Companionway Steps

Steps or a steep ladder providing access through a companionway between deck levels.

On a small craft they commonly lead between the cockpit and accommodation and may be removable to provide machinery access. Larger vessels may use more conventional stairs, but the term still refers to the access within the companionway rather than to the complete opening and hatch arrangement.

Secure attachment, non-slip treads and reachable handholds are important because the vessel may heel, pitch or roll. Storage or machinery behind removable steps must not prevent rapid replacement or obstruct an escape route.