why an accommodation ladder not use hydraulic winch drive

Mar 06, 2023

An accommodation ladder is a type of gangway that is used to provide a safe and stable means of embarkation and disembarkation between a ship and a pier, jetty, or other vessel. The use of hydraulic winch drive is not recommended for an accommodation ladder for several reasons:

  1. Safety concerns: Hydraulic systems can fail unexpectedly, resulting in a sudden loss of control over the ladder. This can be dangerous for both the crew members and the passengers who are using the ladder.
  2. Maintenance issues: Hydraulic systems require regular maintenance to ensure that they are functioning correctly. The marine environment can be harsh on equipment, and it can be difficult to maintain hydraulic systems on board ships.
  3.  Environmental concerns: Hydraulic systems use oil, which can be harmful to the marine environment if it leaks or spills.

Instead of hydraulic winch drives, accommodation ladders typically use electric winches or manual winches. Electric winches provide a reliable and efficient means of lifting and lowering the ladder, while manual winches can be used as a backup in case of a power failure. Both types of winches are easier to maintain and are less likely to pose safety or environmental hazards.