This book provides critical information relating to the design and construction of means of access onboard marine vessels and platforms, including ladders, walkways and ramps, hatches, and alternative access points. Uniquely, this book highlights the importance of considering human factors and ergonomics in engineering design.

In support of the Statutory and IACS guidance, this book has been written to provide graphical illustrations and additional textual clarification of the means of access requirements. The goal is to improve the comprehension and application of the Statutory and IACS guidance. Conceptually, this text presents two levels of means of access guidance. The first provides the base criteria to meet the IMO requirements. The second, and preferred, level of guidance incorporates the application of current ergonomics practices to the means of access requirements. The application of ergonomics to the means of access requirements will enhance levels of safety as well as quality of work by providing appropriate access for survey, inspection and maintenance activities for tanks and holds.