The Most Dangerous Places Near Water – and How to Make Them Safer When we...
Chain Ladder, Quay
The Chain Ladder, Quay is a flexible rescue ladder designed for quay walls, harbors and industrial dock environments where safe escape from the water is required.
- Flexible ladder design for quay and harbor installations
- Available in hot-dip galvanized steel or acid-resistant stainless steel
- High-visibility reflective sign, handle and markings
- Ergonomic aluminum handle for safer over-edge access
- Standard length 3.3 m with custom lengths available
- More ice-resistant than many fixed ladder solutions
Built for long-term outdoor use in exposed waterfront environments, it supports reliable emergency egress, low maintenance and strong corrosion resistance over time.
Product overview
The Chain Ladder, Quay is developed for locations where people may need to climb out of the water quickly along vertical quay walls, harbor edges and industrial dock structures. In these environments, safe emergency egress depends on clear visibility, dependable access and materials that can withstand long-term exposure to weather, impact and corrosion.
Unlike more rigid ladder solutions, a chain ladder offers a flexible construction that performs well in demanding waterfront conditions. This makes it particularly suitable where ice, movement, harsh marine exposure or space limitations can make traditional fixed ladders less practical. The ladder stays compact while still providing reliable access from the waterline up to quay level.
The design combines durable ladder components, polyethylene spacers, reflective rescue markings and an ergonomic top handle to improve real-world usability. The result is a ladder that is easier to locate, safer to approach and more comfortable to use during rescue situations or accidental falls into the water.
For quay safety planning, the product supports structured placement along waterfront infrastructure and can be specified in materials and lengths suited to the site. It is relevant for projects that need clear rescue access in line with practical safety requirements for harbors, quays and marine facilities.
Additional information
| Width | 0.49 m (hot-dip galvanized) / 0.43 m (stainless steel) |
|---|---|
| Length | Standard: 3,3 m (but we can manufacture after your demands) |
| Height | – |
| Weight | – |
| Materials | Hot-dip galvanized steel with extra thick zinc coating, 200 µm (standard 75 µm) |
| Color | – |
| Reflectors | Road-sign type reflector, guaranteed reflective function for ten years |
| Special | We can make chain ladders in the length of your choice |
Installation
The ladder should be mounted where it remains easy to identify and reach from the water, even in low light or harsh weather. For quay environments, placement should support rapid emergency access and clear visibility along the dock edge. As a planning principle, ladders are typically spaced at intervals of approximately 25–50 metres, depending on local safety requirements and site conditions.
The ladder should extend at least one metre below normal low-water level so that a person in the water can reach the lower rungs. Mounting must be adapted to the quay structure, such as stone or timber construction, and the reflective sign and markings should remain clearly visible after installation.
Documentation
Assembly instructions
Chain ladder
Design Features
Handle
Our ergonomic handle makes it easier and more convenient to climb over quay edges. The handle’s sleek design reduces the risk of tripping on the handle when it’s placed near a side walk. The handle is made of moulded aluminium and designed to hold up in all climates and to fit into the urban environment on both stone- and wooden quays.
Ice resistant
Note that a flexible chain ladder is more resistant to ice than a fixed ladder.
Durability
The chain ladder is made of hot dip galvanized or stainless steel.
Rescue marked
Reflectors indicate the way out of the water. The sign and the handle also come with reflectors.
Related products
About Shore safety
SWEDISH HANDCRAFTED QUALITY FOR DECADES
Quality
Built for real conditions, not just specifications.
With decades of experience in waterside safety, our equipment is designed, tested, and manufactured in Sweden to perform where it matters most. Every product meets strict MSB requirements and is made to deliver reliable, long-term safety in demanding environments.
Warranty
Designed to last — and backed accordingly.
Our lifesaving equipment is engineered for durability, dependable performance, and minimal maintenance throughout its lifecycle. Tested under Nordic conditions, each product is built for long service life and consistent function, so you can trust it to be ready when needed.
Shipping
From our facility to yours — safely and efficiently.
All equipment is shipped directly from Sweden through trusted logistics partners. This ensures reliable delivery, consistent quality control, and predictable lead times, so products arrive secure, on time, and ready for installation.
FAQ
Commonly asked question regarding chain ladder
Answers to common questions regarding materials, installation, durability, and regulatory considerations for waterfront rescue ladders.
Have any questions?
What is the purpose of the Shore Safety Chain Ladder?
The Chain Ladder provides a safe, permanent way to climb out of the water from quays, harbor walls, or docks where fixed stairs are not available. It ensures accessibility during emergencies or accidental falls into the water.
What materials are used in the ladder’s construction?
The ladder is made from hot-dip galvanized steel with an extra-thick zinc coating (200 µm on chains and 100 µm on rungs). It is also available in stainless acid-resistant steel, Type 316, for marine and saltwater environments.
How visible is the ladder in darkness or poor weather?
The ladder features road-sign–grade reflective materials on the handle, sign, and tubes. These reflectors have a guaranteed 10-year reflective function, clearly showing the way out of the water, day or night.
How should the Chain Ladder be installed?
It should be placed every 25–50 meters along the quay and extend at least one meter below the low-water level. The included counterweight keeps the ladder straight, while spacers ensure proper clearance from the wall for safe climbing..