Pilot ladders and embarkation ladders provide access along a ship’s side. Pilot ladders are used in particular for transferring pilots between a pilot boat and a vessel, while embarkation ladders provide access to survival craft. Their construction and approval therefore depend on the intended application. TOPLICHT supplies ladders for commercial shipping with designs suited to these different tasks on board.
The ladders are made with three-strand Manila natural-fibre rope and hardwood steps. Grooved step surfaces provide grip underfoot, while heavy rubber steps at the lower end prevent the ladder from floating up. The steps are pressed into the rope with aluminium sleeves and are spaced at 330 mm intervals. Spliced thimbles or rope ends at the upper end provide attachment points for securing the ladder on board.
The range includes MED-approved embarkation ladders as well as MED/SOLAS-approved pilot ladders to ISO 799:2019. The pilot ladders additionally incorporate long spreader steps to resist twisting and a length-marking system. They are available in different lengths, and corresponding versions can also be supplied without spreader steps for use as embarkation ladders.
