Re-Boarding Device AKA Boarding Ladder

International Standards for boarding ladders: ISO 15085 section 16 says: “Any craft shall be provided with a means of re-boarding. Either it shall be equipped with a specific means of re-boarding from the water, e.g., ladders, steps, handholds, brackets; or it need not be equipped with a specific device if its characteristics (e.g., low freeboard or part of the hull) facilitate re-boarding from the water without a specific device.”

 

Installation/Maintenance Tips

 

1. The bottom rung should be deep enough to be comfortably reached.

 

2. Standoffs should keep the ladder vertical against a curved/sloped hull.

 

3. Ladder treads must be firmly clamped so they won’t rotate.

 

4. Drop down ladders need a pull line for deployment from the water.

 

5. Telescoping ladders must be kept lubricated for easy deployment.

 

6. Sturdy stainless-steel handles to pull oneself up to deck/platform level increase safety.

The factory installed “Boarding Ladder” on the Niagara 35 may meet Number 3. “Ladder treads must be firmly clamped so they won’t rotate”.

 

Otherwise;

1. The bottom rung is not deep enough to be comfortably reached.

2. The standoffs do not keep the ladder vertical against a curved/sloped hull.

4. There is no pull line for deployment from the water. Remotely deploying (dropping) a metal ladder with a pull line from above your head is neither practical nor safe. Having a metal ladder hit you in the head is the last thing you need.

5. Does not apply.

6. Pulling oneself up to deck/platform level would present a challenge to anyone other than a physical fit and very agile person.

 

Practical Considerations

I assume that the need to re-board your vessel results from finding yourself unexpectantly overboard, i.e. unintentioally falling overboard. On the other hand, if you decide to jump overboard, I would suggest lowering the ladder before you jump.

 

If you untentionally fall overboard, due consideration should be given to the circumstances. For example, are you stationary (i.e. anchored) or are you sailing/motoring (moving through the water).

 

If you are on the hook, you ladder should have been lowered (from the deck) as soon as the anchor is set.

 

If you are moving through the water, chances are that you will be left behind in a hurry.

 

What are the sea conditions and how do the conditions impact your ability to re-board? The water is not always calm. There are many sad stories of boaters falling overboard and were completely overwhelmed by the sea conditions.

My Solution

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.