Figure 1 - Pilot accommodation ladder - Typical construction, shape and dimensions
4.1 The ladder shall be designed so that the lower platform is between 3m and 7m above the waterline at all operating drafts at which the ship will embark or disembark a pilot. The angle of a fixed ladder is 55°to the horizontal. The angle of an adjustable ladder shall not exceed 55°to the horizontal.
4.2 The lower platform and any intermediate platform shall remain in the horizontal position at all operating ladder angles.
4.2.1 The preferred configuration of the lower platform is shown in figure 2 with an opening of at least 750 mm x 750 mm, below which a pilot ladder is hung in a position to bear on the side of the ship. The platform shall have a solid deck at least 600 mm wide between the opening and the first step. The platform shall be enclosed by a handrail. Two vertical rails shall extend from the floor of platform to a point 2 m above the platform. The rails shall be in line with the side ropes of the pilot ladder.
