1. Definition of a Side Door—More Than Just “An Extra Door”
A side door on a landing craft is an access point cut into the hull’s side, typically equipped with a folding boarding ladder or a small gangway, and may also be integrated with built-in storage or passageways. On some custom models, side doors can incorporate diving support features, such as diving ladders and cylinder racks. Side doors are typically located in the midship or mid-aft sections of the hull, facilitating crew boarding and disembarkation without interfering with the normal use of the forward cargo hold or gangway. For a fully functional aluminum landing craft, the side door serves as a “second entry point” for operations, increasing operational flexibility while also providing an additional emergency escape route. An experienced captain described the value of side doors as follows: “The bow door is the front door; the side door is the back door. The front door is for routine tasks; the back door is for emergencies.”
2. The Perfect Partner for Diving Operations—Side Doors Combined with Underwater Access Channels
The most typical and valuable application scenario for side doors is diving operations. A side door equipped with a folding diving ladder allows divers to enter and exit the water in the safest and most convenient way. Compared to jumping off the bow ramp or climbing over the ship’s side, entering the water through the side door is much smoother. Divers can face the water’s surface and turn their backs to the hull as they descend step by step along the ladder, reducing the risk of slipping or bumping into objects. Scuba tanks and diving gear can also be passed directly through the side door, eliminating the need for long-distance transport on deck. For commercial diving, scientific research expeditions, or underwater engineering operations, a side door is not a mere optional feature but a tangible safety measure. On vessels without a side door, divers must carefully climb over the gunwale each time they enter the water; once fully equipped, their center of gravity becomes unstable, making accidents more likely. The head of a commercial diving company once said, “The presence of a side door and a diving ladder is our first criterion for evaluating whether a vessel is suitable for diving operations.” “
3. Flexibility in Berthing and Loading/Unloading—Adapting to Complex Pier Conditions
In actual operations, it is not always possible to position the bow directly facing the pier or shoreline during every berthing maneuver. Sometimes berths are narrow; other times, the vessel must berth alongside other ships; and occasionally, shoreline conditions prevent the bow ramp from being deployed. This is where side doors come in handy. They allow crew members to safely board and disembark from the side of the vessel and transport small equipment and supplies without having to deploy the bow gangway every time. For operations requiring frequent, short-term stops—such as offshore wind farm maintenance, port logistics, and resupplying scientific research stations—the flexibility provided by side doors can significantly improve operational efficiency. A captain who has used an aluminum landing craft equipped with a side door said, “In the past, we had to open the bow door even to unload a small part. Now, we just open the side door, and one person can carry the item down—it saves time and effort.” In some European port cities, side doors have even become standard equipment, as local dock designs often call for alongside berthing rather than bow berthing.
4. Rapid Deployment and Emergency Escape Routes—Safety Redundancy Design
Another key benefit of side doors is their function as emergency escape routes. In emergencies—such as when a rapid evacuation is needed due to an onboard incident, or when rescue personnel must approach a victim from the side—side doors provide an independent exit that does not rely on the bow gangway. For passenger landing craft, side doors can also serve as auxiliary passageways for passengers boarding and disembarking, preventing congestion caused by crowds congregating at the bow. Side doors not only enhance operational convenience but also add an extra layer of safety for those on board. At sea, an additional exit means an extra measure of safety—a principle that, while simple, often reveals its true value only at critical moments. When designing passenger landing craft, we always recommend that clients consider installing side doors; they are not merely a convenience but a demonstration of our commitment to passenger safety.
5. Custom Side Doors—Choices in Size and Functionality
Side door configurations are not one-size-fits-all. Depending on the vessel’s size and operational requirements, side doors can feature various designs and functional combinations. Small side doors are primarily used for personnel access and emergency egress, typically paired with a simple boarding ladder. Medium-sized side doors can incorporate a folding diving ladder equipped with handrails and non-slip steps, making them suitable for diving operations. Large side doors can even serve as small cargo passages, facilitating the loading and unloading of supplies from the side of the dock. The location of the side door, the opening dimensions, the threshold height, and the ladder type can all be customized according to the customer’s specific needs. When selecting a side door configuration, it is recommended to first clarify the primary purpose of the side door—whether for personnel access, diving operations, or cargo transfer—before determining the specific specifications and configuration. If the primary use is diving, then ladder width and anti-slip design are key considerations; if the primary use is cargo transfer, then threshold height and opening width should be prioritized.
6. Which Landing Craft Are Suitable for Side Door Installation? — Considerations Regarding Size and Application Scenarios
Side doors are not standard equipment on all landing craft; whether to install them depends on the specific application scenario. For small landing craft ranging from 7.9 to 10 meters in length that are primarily used for short-distance cargo transport, side doors are not essential. However, if they are used for diving services, scientific research expeditions, or personnel transport, side doors are well worth considering. For medium-to-large aluminum landing craft over 11 meters in length—especially those designed for both passenger and cargo transport or for engineering operations—side doors are often a cost-effective optional feature. Installing a side door will increase manufacturing costs and extend the production timeline to some extent, but for users with specific needs, this investment will continue to provide convenience during actual operations. The most direct approach is to describe your operational scenarios so that the manufacturer’s engineers can help you determine whether a side door is suitable and how to configure it optimally. A properly configured landing craft often demonstrates an understanding of and responsiveness to user needs through these details.
