Fun Fact:
Gangways on ships are steeped in years of tradition and nautical history! The act of boarding a ship used to be an extremely dangerous feat due to the shifting waves and hard surfaces. The first forms of gangways were simple ropes or planks, precariously hung over the side of the vessel. Over time, these gave way to more robust structures and eventually the advanced mechanical and hydraulic gangways we see on modern ships, providing safe passage for all. In fact, the word "gangway" comes from the Old English "gangweg", meaning a way or path. Even today, as a nod to the nautical past, it is an unwritten rule aboard many navy and merchant ships that officers and dignities are always given the right to board or disembark first – a protocol in place since the age of sail. Thus, besides serving as a bridge between the ship and the shore, the gangway bears the weight of not just the passengers, but also rich maritime customs and etiquettes!
