Boarding one vessel from another can be particularly hazardous. Try to avoid it if at all possible. Never attempt this if a vessel is moving. Where it is necessary, it is normally the responsibility of the ship lying outboard (i.e. furthest from the dockside) to provide safe access to the other vessel. The only exception is where the outboard vessel has a much lower freeboard (i.e. the deck is much lower, so access would involve climbing), in which case the vessel with the higher freeboard is responsible for giving you safe access. This will usually involve using rope ladders and is the only time you should use them for gaining access. Don’t try to climb a rope ladder unless you have been shown how to do so safely. [links]