Abstract: A universal staging bracket is supported on the sloping side of a steel ship or the like by means of a base plate having key hole apertures which engage headed studs welded to the side of the ship. A support arm is pivotally mounted on the base plate for disposition in a horizontal position when the base plate is not vertically disposed. A support leg is pivotally mounted on the base plate for pivotal movement to accommodate complex curvatures in the side of the ship and a telescopic knee brace is pivotally connected at opposite ends between the support leg and the support arm.