When one needs to move to and/or from a marine environment with the aid of something other than only their body, it is generally accomplished with either a ladder, a gangway or a stairway. A ladder is a structure that is used for climbing up or down that has 2 long sides which are connected by 2 or more parallel rungs. A gangway is a flat narrow structure, which may or may not have handrails, that is used for walking from one location to another and typically associated with a ship, truck or train. A stairway is a passageway from one level to another level by a series of stairs.
Some of our most popular marine access products are described below.
Removable Aluminum Stairways: Our Removable Aluminum Stairways are used, not only in waterfront locations, but in commercial and industrial locations as well. They offer convenient portability and are essentially maintenance free. Because they are made of aluminum, they do not require painting nor finishing. Included with them for safety and convenience are detachable handrails and a mounting bracket. Overall stairway widths of 31.25” and 36” are available. Aluminum landing platforms are also available. Stainless steel fastened treads provide durability. An approach angle of 45° allows one to descending facing away from the stairway. A link to our Removable Aluminum Stairways is shown below:
https://www.platformsandladders.com/marine-ladders/removable-aluminum-stairways
Aluminum Gangways: Gangways are most often thought of in relation to ships, but gangways can be a safe and convenient method of access with trucks and trains. Similar to our stairways discussed above, our Aluminum Gangways are essentially maintenance free and do not require painting nor finishing. Handrails are standard helping one keep their balance when moving from one location to another. The available widths of “off the shelf” gangways are 32”, 36”, 42” and 48”. If a different width is needed, please let us know. Several different options are available which help match a gangway to your specific location. Links to our Aluminum Gangways are shown below:
https://www.platformsandladders.com/marine-ladders/aluminum-gangways
https://www.platformsandladders.com/marine-ladders/commercial-marine-gangways
Ladders: Diverse Supply (our online presence is platformsandladders.com) offers three categories of marine ladders which are ship boarding ladders, marine dock ladders and gunwale hook ladders.
Our Ship Boarding Ladders are designed to help with access to and inspection of commercial vessels. Because they are made of marine grade aluminum and stainless-steel fasteners, they withstand harsh industrial marine environments. Their box girder 2.5”x1” side rails provide rigidity and side sway stability. 1.25” corrugated round rungs offer substantial footing. Swivel safety shoes help the ladder stay put. A link to our Ship Boarding Ladders is shown below:
https://www.platformsandladders.com/marine-ladders/ship-boarding-ladder
Our Marine Dock Ladders allows one to move from the water to the dock. It is IMPORTANT to note that these ladders are NOT TO BE USED IN CHLORINATED WATER. Chlorinated water will irreparably damage aluminum marine dock ladders.
Marine Dock Ladders are divided into 3 main categories which are straight dock ladders, swing dock ladders and lift dock ladders. There are variations of ladder design within these 3 main categories.
Straight dock ladders will not swing nor lift. They are fixed in place. An example of a straight dock ladder is shown in the link below:
https://www.platformsandladders.com/marine-ladders/straight-ladder
Swing dock ladders swing up and away from the water. An example of a swing dock ladder is shown in the link below:
https://www.platformsandladders.com/marine-ladders/swing-ladder
A lift dock ladder lifts upward and away from the water. An example of a lift dock ladder is shown in the link below:
https://www.platformsandladders.com/marine-ladders/lift-ladder
Our Gunwale Hook Ladders allow one to move from the water to the boat. As is with our marine dock ladders, it is IMPORTANT to note that aluminum gunwale ladders also are NOT TO BE USED IN CHLORINATED WATER. Chlorinated water will irreparably damage aluminum gunwale hook ladders.
Gunwale Hook Ladders are made to hook over the gunwale of a boat. Be sure the width of the hook of a gunwale ladder is the appropriate size for the diameter of the gunwale of the boat. An example of a gunwale hook ladder is shown in the link below:
https://www.platformsandladders.com/marine-ladders/gunwale-hook-ladder
For more marine products, please visit our main marine product page at: