2006 New York Code - Stairways And Gangways.

 
    § 55. Stairways  and gangways. Every public vessel engaged in carrying
  passengers  shall  be  provided  with  permanent  stairways  and   other
  sufficient means convenient for passing from one deck to the other, with
  gangways  large  enough  to allow persons freely to pass, which shall be
  open fore and aft of the length of the vessel,  and  to  and  along  the
  guards;  and  whoever  obstructs  such  gangways by freight or otherwise
  shall be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine  of  not  less  than
  twenty-five nor more than one hundred dollars for every such violation.