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As decline is called on a ship a steep narrow stairs or fixed ladder that connects a deck with another.

Declines are usually (for example, round profiles ) equipped with handrails on both sides to ensure safe use even in rough seas. In order to avoid a collision with another person or similar accidents, is on a decline, even if it is arranged vertically, always descended like a stair forward (not like on a ladder backwards), with his back to the bars, where you using both hands, slide the handrails along. For the same reason, in the German Navy's use of a decline with the reputation of "up " or "down " announced.

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