How to Use a Ship's Ladder
Aboard a ship, a set of steps or stairs is called a "ladder." Using the ladders aboard a ship safely means observing rules developed by government agencies and "the normal practice of seamen" over hundreds of years. In many ways, these rules parallel the common sense practices for using stairs ashore, but the movement of a ship, particularly in rough weather, adds an element of adventure, since each step you take may land you, unceremoniously, on your bottom, at the bottom of the ladder.
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Instructions
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Hold the hand rail, regardless of the sea state, when you use a ship's ladder. The age-old axiom of those who go to sea is, "One hand for the ship, one hand for yourself."
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Make your steps definite--aim to put your foot on the step of the ladder, regardless of what movement the vessel makes. Newton's Laws of Motion say that a body in motion will remain in motion until acted on by an outside force. Even in the calmest of waters, the ship is moving in a sea that's moving. As the water moves, it becomes an outside force, acting on the ship by making it rock or roll. You have to compensate for that movement in your steps.
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Avoid moving around in rough weather. If you must use a ladder, lower your center of gravity a bit by keeping your knees flexed. When you keep your knees flexed, you'll find yourself in a very slight crouch, even when standing flat-footed on deck. You knees absorb the motion of the ocean, moving with it instead of fighting it.
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When aboard ship, wear non-skid shoes as often as possible. The non-skid sole of boat shoes will assist you in staying upright.
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Tips & Warnings
If you're a passenger on a ship--a "person in addition to crew," as passengers are known in the ship's log--you may occasionally see crewmen run up a ladder with a cup of coffee in each hand and a disdainful look on their face, even in 20 ft. seas. That's a bad example to follow, even if you're a professional seaman.
