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The primary device used to transport personnel aboard a ship is a ladder. Ladders are specifically designed for vertical access and are commonly employed in maritime settings for crew members and passengers to safely embark and disembark from the vessel. They are particularly suitable for ships, as they can be easily deployed and stored, offering a stable means of climbing up and down between different levels of the ship, especially when it is moored or docked.

While other options like elevators or escalators could facilitate vertical movement, they are not typically used on ships due to space constraints, weight considerations, and the variable conditions that can occur at sea. Ramps, while useful for accommodating wheeled conveyances and ensuring seamless transitions between different heights, do not provide the same level of vertical access for personnel. Thus, the ladder stands out as the most practical and traditional method for transporting individuals aboard a ship.