SOME DIAGRAMS MISSING FROM THIS (AND ISAF) PAGE (fgis 6-9)

For the well-being of both sailors and helpers, it is essential to learn the best way to transfer safely into and out of a boat. Successful transfers help to build the confidence of all concerned, with the result that all will be enthusiastic and fit to turn up again next time.

Communication Good communication is the key to success. Discuss the needs of the sailor and the demands of the situation; then together plan the transfer. Someone should take the lead, if only to count down to the moment of combined effort in a lift.

Check that Help is Needed Help is essential for some, desirable for many and unnecessary for others. Find out what the sailor prefers. Keep checking; a sailor may start the day able to transfer but may welcome extra help after a long, hard sail. Who wouldn't?

An experienced, sailing physiotherapist recommends 'Focus on the sailor's back-side! 

If that's in the right place, the rest will be too!'

Preparation Make sure that the area for the transfer is free of clutter; then:

• Secure the boat fore and aft to maximise stability; position the boat to allow the shortest transfer distance (This usually means with the stern close to the jetty.)
• Keep clear of cleats and other obstructions at the point of transfer
• Watch out for splinters and sharp edges
• Where appropriate, lower the guard rail on the boat
• Wear a life-jacket.

The Three Stage Transfer It is a good idea to think of the transfer in three parts, regardless of whether a person is using a wheelchair, has difficulty walking or is visually impaired (Fig. 1).

Three Stage Transfer
1. Move from the chair or standing position to a stiting position on the jetty.
2.Shift the back-side from the jetty to the deck of the boat and then transfer the legs. (Some sailors prefer to transfer their legs first.)
3. Move from the deck to the cocpit

Transferring with Two Helpers This transfer technique works well in most situations. However, it may not be suitable for all sailors, particularly if they have weak or painful arms or shoulders; check.

The wheelchair user should move to a position alongside and parallel with the boat, leaving sufficient space to sit on the jetty between the boat and the chair. Put the brakes on. Lift the back of the wheelchair, or remove the arm support on the transfer side.

The stronger helper (Helper One) should take the main body weight, while the other helper (Helper Two) lifts the legs.

The sailor grips his/her own wrists across the chest (Fig. 2). Helper One puts his/her hands under the sailor's armpits and grips the sailor's forearms (Fig. 2).

Helper Two grips under the sailor's knees (Fig. 3).  After a countdown, lift the sailor onto the jetty (Fig. 4.)

Helper One puts one leg onto the deck of the boat and after moving his/her weight onto that leg, lifts the sailor's trunk onto the deck (Fig. 5).

Helper Two transfers the sailor's legs (Some sailors prefer to transfer their legs first.)

Both helpers then transfer the sailor into the cockpit.

Reverse this procedure to disembark.

To avoid injury to the lower back, helpers should use their stronger leg muscles by bending their knees during any lift.

Transferring to a Chair Sailors happy to embark unaided may welcome help when disembarking. A little assistance (from anyone) may be all that is needed to boost or conserve the sailor's own abilities. Although they are not suitable for everyone, the following ideas have proved useful (if sometimes unconventional).

• Lift via the webbing on a life-jacket (Fig. 6).
• Lift via a loop of webbing added to the back of a Jay Protector (Arrow, Fig. 7).
• Two helpers lift under the sailor's armpits and share the weight of the trunk (Fig. 8). Sometimes it's useful if the sailor grips under his/her own knees.
• Simply lift via the trouser waist-line or belt.

Boat Hook

Sailors with disabilities may find it difficult to disembark across the foredeck. In a cross wind, it may be necessary to pull the stern of a boat towards the jetty. A boat hook can be very handy for this. The addition of a garden tool handle makes a boat hook more useful (Fig. 9).

Cushions
Cushions are vital pieces of equipment for sailors with disabilities. They are:

• Essential for skin protection for those with no sensation due to paralysis
• Important for the comfort of someone with limited movement, sitting for long periods
• Useful for someone with lack of trunk stability, or in need of support to maintain a particular position e.g. to reach winches or sheets.

It is useful to have spare cushions available during transfers to use as 'stepping stones' for sailors who need constant protection. Ordinary foam wheelchair cushions can be used, but they tend to soak up water. Alternatives include:

• Layers of closed cell foam glued together. Holes drilled through this 'sandwich' prevent water settling on the surface and provide a means of tying the cushion securely to the seat of the boat.
• A Jay Protector (JP). Manufactured in America, this patent device is fast becoming essential for the committed paraplegic sailor with no sensation in the back-side. The JP is a small pad filled with a patented gel. The pad fits inside a sling which is strapped to the body to protect the sailor's buttocks (Fig. 7). The JP provides protection in the wheelchair, during transfer on the jetty and in the boat. It is designed to be worn outside protective clothing and will protect waterproofs. Some sailors wear a JP underneath their waterproofs to make sure it is not displaced during manoeuvres.
• A Roho. Available for use in wheelchairs, a Roho is an inflatable rubber cushion (therefore unaffected by water) with the appearance of an egg box. It provides excellent protection and comfort in the boat. Care must be taken to avoid punctures. It is available in regular and 'active' profiles.

Aids to Transfer If people with disabilities sail regularly from a fixed venue, it may be worth considering permanent aids to transfer. Such aids vary from simple to complex:

A sliding board is useful where the transfer gap is wide and the deck is at a similar height to the seat of the chair (Fig. 10).

A transfer box provides trunk support (Fig. 11).

A webbing loop (two metres of 500 mm webbing joined end to end) can be passed under the armpits and behind the knees (Fig. 12).

A bosun's chair or medical sling can be used for transfer (Fig. 13). It is sometimes simpler to keep the sling around the body while sailing so that it is ready for disembarkation.

A block & tackle can be rigged on the boom or main halyard, and used in conjunction with the above 'suspending' devices.

A hoist can be installed on a stable dock. However, this may be unsuitable for a floating pontoon. A hoist is particularly useful if mounted on the outside corner of a dock where it can be used for both the front and side (Fig. 14).  

Cranes for launching boats can be used for transferring people; however, they are not for the faint-hearted.

A gantry is useful ashore in preparation for a beach launch (Fig. 15).

Lifting puts helpers at risk of injury. But if mechanical lifting devices are not simple, at hand and practical, they will not be used. The design of lifting devices is worthy of more research. In the mean-time, human help remains readily available, flexible and portable.

After Embarkation It is the sailor's responsibility to check that the boat is rigged and ready to sail, and that he/she has everything needed including drinks, snacks, sailing instructions, hat, sun-block etc. It is handy to have someone around to fetch (or simply to blame for) forgotten things!

Before leaving the jetty, allow extra time and assistance to ensure that a visually impaired sailor has orientated him/herself and has organised the boat to his/her satisfaction.

Always practise the chosen transfer technique on land. In reality, you could be transferring from an unstable pontoon to an unstable boat - in freezing temperatures, strong winds and pouring rain. Indeed, you could be embarking on an adventure.