Access to Outdoors (ATO) is focused on improving access to marine environments and sailing for persons with disAbilities through the following...
1. We assess marine sites for accessibility and then post the results of those assessments in our Marine Access Guide and on other sites (Cities, Counties, State or Federal Gov). Persons with disAbilities can use the guide to determine if they can access the water from a facility noted in the guide. When we find a facility is lacking adequate accessibility, we then work to make the site accessible. We also work to create new accessible facilities. In the end accessibility is improved for all. Visit our Marine Access Guide.
2. We help persons with disAbilities become independent (as possible) in sailing via assessing a person's functional strengths and limitations, and then fit them to the right sailboat with or without adaptive equipment.
3. Individual Accessible/Adaptive Sailing lessons available. Click Here to learn more or sign up for a class.
Contact Us, Donate, or Volunteer... Please email us at accesstooutdoors@gmail.com
VIDEOS
HOBIE 16 TRAPSEAT CHAMPIONSHIPS. Canadian news interview.
1997 WORLD TRAPSEAT SAILING CHAMPIONSHIPS. Racing in Australia.
Paralyzed Vets of America CONTINUE video. Trapseat sailing at 19:40 minute mark.
PICTURES
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ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES AND RESOURCES
ACCESSIBLE BOATING FACILITIES
“Whenever a door is closed to anyone because of a disability, we must work to open it.... Whenever any barrier stands between you and the full rights and dignity of citizenship, we must work to remove it, in the name of simple decency and justice. The promise of the ADA...has enabled people with disabilities to enjoy much greater access to a wide range of affordable travel, recreational opportunities and life-enriching services.” President George W. Bush, New Freedom Initiative, February 1, 2001
This information has been developed and reviewed in accordance with the (ADA) Access Board’s information quality guidelines (www.access-board.gov/infoquality.htm).
Accessibility Guidelines for Recreation Marine Facilities
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. The ADA requires that newly constructed and altered state and local government facilities, places of public accommodation, and commercial facilities be readily accessible to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities. The ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) is the standard applied to buildings and facilities. Recreational facilities, including boating facilities, are among the facilities required to comply with the ADA.
The Access Board issued accessibility guidelines for newly constructed and altered recreation facilities in 2002. The recreation facility guidelines are a supplement to ADAAG. As a supplement, they must be used in conjunction with ADAAG. References to ADAAG are mentioned throughout this summary. Once these guidelines are adopted by the Department of Justice (DOJ), all newly designed, constructed and altered recreation facilities covered by the ADA will be required to comply.
Access To Outdoors has altered the ADAAG guidelines to include just boating facilities, but has also added new developments that enhance accessibility at boating facilities, such as chutes and lifts. The recreation boating facility guidelines supplied here cover the following boating and marine-based facilities and elements:
■ Boating facilities ■ Platforms and fishing piers ■ Chutes and Lifts
This altered guide is intended to help designers and operators in using the accessibility guidelines for boating facilities with assistance from Access To Outdoors. These guidelines establish minimum accessibility requirements for newly designed or newly constructed and altered boating facilities. This guide is not a collection of boating facility designs. Rather, it provides specifications for elements within a boating facility to create a general level of usability for individuals with disabilities. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that individuals with disabilities are generally able to access the boating facility and use a variety of elements. Designers and operators are encouraged to exceed the guidelines (Access To Outdoors can help you do this in a beneficial and cost effective way) where possible to provide increased accessibility and opportunities. Incorporating accessibility into the design of a boating facility should begin early in the planning process with careful consideration to accessible routes.
The recreation facility guidelines were developed with significant public participation. In 1993, the Access Board established an advisory committee of 27 members to recommend accessibility guidelines for recreation facilities, followed by a public input period. Final rules was published in September 2002.
Boating Facilities
The recreation facility guidelines described in this guide focus on newly designed or newly constructed and altered boating facilities. Other provisions contained in ADAAG address elements commonly found at a boating facility, such as accessible vehicle parking spaces, exterior accessible routes, and toilet and bathing facilities. ADAAG addresses only the built environment (structures and grounds). The guidelines do not address operational issues of a facility.
