Anti-Slip Pontoon & Harbour
Artist’s impression of world class superyacht and residential project on Peru’s South Pacific Coast.
the longevity, as well as structural stability, of this bulkhead has been dramatically compromised, as has the ability to use the immediately adjacent upland area for facilities such as car parking or boat storage. Was the change worth it? Probably not, but I do understand that there certainly are times when hard choices have to be made. However, too often those choices are made without better understanding the consequences.
Safety ladders As one plans for undertaking almost any project, a major factor to be considered is the functionality of the design and its components. A simple example is safety ladders at marinas. The function is to have someone who has fallen into the dock able to safely and quickly access a ladder to get out of the water. There are numerous choices and, like virtually every project or approach, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are fixed and have the steps in the water all the time; some have clips or latches to release the steps to slide into the water; some have steps on top of the dock that swing down into the water; and some have floatation attached to the bottom step that keeps the steps out of the water when not in use, but allows the steps to sink into the water by simply pulling down. The goals are common, but their approaches and functionality differ greatly. For us, the compelling issue is ease and safe use in times of emergency when one is distressed or panicking. Those steps that are in the water all the time, while easy enough to access, will typically have fouling organisms such as seaweed and barnacles attached to the steps making them
slippery and/or potentially cut- producing when used. I know – I’ve sliced a toe or two open on one of these barnacle-encrusted ladders. Was it the end of the world? No, but it wasn’t exactly fun either! Those where you have to release a pin or latch assume clear thinking and take time to engage, again compromising the functionality in times of emergency. Then, there are also the ladders that have the floatation attached to the bottom step that can be pulled down with one finger, or perhaps even an unscathed toe. As you may have guessed, the latter float ladder is the one we believe is the most functional, especially in times of emergencies. Of course, it is also typically about the most expensive. Is it worth it? Well, yes and it’s not just because it inherently functions better, but by incorporating such a ladder it sends a message to your customers that is worth more than the incremental cost. There’s an old Kenny Rogers song that goes something like this, “You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em/Know when to fold ‘em / … the secret to survivin’/Is knowin’ what to throw away/And knowin’ what to keep.” I know it’s not always easy finding that balance, but I also know it’s always worth engaging in a bit of ‘give and take’ to help get you there!
*Dan Natchez is President of Daniel S. Natchez and Associates Inc, a leading international environmental waterfront design consulting company specialising in the design of marinas and marina resorts throughout the world. Your comments and enquiries are invited on Tel: +1 914 698 5678, by Fax: +1 914 698 7321, by E-mail:
dan.n@dsnainc.com or on his Website:
www.dsnainc.com
NATCHEZ ON THE WATERFRONT 17
Solutions for the MARINA INDUSTRY
WPC Decking GRP Gangways GRP Walkways GRP Bridge Decks GRP Hand Railing GRP Decking Strips GRP Pontoon Ladders GRP Ramps & Slipways GRP Anti-Slip Marina Grating GRP Maintenance Platforms
www.decksafe.co.uk 01206 322 899 MARINA INDUSTRY • APRIL 2021
LONG-LASTING,
LOW-MAINTENANCE ALTERNATIVES TO TIMBER & STEEL
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