Most divers who have dived from boats know that before they enter the water, they need to check that nobody is below them. Also, while using a ladder to climb back on-board after the dive, they make sure that nobody is below them if they should fall. But there’s more to consider when it comes to boat ladder safety. Guy Thomas takes a closer look at diver safety and good practice around dive boat ladders
Divers are reminded frequently about the above two safety precautions as part of the dive briefing. During the briefing, you should be told which pieces of equipment to remove prior climbing back on-board; this can differ from dive boat to dive boat, and location to location. Not all ladders, nor dive conditions, are the same everywhere.
You may find, for example, that H-ladders require you to remove your fins, while T-ladders, which are also common and user friendly, allow you to keep your fins on.
Boat Ladder Safety – Watch Those Fingers!
One thing that is less known among divers and often not mentioned during briefings is how to avoid hand/finger injuries when climbing up the boat ladder. Sea conditions can make climbing up ladders more difficult, and although some boats have fixed boat ladders, much of the time divers will have to deal with moving, foldable ladders.
This type of ladder need not be a problem, if you are aware of your boat ladder safety. First, be aware that these ladders are usually attached to the boat by a hinge. This allows the ladder to move up and down with the swell. Many of these hinges cannot be locked, so the ladder will move with or without a diver on the ladder.
Think of the ladder as a ‘nutcracker’. Imagine one handle of the nutcracker being fixed, while you push on the other handle. The nut will crack open without having to apply much force. The boat ladder works in the same way. One ‘handle’ is the boat, the other is the ladder. When the ladder goes upwards (your legs go backwards when standing on the ladder) – in effect opening the nutcracker.
But when the ladder goes downwards again, you really don’t want to get your hands or fingers caught between the two moving parts. Should this happen, you will not be able to release the pressure as all your weight is on the ladder and consequently, you will end up with crushed or lacerated hands or fingers, perhaps even an amputation!
The same applies to any other moving parts of ladders. These injuries can be avoided with basic boat ladder safety: just look carefully where you place your hands. Sometimes it is easier said than done as the swell might make climbing on board challenging and you might not pay much attention to where your hands are placed.
Ladder design can mitigate the risk of hand and finger injuries and dive centres are encouraged to do a thorough risk assessment and make sure their ladders are as safe as possible.
About the author
Guy Thomas is an expert diving and First Aid Instructor Trainer and works full-time as Director of Safety Programmes at DAN Europe, where he is responsible for the development and implementation of the DAN Europe Safety Initiatives. He also is a member of the Special Rescue Team of the Italian Red Cross and operates as a Helicopter Rescue Swimmer/Diver Medic, onboard a SAR helicopter of the Italian State Police.
A final word on boat ladder safety… head injuries. It rarely happens, but just be aware that when there is a large swell, the ladder will rise up pretty far and will then crash into the water on the down swell.
Make sure you are not under the ladder at that moment. This can also be challenging where strong undercurrents push you towards the ladder. Though you might think it will make it easier to grab onto, never surface too close to the ladder – it could ruin your whole day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is dive boat ladder safety important?
Improper use of ladders can lead to serious hand, finger, or head injuries. Understanding ladder design and boat conditions helps reduce risks.
Should I remove my fins before climbing a dive ladder?
It depends on the ladder type. H-ladders often require fins off, while T-ladders usually allow you to keep them on. Always follow the boat briefing.
How can I avoid hand and finger injuries on dive ladders?
Be mindful of where you place your hands. Avoid hinges or moving parts that act like a “nutcracker” and could crush or lacerate fingers.
What should I do if the sea swell makes climbing difficult?
Stay calm, hold securely, and time your movements with the swell. Never rush. If needed, wait for assistance from the crew.
Can dive ladders cause head injuries?
Yes, in heavy swell, hinged ladders can rise and crash into the water. Avoid surfacing directly under the ladder to prevent serious injury.
DAN Membership
Before taking the plunge make sure your DAN membership is still active. If it isn’t, join DAN or renew your membership at: www.daneurope.org Your DAN membership ensures the services of the biggest international network for assisting divers anywhere, during any emergency.
This article was originally published in Scuba Diver UK #82
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