Recreational boating facilities can include fixed and floating facilities. Facilities can vary in size from one boat slip (for example, at a small campground facility) to several thousand slips, and can handle boats ranging in size from small canoes to large sailboats and powerboats. Facilities may be located in the same waterfront area or even in the same site (such as a State park with a large lake) and include marinas, launching facilities, piers, and docks that are designed for recreational use.
These guidelines do not cover the design of passenger vessels or ferry docks, and do not address access on and off passenger vessels. These issues will be addressed in future rule-making for passenger vessels by the ADAAG.
Accessible Routes
ADAAG requires that at least one accessible route connect accessible buildings, facilities, elements, and spaces on a site. Accessible boat slips, accessible boarding piers at boat launch ramps, and other accessible spaces and elements within a boating facility must also be connected by an accessible route. The accessible route must comply with ADAAG provisions for the location, width (minimum of 36 inches. 48 inches to 60 inches is preferred), passing space, head room, surface, slope (maximum of 1:12 or 8.33%), changes in level, doors, egress, and areas of rescue assistance, unless otherwise modified by specific provisions outlined in this guide. It is recommended that paths be as straight as possible, particularly if a wheelchair user has to transport ones craft solo.
A gangway is a variable-sloped pedestrian walkway linking a fixed structure or land with a floating structure. Where gangways are provided as part of accessible routes to connect accessible boat slips on floating piers, the following exceptions to the ADAAG accessible route provisions have been included in the guidelines to deal with the varying water level changes and other factors in this dynamic environment. Designers and operators should note that there are no exceptions to the accessible route requirements where the accessible route connects fixed piers to land or other fixed structures.
Gangways designed for the least possible slope will provide more independent access for persons with disabilities. As a minimum however, gangways must be designed to provide for a maximum 1:12 (8.33%) slope but are not required to be longer than 80 feet in length. For example, if the vertical distance between where the gangway departs the land-side/shore connection and the elevation of the pier surface at the lowest water level is 10 feet, the gangway would have to be at least 80 feet long. As water levels rise and fall, gangway slopes also rise and fall. At times, this gangway slope may be less than 1:20 (5%) and at other times it may be more than 1:12 (8.33%). In smaller facilities with less than 25 boat slips, the slope of the gangway may exceed 1:12 (8.33%), if the gangway is at least 30 feet long.
The maximum rise requirements in ADAAG do not apply to gangways. As a result, no intermediate landings on the gangways are required and gangways may be any length.
The gangway slope and rise exceptions do not apply to other sloped walking surfaces that may be part of the accessible route. For example, where a non-gangway sloped walking surface greater than 1:20 (5%) is provided as part of an accessible route connecting accessible spaces of a boating facility, it must comply with ADAAG slope and rise requirements. This would include a ramp connecting a fixed pier or a float with fixed switchback ramps.
Gangway Alterations
Gangways on existing boating facilities may be repaired or replaced without triggering the requirement to increase the gangway length. However, if the areas altered contain primary functions (such as a boat slip or boat dock), existing gangways are considered part of the path of travel to the altered primary function area and must be made accessible, if the cost to do so is not disproportionate. The Department of Justice has determined that it is not disproportionate to spend up to an additional 20 percent of the overall costs of alterations to the primary function areas to make the path of travel accessible.
Transition Plates
Transition plates are sloping pedestrian walking surfaces located at the end of a gangway. Gangways are not required to have landings at the end, if transition plates are provided. If the slope of a transition plate is greater than 1:20 (5%), the transition plate must have a landing at the non-gangway end of the transition plate and comply with other ADAAG ramp requirements.
Handrail Extensions
ADAAG addresses handrail height, diameter, and extensions provided to the end of the gangway. Other specifications regarding vertical supports are not addressed by ADDAG, but may be addressed in local building codes. Handrail extensions are not required where gangways and transition plates connect and both are provided with handrails. ADAAG does not require handrails on sloped surfaces that have a rise of less than 6 inches or a projection less than 72 inches, or a slope of 1:20 (5%) or less. Where handrail extensions are provided, they do not need to be parallel with the ground or floor surface, since the surface may be moving due to water conditions.
Cross Slope
The cross slopes of gangways, transition plates and floating piers that are part of an accessible route must be designed and constructed to not exceed a maximum of 2 percent (1:50). Gangways and piers that are part of an accessible route are expected to be designed and constructed to meet the 2 percent requirement. Once placed in the water, measurements, absent live loads, are to be made from a static condition (i.e., absence of movement that results from wind, waves, etc.). Where floating piers are grounded out due to low water conditions, slope requirements would not apply.
