ISO 7061:2015

Overview

ISO 7061:2015 - Ships and marine technology - Aluminium shore gangways for seagoing vessels - defines safety, design and construction requirements for aluminium shore gangways carried on board ships to provide lightweight, convenient access from ship to shore (and ship-to-ship under favourable conditions). The standard covers gangways used horizontally or inclined up to 30° (with Type B designs able to 55° with special step/decking considerations). ISO 7061:2015 expressly excludes gangways intended to carry wheeled traffic such as loaded trolleys.

Key Topics

• Scope and types: Two main types are specified - Type A (decking plate gangway) and Type B (anti-slip arc steps gangway). Type A: max inclination 30°. Type B: step-type surface, up to 55° with special design considerations.
• Dimensions: Minimum overall length 2 m; increments ~0.5 m up to 9 m and ~1 m thereafter. Net width is 600 mm (typical arrangement shown in figures).
• Materials: Aluminium alloys and alternatives listed for side frames, cross-members, decking, steps, stanchions and rollers (e.g., AW‑6060, AW‑6082, AW‑5052, AW‑6005A, AW‑5019). Guidance on avoiding dissimilar metal contact to prevent galvanic corrosion.
• Design and construction: Requirements for side stringers, cross-members, decking, steps, stanchions, handrails, toe-boards, lifting lugs, securing devices and anti‑slip features. Special provisions for use on tankers (earthing and spark prevention).
• Loads and safety: Design loading, factors of safety and structural requirements are specified to ensure safe crew access.
• Quality, tests and inspections: Includes type tests and individual tests with test methods for lifting, initial sag and deflection under load, plus manufacturing tolerances, surface finish and marking requirements.
• Limitations: Not intended for wheeled loads; users must also comply with applicable statutory and classification requirements for the individual ship.

Applications

ISO 7061:2015 is used by:

• Shipbuilders and naval architects designing or specifying aluminium gangways
• Gangway manufacturers and fabricators to meet marine safety and performance requirements
• Ship operators, crew safety officers and port authorities assessing safe embarkation/disembarkation equipment
• Classification societies and regulators reviewing compliance and certification

Practical applications include crew transfer, routine shipboard access at berth, and limited ship-to-ship access when conditions permit.

Related Standards

Normative and related references cited include (selection):

• ISO 209 (aluminium chemical composition)
• ISO 6361-2, ISO 6362-2 (mechanical properties of aluminium products)
• ISO 2408 (wire ropes)
• ISO 1181, ISO 1346 (fibre/polypropylene ropes)
• ISO 1461, ISO 8501-1, ISO 10074 (coatings, surface preparation, anodizing)

For anyone specifying or procuring shore gangways, ISO 7061:2015 provides authoritative guidance to ensure safe, compliant aluminium gangway design and manufacture.