A gangway is a walkway that connects a ship to a dock, often made of durable materials like metal. While historically associated with pirate legends, modern gangways are designed for safety and accessibility, accommodating less mobile passengers and even wheelchairs. It’s important to wait for permission to cross and hold onto railings in choppy waters. Portability and flexibility are key features, with some gangways stowable on deck or built into a ship’s accessories.
A gangway is a walkway that extends from a ship or vessel to a dock. Removable gangways typically allow for easy transfer of passengers and cargo both on and off the ship. Although traditionally made of wood, walkways are now commonly made of durable material, such as metal, that can withstand harsh weather and extensive use. A gangway can be as simple as a flat board that can be balanced between a boat deck and a dock, but many have additional features that increase safety and maneuverability.
Possibly the best-known use of a gangway dates back to pirate legends, where prisoners and captains on the wrong side of the mutiny were forced to “walk the plank.” In this case, the walkway would extend directly over open water, forcing the prisoners to fall into the ocean and suffer a variety of nasty deaths. Prisoners would be bound or chained to drown, or sometimes thrown into shark-filled waters for an even more gruesome end. Some historians speculate that plank-walking is a myth to increase the pirates’ bloodthirsty reputation, but recorded instances of the term date back to 18th-century dictionaries.
Modern gateways often exist to help, rather than kill, any guest. Many are equipped with handrails that make it easier for passengers who have not yet found their sea legs. Passenger vessels, such as whale watching tours, cruise ships, or sport fishing boats, often feature wide, sturdy gangways that can easily accommodate less mobile passengers. Depending on local laws and maritime policies, some can even accommodate wheelchairs.
When boarding a ship, please wait until permission is granted to cross from the dock to the ship at the gangway. Passenger ships will generally have staff on hand to advise passengers and assist them if necessary. In choppy water, when both the gangway and the boat can rise and fall at different speeds, it is recommended to hold on to the railings to prevent an inadvertent capsize.
Since gateways are considered temporary equipment, portability and flexibility are important details. On simple boats, a gangway may be a thin, flat board of wood that can be easily stowed on the deck. Some are built into the ship’s accessories, and can be pulled out of a slot and extended towards the dock when needed. As efficient use of space is an important part of boating and navigation, a fully stowable gangway can be very useful when space is a major concern.
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