Ladders

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted or Recognized Independent Laboratory.

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to TypeApproval@uscg.mil.  Please see What to submit when corresponding with ENG-4 regarding equipment approvals/renewal.  Submission of emails with file attachments above 10MB will not be received. For files over 10 MB, please contact us at typeapproval@uscg.mil. We will send you a request to drop-off files at DoD SAFE (Secure Access File Exchange). 

Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

For a complete listing of USCG Type Approved Equipment, please visit the Coast Guard Marine Information Exchange (CGMIX).

 160.017 - Chain Ladder

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: See 46 CFR 160.017. The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

  • A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
  • Required information and test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory as per 46 CFR 160.017.
  • Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program with the Accepted Independent Laboratory is in place.
 160.117 - Embarkation Ladders (SOLAS)

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: See the below link on approval guidance. The Coast Guard will review approval applications for ladders complying with ISO 5489 as equivalent to the guidelines below. The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

Coast Guard regulations for embarkation ladders on inspected vessels (46 CFR 199.110(f)) require the use of a “SOLAS” rope embarkation ladder:

(1) Each embarkation ladder must be approved under approval series 160.117 or be a rope ladder approved under approval series 160.017.

(2) Each embarkation ladder must extend in a single length from the deck to the waterline with the vessel in its lightest seagoing condition under unfavorable conditions of trim and with the vessel listed not less than 15 degrees either way.

These ladders were formally approved under a chain ladder approval series (160.017), but now are approved under the 160.117 approval designation covered by this guideline. This guideline consists of the approval regulations for rope pilot ladders (46 CFR 163.003), modified for use as an embarkation ladder.

LINKS: SOLAS EMBARKATION LADDER APPROVAL GUIDANCE

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

  • A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
  • Information required in SOLAS EMBARKATION LADDER APPROVAL GUIDANCE.
  • Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program is in place.
 163.003 - Pilot Ladders

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: See 46 CFR 163.003. The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval. The testing must be performed on the product by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. The Coast Guard will consider approval applications for ladders complying with ISO 799 as equivalent to the guidelines below.

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE: Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:

  • A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
  • Required information and test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory as per 46 CFR 163.003
  • Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program with the Accepted Independent Laboratory is in place.