Elevators and Platform Lifts
In addition to regular elevators, limited use/limited application elevators (smaller, slower elevators used for low-traffic, low-rise facilities) or platform lifts that comply with ADAAG may be used instead of gangways as part of an accessible route connecting floating piers.
Lifts and cranes that give access to boats and directly into the water are not required by the ADAAG rules but greatly enhance access, should be considered where and when possible.
Direct Water Access Ramp (DWAR)
Direct Water Access Ramp (DWAR) gives a person who uses a wheelchair for mobility direct access to the water, away from motorized boats. This is a commonly overlooked item at most boating facilities, because currently such a path is not required by the ADAAG rules. A DWAP is similar to a boat launch that is 48 inches to preferably 60 inches wide or more, with no greater scope than 8.33%. The ramps end at the waters edge should be at least 60 inches in and under the water. It should be made of a materiel that does not allow wave action to erode or displace, and is easy for a wheelchair to roll on. A boat launch should never be used as DWAR, due to the danger of motorized boats with propellers being near a person. DWAR's are used for accessing the water to cool off, swim, or access ones kayak/canoe.
Transfer Systems... for small crafts, i.e. Kayaks, Canoes, small sailboats
One of the big challenges for persons without the use of their legs, persons with balance issues, etc. is getting in and out of their water crafts. A Transfer Bench/Station is a system that is level with a wheelchair seat, which allows the person to move from his chair to the bench, once on the bench the person can slide toward the craft and enter it. Some Transfer Benches have a board like plank that slides out of the bench and over the top of the water craft, allowing a person to drop directly into the water craft. Some Transfer Benches have no transfer slide plank, but is just a level beach, or better ones have shallow steps that one successively moves down to get to the level of their water craft, once at the end of the bench one pivots towards their water craft, and then goes down into the craft (reverse the process to get out). Many Transfer Systems will have a grab rails to assist a person in out of their craft. If no grab rail and/or transfer plank systems are available then its highly likely a person with a disAbility will need assistance from another person with sufficient strength and mobility to assist them in and out of their water craft... not ideal of course, but even without these features a bench will greatly assist in this process.
Kayak, Canoe, Small Sailboat Cradle/Stability/lifts Systems
Some accessible dock systems have a cradle like system to help stabilize a water craft so its does not rock excessively while a person is getting in and out of their craft. Many of these cradle systems have a hull slide system (rollers) to assist the craft in and out of the water. These systems must have a grab rail on both sides of the slide so a person can pull themselves up and down it. If a slide system does not have a grab rail system then its not in the least to be considered accessible. Other cradle systems act like an elevator lifting the water craft in and out of the water. Some elevator systems are strong enough to lift the craft while a person is in it, some are not.
A boat slip is the portion of a pier, main pier, finger pier, or float where a boat is berthed or moored, or used for embarking or disembarking. Where boat slips are provided, the number of boat slips required to be accessible must comply with the table shown to the right. In these guidelines, boarding piers that are not part of boat launch ramps are also classified as boat slips. For purposes of these guidelines, piers not typically thought of as providing boat slips where boats can be moored, such as a fuel pier, are also included in determining the total number of slips at the facility.
If boat slips at a facility are not identified or demarcated by length, each 40 feet of boat slip edge along the perimeter of a pier will be counted as one boat slip. For example, a new boating facility will provide a single 60-foot pier with boats moored parallel to the pier on both sides. The pier has 120 feet of boat slip edge, which equates to three boat slips. According to the table, one slip must be accessible, with clear pier space at least 40 feet long and a minimum width of 60 inches. In this case, the width of the pier is not considered when totaling the amount of boat slip edge, since it is not designed for mooring. Another new boating facility plans to provide a single pier that is 25 feet long and 3 feet wide and will allow boats to moor on both sides and on one end. The pier has 53 feet of boat slip edge, which equates to two boat slips. According to the table, one slip must be accessible, and the width of the pier must be increased to a minimum of 60 inches.
