This International Standard specifies requirements for a ship’s embarkation ladder that is provided to enable safe embarkation of waterborne survival craft along a vertical portion of the ship's hull. It is applicable to merchant ships required to carry embarkation ladders under Chapter III of the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), as amended. National maritime safety administrations are urged to accept ladders complying with this International Standard on their ships, as complying fully with the requirements of SOLAS.