60 BASIC POWERBOATING. SAFETY & RESCUE FOR SAILING INSTRUCTORS Boarding Ladder


Ladder – Best on hard-sided boats.


There are a number of types ranging from rope ladders, telescoping or folding metal ladders, gunwale-mounted hook ladders, and fold-down transom ladders. There should be at least two steps below the water. Rope ladders are easy to stow, but are difficult to climb as they have no stand-off distance from the hull for hands and feet, and tend to swing under the bottom of the boat, making it almost impossible for less agile people. A rigid ladder avoids many of these shortcomings. If it is removable, compact and secure stowage may be a problem, even if it folds up. A fold-down ladder mounted on the transom or stern platform is used successfully on many waterskiing boats, but rough sea conditions can make its use hazardous.


Retrieve & Transfer


This uses a low-freeboard boat whether it is power, paddle, sail, or a life raft to retrieve a PIW and transfer the person to a higher freeboard safety boat.


Person Is Exhausted & Unable To Assist


If the person in the water is too tired to assist, a combination of the Underarm Assist Lift and the Leg & Arm Roll methods can be used. Another method, although there is more stress on the PIW’s shoulder joints, is to grasp each other’s forearms and draw the person up until his waist is on the rail.


Person Is Unconscious or Seriously Injured Your options will be affected by the seriousness of the injury and whether you can get professional assistance experienced with the type of injury to the scene or if you have additional nearby safety boats that can assist. If the PIW cannot be brought into the boat, the safety boat should be anchored and a MAYDAY distress call be made to the Coast Guard (if within its coverage) or a call to the local on-water rescue units. Until additional assistance arrives, it may be necessary to stabilize the person. Of greatest importance is to maintain an airway by keeping the person’s mouth above the water. A sling or net can be used to lift the person high enough so that he or she can breathe without having to time the breaths according to waves.


Table of Contents


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