LIMA, Peru (July 25, 2013 | UTC -5) -- There are 16 steps between decks. I was on F (for Fool, of course), up two from there to the bridge, and down four to B deck for mess, 64 steps that are much easier in one direction than the other. There are 10 stories (up) in the superstructure, each with 16 steps, for a total of 160. Rarely do I go all the way from the bottom to the top, but figure at least my 64, three time a day, up and down or 384 if I only go to meals which has been, well, never. I go up to the bridge every day because it gives the clearest location for me to use the Spot locator, so figure an additional 64, or 448. (I'm told that on some ships there are benches every three or four stories, reserved for "pilots" whom the crew despise since local pilots board vessels and literally take over command during entrances and exits from berths.) I'm 64 years old, but for the life of me can't figure out why the number similarity is not some magic coincidence.
Anyway, a lot of steps, but NOTHING compared to a visit aft to the engine room or forward to the bow thruster. The worst. Four stories straight down by ladder, not the kind with the nice round steps, but steel and square with a corner pointed up to prevent slipping while also preventing a comfortable grip. Everything is covered with a light coat of grime, and in some cases a little oil thrown in for interest.
I was lead around by the hulking (he eats two complete meals at each seating) German 1st engineer through rooms that were either blistering hot, screaming loud or wind-tunnel fierce, usually all three. He barked details of the engine that I probably wouldn't have understood if I had been able to hear him, which I never could. I can barely understand what he's saying at meals when things are considerably less tense and I don't have plugs in my ears.
The steps on cargo ships are a significant and absolute obstacle to anyone who has difficulty walking or breathing - or over the age of 63.