Dispersion
Accessible boat slips must be dispersed throughout the various types of slips a facility provides, but a facility does not have to provide more accessible boat slips than required in the table. Accessible slips may be grouped on one pier if the requirement for different types of slips is met. Types could include shallow-water or deep water; transient or longer-term lease; covered or uncovered; and whether slips are equipped with features such as telephone, water, electricity, or cable connections.
Accessible boat slips do not need to be marked and are not reserved in the same way as accessible vehicle parking spaces. For example, facilities should hold the accessible slips open for persons with disabilities until all other slips are filled. At that point, the slip may be made available for general use. For seasonal slip holders, accessible slips should be held until the expiration period for slip contracts has expired. Marina operators may choose to make information regarding accessible boat slips available in promotional material or a facility guide. Ensuring that accessible slips are available to persons with disabilities is an operational issue and operators should contact the Department of Justice for further information.
Accessible Boat Slips
Accessible boat slips must have clear pier space at least 60 inches wide and as long as the slip. Providing more than 60 inches wide clear space will improve safety for people with disabilities, especially on floating piers. This space is the minimum necessary for individuals with disabilities to have sufficient space adjacent to their boat slip to use a chair lift or transfer device for getting on or off their vessel and provide a turning space for changing directions. Every 10 feet of linear pier edge serving the accessible slips must have at least one continuous clear opening that is at least 60 inches wide. There are three exceptions:
■ The width of the clear pier space may be 36 inches wide for a length of 24 inches, as long as multiple 36-inch segments are separated by segments that are 60 inches minimum clear in width and 60 inches minimum clear in length, and the clear openings are at least 60 inches deep.
■ Edge protection is not required, but if provided, it can be 4 inches high maximum and 2 inches deep maximum at the continuous clear openings.
■ In alterations, facilities with finger piers must have at least one accessible finger pier, which is the length of the boat slip and a minimum of 60 inches wide. Other accessible slips can be located perpendicular to the end of the pier with clearance extending the width of the slip. In facilities without finger piers, at least one accessible slip must be parallel to the pier and be a minimum of 60 inches wide (shown above).
Cleats and other boat securement devices at accessible slips do not have to comply with ADAAG reach range requirements. However, clear space must be provided at each securement device and each device must be located on an accessible route. This reach range exception does not apply to other controls and operating mechanisms such as hose bibbs, water supply hoses, outlets for electrical power, telephones, or cable TV.
Accessible Non-Motorized Kayak/Canoe Piers
There are several dock/pier manufactures who build specially designed accessible kayak/canoe piers for persons with disabilities to transfer in and out a kayak/canoe, and water safely. The pier includes a transfer station and kayak/canoe cradle system that keeps the craft from capsizing, and includes rails to assist the person with a disabilities to guide his/her craft in and out of the pier launch system. The piers/docks must meet ADAAG rules, but the pier transfer station and kayak/canoe guidance system is not officially required YET. The kayak launch system should be at least 48 inches wide or preferably 60 inches wide, and be 12-18 feet long.
Kayak/Canoe Chute
A Kayak/Canoe chute is a launch and retrieval system specifically designed to get a kayak to and from a pier or water via either a long ramp, or rails, rollers, system. When a gangway is to steep for example such a system makes it easier and safer for a person with a disability to get their craft to and from the pier/water. There are no ADAAG requirements for such a system but a chute should at least have free uninhibited cross space of 48 inches wide minimum or up to 60 inches preferably. There should also be a simple winch system to help pull the a craft back up a chute, and be electric if possible. The scope of the system is dependent on if the craft will slide freely down to a pier or the water. If very steep again a winch is needed to get the craft back up the chute.
Boarding Piers at Boat Launch Ramps
A boarding pier (sometimes called a courtesy pier or a launch dock) is the part of a pier where a boat is temporarily moored for embarking and disembarking. A boat launch ramp is a sloped surface designed for launching and retrieving trailered boats and other watercraft to and from a body of water. The provisions for boarding piers cover only those that are associated with boat launch ramps. Boarding piers that are not part of a boat launch ramp are classified as “boat slips” for purposes of these guidelines.
If boarding piers at boat launch ramps are provided, at least 5 percent but not less than one, must comply with these guidelines and be served by an accessible route. The exceptions for gangways, previously described above, may be applied to boarding piers (see pages 5–8).
