Marina Stairs & Gangways as Slip/Trip/Fall Hazards Expert Article

Floating docks can present a variety of slip, trip, and fall hazards if they are not safely managed and maintained. While it is best practice to use gangways and/or ramps to access floating docks, some conditions may call for the use of stairs.

This article explains the marine industry standards that apply to the use of stairs, gangways and/or ramps on floating docks.

Stairs & Gangways as Slip/Trip/Fall Hazards at Marinas

Gangways and/or ramps are often used to provide access to floating docks. While similar in nature, there are some general distinctions between the two.

Gangways are designed to span greater distances, accommodate larger elevation changes, and include handrails. They are used most often for their ability to provide a safe transition from the shore to a floating dock bridging a large gap or height difference.

Ramps are used for spanning shorter distances and/or steep drop-offs. They are most commonly used as the transition between two stationary locations, at the end of gangways, and to floating docks with minimal change in elevation.

The image below shows a combination of a ramp and a gangway. There are many possible configurations of this equipment.

Stairs as Slip/Trip/Fall Hazards at Marinas

Stairs are most often used for embarking and dis-embarking boats when there is a large height difference between the boat and the dock. Stairs can also be used to provide access between fixed docks and floating docks but may not be the safest option. Potential tide fluctuations should be considered in the design of a marina if stairs are going to be used between a fixed structure and floating docks.

Stairs that are used for boarding a boat are normally light weight and made from plastic or fiberglass. They are also not typically affixed to the dock and/or boat because of the dynamic nature of the marine environment. These factors may increase the risk of slips/trips/falls when people are not made aware of the risks and special attention needed.

Stairs may be more difficult to navigate than the even, sloping surfaces of a gangway and/or ramp, and the potential for movement of the stairs on the floating docks and/or of a boat makes it even more challenging for the user to keep their balance.

When users descend a stair, gravity acts to accelerate their motion in the direction of travel. Anything that interferes with the safe placement of feet as they descend increases the likelihood of a fall.

Tread and riser dimensions should be uniform throughout an entire stairway. Uneven risers and treads create dimensional variations that may impede a user’s safe movement or induce a loss of balance. For that reason, standards for safe stairs require that stairs be constructed and maintained with a high degree of uniformity, just as on land.

Handrail Requirements

A fundamental tenet for safe moving and climbing in a marine environment is to provide three points of contact: two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot at any given time.

At marina waterfront structures, this would constitute handrails provided along ramps, gangways, and stairs. When there are structures that are not intended for vessels to dock at, like some bulkheads or over the water walkways, then handrails should be provided. When handrails are present, they should be built to local building codes.

On stairs in particular, the need for continuous handrails is well documented, as handrails have been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of injuries relating to stair falls. Stairs are also required to adhere to state/local building codes, even when they are being used on a dock at a marina.

Docks, whether floating or fixed, and bulkheads that are intended for boats to dock, are not required to have handrails. In these areas handrails could limit access and create a more hazardous situation for embarking and disembarking.

Gangways as the Standard

Gangways should be factored into the design of any marina that will be using floating docks as they may be the safest option. With a slip resistant surface and minimized slope, they reduce the risk of slips even when wet. To further minimize the risk of using a gangway, handrails should be designed to allow for three points of contact while ascending or descending.

The height difference between the shore and dock or different sections of dock will dictate the gangway length and subsequent slope. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) sets forth the slope standards and by using tide measurements, the marina can determine whether a gangway and/ or ramp could exceed this standard of care.

The gangway should be wide enough to allow people to safely navigate and give clearance for the accommodation of wheelchairs, dock carts and other large, wheeled equipment.

The dock that the gangway is landing on should be of sufficient width to accommodate the gangway and allow for lateral movement of the gangway, or dock. If there are boat slips that will need to be accessed that a gangway could block, additional width may need to be added to the dock to allow for safe passage.

Investigating Slips, Trips, and Falls at Marinas

Marinas and boatyards can be dangerous places. Investigation of slip, trip, and fall incidents at marinas can involve experts specializing in walkway and pedestrian safety, marine accident reconstruction, recreational boating and rules of the road, or experts who specialize in marina and boatyard operations.

For more information, submit an inquiry or call us at 800.813.6736.

Featured Expert

C. Edward Scott

Marine & Marina Operations Expert

Captain Edward Scott is a Marine & Marina Operations Expert with more than 20 years of experience as a licensed tug captain across inland, coastal, and ocean routes in some of the most demanding… read more.