PRM boat access brackets

Sailing on the water aboard a sailboat or motorboat is a pleasure for many of us. However, this leisure activity remains difficult to access for people with reduced mobility (PRM) and the disabled. PRM boat access jibs and other boarding assistance systems provide access to boats and other craft. This equipment is part of a range of solutions that are essential for the accessibility of marinas and pontoons (by the sea, river and lake). These brackets can be installed on both docks or the pontoons as well as on the boats, making it possible for people with reduced mobility and disabilities to swim in the sea.

BOAT ACCESSIBILITY : A NEED FOR PRMS

Potence d'embarquement positionné sur un ponton dans le port de ROSCOFF.

Why is boat accessibility essential for PRMs?

Accessibility to boats for PRMs is not a question of comfort. It is an imperative of inclusion and equality. Like everyone else, people with reduced mobility and disabilities must be able to participate fully in water sports activities, both professionally and for leisure (sailing, regattas, apprenticeships, etc.).

Boat accessibility for disabled people: the challenges to be overcome

The main challenge remains infrastructure accessibility. The docks and floating pontoons at water sports centres are rarely designed to be accessible. In addition, the lack of facilities considerably restricts access to navigation for people with reduced mobility and disabilities.

PMR ACCESS BRACKETS - WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

Potence d'embarquement positionné sur un quai béton.

Definition and operation of PRM boat access jibs

PRM access jibs, also known as boating lifts or boarding jibs, are an essential piece of equipment for making water sports activities accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM) and the disabled. Designed like a boat access crane, this boarding device is intended to facilitate the entry and exit of boats such as sailboats, kayaks and motorboats when it is not possible to use an access ramp.

The operation of these PRM boat access jibs is generally fairly straightforward. They are generally fitted with a manual winch lifting mechanism that enables people with reduced mobility and disabilities to be lifted from their wheelchairs and transferred safely into the boat or into the water.

The deployment of these PRM access brackets in marinas and other quays and pontoons for access to water sports activities is an important step towards making boating more accessible. They comply with a series of standards to ensure user safety and comfort, while taking into account technical issues such as resistance to marine corrosion, robustness and reliability.

From the quayside to the boats: how do you install a PRM access bracket?

The installation of PRM access jibs can vary depending on the type of boat or structure where they are to be fitted. In practical terms, installation on a concrete quay is simple, but it becomes more complicated when it has to be installed on a floating pontoon or directly on a boat.

In general, the installation process begins with a site evaluation. This stage is crucial to ensuring that the PRM access bracket is not only functional but also safe.

Once the location has been decided, it’s time to decide how the jib is to be fixed, which may require the help of a design office if it is to be installed on a floating pontoon or a ship.

Finally, it is the fixing system that will determine the mobility of the stem, i.e. whether or not it can be removed after use for storage.

ADVANTAGES AND CONSTRAINTS OF PRM ACCESS BRACKETS

The benefits in terms of safety and comfort for PRMs

The PRM access jibs, although requiring a little handling, improve access to water sports activities for people with reduced mobility and disabilities (PRM). These boarding aids provide safety and comfort for users during transfers on boats or at sea. It is important to stress that their use goes beyond simply providing access to boats. It considerably broadens the range of nautical activities accessible to people with reduced mobility and disabilities, such as sailing, kayaking, rowing, taking part in regattas or simply taking sailing lessons or a boating licence.

Installation, height and maintenance constraints

Although PRM access jibs offer many advantages, it’s important to stress that these solutions also have their limitations. One of these constraints is installation, which can be complicated when the bracket has to be installed on a pontoon or boat. The help of a design office can be useful in choosing the position of the bracket and in making and fixing the baseplate or counterplate.

The height of the boats to be served and the level of the tides in relation to the jib attachment points are another constraint to be taken into account when defining the height of the mast and the travel of the lift.

Finally, regular maintenance of the boarding jibs is also a consideration. As these devices are designed to ensure safety and accessibility and are generally used in a demanding seaside environment, it is important that they are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure optimum performance.