway is a pedestrian access structure used to board or disembark from a vessel, aircraft, railway car, or building. In general, it is a raised walkway or ramp that bridges a gap between two points of access, providing a safe route for passengers or crew.

In maritime use, a gangway typically connects a quay or pier to a ship’s deck. It may be fixed along the vessel’s side or a portable unit placed over the bulwark to span the gap between shore and ship. Gangways are usually equipped with handrails, non-slip treads, and fendering to absorb impact and prevent damage to hulls and gangways. They must be secured against movement caused by wind, waves, and docking forces and are often part of a wider system including mooring lines, chocks, and barriers. The length, width, and load capacity are chosen to accommodate expected passenger traffic and vessel size.

Beyond ships, gangways also refer to internal or external passages between railway cars or sections of a building or complex, and in aviation contexts, the term may describe the external walkway or an adjacent access bridge leading to an aircraft door. In all uses, gangways are designed to provide safe, accessible, and stable passage, with attention to load performance, weather resistance, and slip resistance.

Safety and maintenance considerations include regular inspection for structural integrity, securing mechanisms, railings, surface condition, and environmental exposure. Standards and practices vary by industry but share a common emphasis on preventing slips, trips, and unauthorized movement.