This part of BS6349 gives recommendations for the design of roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ramps, linkspans and walkways, used for the transfer of passengers and vehicles between shore and ship.
It applies to the structural elements only and does not cover the design of any operational equipment, traffic control, mechanical or electrical equipment, heating, lighting, life saving or rescue equipment other than as the structures forming a facility need to incorporate and/or support any of these features. Most geometrical aspects of fixed shore ramps are covered in this part of BS6349, but recommendations for all other aspects are given in BS6349‑2.
This part of BS6349 does not apply to Ro-Ro facilities used by rail vehicles in that it does not give recommendations for railway loading and associated ramp gradients. However, many of its recommendations are applicable to rail Ro-Ro facilities and can be used in the absence of other guidance.
NOTE This part of BS6349 is generally intended to cover facilities constructed in the British Isles. Although the majority of the contents are directly applicable elsewhere, local conditions might necessitate modifications, e.g. environmental effects and traffic loading.