Barge. An unpowered, flat bottom, shallow draft vessel including scows, carfloats and lighters, but not ship-shaped or deep-draft barges.

River towboat. A shallow draft, low free board, self-propelled vessel designed to tow river barges by pushing ahead.

(1) Access to vessels afloat. You must not permit employees to board or leave any vessel, except a barge or river towboat, until the following requirements have been met:

(a) Whenever practicable, a gangway of not less than 20 inches walking surface, of adequate strength, maintained in safe repair and safely secured must be used. If a gangway is not practicable, a substantial straight ladder, extending at least 36 inches above the upper landing surface and adequately secured against shifting or slipping must be provided. When conditions are such that neither a gangway nor a straight ladder can be used, a Jacob's ladder meeting the requirements of (4)(a) and (b) of this section may be used.

(b) Each side of such gangway, and the turntable if used, must have a railing with a minimum height of approximately 33 inches measured perpendicularly from rail to walking surface at the stanchion, with a midrail. Rails must be of wood, pipe, chain, wire or rope and shall be kept taut at all times.

(c) Gangways on vessels inspected and certificated by the U.S. Coast Guard are deemed to meet the foregoing requirements, except in cases where the vessel's regular gangway is not being used.

(d) The gangway must be kept properly trimmed at all times.

(e) When a fixed tread accommodation ladder is used, and the angle is low enough to require employees to walk on the edge of the treads, cleated duckboards must be laid over and secured to the ladder.

(f) When the lower end of a gangway overhangs the water between the ship and the dock in such a manner that there is danger of employees falling between the ship and the dock, a net or other suitable protection must be rigged at the foot of the gangway in such a manner as to prevent employees from falling from the end of the gangway.

(g) If the foot of the gangway is more than one foot away from the edge of the apron, the space between them must be bridged by a firm walkway equipped with railings, with a minimum height of approximately 33 inches with midrails on both sides.

(h) Supporting bridles must be kept clear so as to permit unobstructed passage for employees using the gangway.

(i) When the upper end of the means of access rests on or flush with the top of the bulwark, substantial steps properly secured and equipped with at least one substantial handrail approximately 33 inches in height must be provided between the top of the bulwark and the deck.

(j) Obstructions must not be laid on or across the gangway.

(k) The means of access must be adequately illuminated for its full length.

(l) Unless the construction of the vessel makes it impossible, the means of access must be located so that drafts of cargo do not pass over it. In any event loads must not be passed over the means of access while employees are on it.

(2) Access to vessels in drydock or between vessels. Gangways meeting the requirements of (1)(a), (b), (i), (j) and (l) of this section must be provided for access from wing wall to vessel or, when two or more vessels, other than barges or river towboats, are lying abreast, from one vessel to another.

(3) Access to barges and river towboats.

(a) Ramps for access of vehicles to or between barges must be of adequate strength, provided with side boards, well maintained and properly secured.

(b) Unless employees can step safely to or from the wharf, float, barge, or river towboat, either a ramp in accordance with the requirements of (a) of this section or a safe walkway in accordance with the requirements of (1)(g) of this section must be provided. When a walkway is impracticable, a substantial straight ladder, extending at least 36 inches above the upper landing surface and adequately secured against shifting or slipping must be provided. When conditions are such that neither a walkway nor a straight ladder can be used, a Jacob's ladder in accordance with the requirements of (4) of this section may be used.

(c) The means of access must be in accordance with the requirements of (1)(i), (j) and (k) of this section.

(4) Jacob's ladders.

(a) Jacob's ladders must be of the double rung or flat tread type. They must be well maintained and properly secured.

(b) A Jacob's ladder must either hang without slack from its lashings or be pulled up entirely.