IMO Revised “Means of Embarkation and Disembarkation” Published
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has notified that according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, from July 1, 2026, crew must wear lifejackets and safety harnesses when deploying gangways and brows.
IMO recently issued Circular /Rev.1, revising the “Guidelines for the Construction, Installation, Maintenance and /Survey of Means of Embarkation and Disembarkation”. This revision aims to align the guidelines with the latest international standards and introduce clearer definitions and more standardized safety operation requirements.
LR points out that the applicable version of the ISO standard for various means of embarkation and disembarkation depends on the equipment installation date and the ship construction date.
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New Definitions
“Installed on or after 1 July 2026” refers to the following dates: the date of the ship construction contract; or if no contract, the keel laying date; or the date of the equipment delivery contract; or if not agreed, the actual date the equipment is delivered to the ship.
“Safety net” means a net rigged between the ship’s side and the means of embarkation and disembarkation to prevent persons from falling into the water or onto the quay from the means of embarkation and disembarkation.
Mandatory Safety Operating Procedures
The new regulations mandatorily require that crew must wear lifejackets and fasten safety harnesses when installing gangways, brows, and safety nets.
The revised guidelines allow the use of “side nets” as an alternative to “safety nets”. If the means of embarkation and disembarkation is fitted with rigid top rails not less than 1 meter high on both sides, and “side nets” are rigged between the rails and the gangway (including the upper and lower platforms) sufficiently reducing the risk of persons falling, the installation of a safety net is not mandatory.
Safety nets /or side nets must be regularly inspected and maintained, replaced promptly when necessary, and stored in a well-ventilated area, protected from direct sunlight and chemical contamination.
Gangway and Brow Testing
The revisions in the /Rev.1 circular clarify the following:
The five-yearly survey of gangways and brows requires a static load test using the maximum working load.
The five-yearly survey of gangways should include an operational test of the winch by raising and lowering the gangway in the unloaded condition.
Tests should be conducted with the gangway or brow in the level position: the gangway must be suspended by wires and supported by the winch.
It is recommended that shipowners, ship operators, masters and senior officers, and manufacturers promptly familiarize themselves with the new requirements of the guidelines and conduct crew training and guidance accordingly.
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