In addition, gangways connecting floating boarding piers may exceed the maximum slope specified in the guidelines, if the total length of the gangway is at least 30 feet.
ADAAG ramp requirements do not apply to the portion of the accessible route serving a floating boarding pier or skid pier if it is located within a boat launch ramp. For example, a facility provides a chain of floats on a launch ramp to be used as an accessible boarding pier. At high water, the entire chain is floating and a transition plate connects the first float to the surface of the launch ramp. As the water level decreases, segments of the chain rest on the launch ramp surface, matching the slope of the launch ramp. An accessible route must serve the last float because it would function as the boarding pier at the lowest water level, before it possibly grounded out. Because the entire chain also functions as a boarding pier, it must comply with all ADAAG provisions, including the 60-inch minimum clear pier width provision.
Another facility provides a non-floating boarding pier that is supported by piles and divides a launch area into two launch ramps. An accessible route must connect the boarding pier with other accessible buildings, facilities, elements and spaces on the site. Although the boarding pier is located within a launch ramp, because the pier is not a floating pier or a skid pier, no exceptions apply. To comply with ADAAG, the accessible route could run down between the two launch ramps. Or, the fixed boarding pier could be relocated to the side of one of the launch ramps, which would allow the slope of the launch ramps to remain unchanged since the accessible route would run outside the launch ramps. Boarding Pier Clearances The entire length of accessible boarding piers must comply with the same technical provisions that apply to boat slips. There is no minimum length for the pier. However, the accessible boarding pier should be at least as long as other piers provided at the facility. If no other boarding pier is provided, it should be at least as long as what would have been provided if no access requirements applied. For example, at a launch ramp, if a 20-foot accessible boarding pier is provided, the entire 20 feet must comply with the pier clearance requirements. If a 60-foot accessible boarding pier is provided, the entire 60 feet must comply with the pier clearance requirements.
Launch Ramps Without Boarding Piers
There are no specific provisions that address access to launch ramps without boarding piers. The Department of Justice advises that if there are no applicable scoping requirements (i.e., how many features must be accessible), then a reasonable number, but at least one, must be accessible. It is recommended that an accessible route serve at least one launch ramp. The portion of the accessible route located within the launch ramp is not required to comply with the slope requirements for accessible routes.
More Information
You can obtain copies of the recreation facility guidelines, which include boating facilities, and further technical assistance from us with Access To Outdoors 208-704-4781 accesstooutdoors@gmail.com . Also via the ADA Access Board at www.access-board.gov
Files a Complaint
How to enforcement the ADA Access Board recreational facilities and Architectural Barriers Act rules?
If you feel a particular recreational facility that may have been federally funded should be fully or partially accessible you can file a complaint with us and we will look into it. Simply email us at accesstooutdoors@gmail.com or call/text 208-704-4454
In addition one can file a complaint with the ADA Access Board (ADAAB) at this link http://1.usa.gov/1JyLAB2
“Whenever a door is closed to anyone because of a disability, we must work to open it.... Whenever any barrier stands between you and the full rights and dignity of citizenship, we must work to remove it, in the name of simple decency and justice. The promise of the ADA...has enabled people with disabilities to enjoy much greater access to a wide range of affordable travel, recreational opportunities and life-enriching services.” President George W. Bush, New Freedom Initiative, February 1, 2001
This information has been developed and reviewed in accordance with the (ADA) Access Board’s information quality guidelines (www.access-board.gov/infoquality.htm).
Accessibility Guidelines for Recreation Marine Facilities
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. The ADA requires that newly constructed and altered state and local government facilities, places of public accommodation, and commercial facilities be readily accessible to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities. The ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) is the standard applied to buildings and facilities. Recreational facilities, including boating facilities, are among the facilities required to comply with the ADA.
The Access Board issued accessibility guidelines for newly constructed and altered recreation facilities in 2002. The recreation facility guidelines are a supplement to ADAAG. As a supplement, they must be used in conjunction with ADAAG. References to ADAAG are mentioned throughout this summary. Once these guidelines are adopted by the Department of Justice (DOJ), all newly designed, constructed and altered recreation facilities covered by the ADA will be required to comply.
Access To Outdoors has altered the ADAAG guidelines to include just boating facilities, but has also added new developments that enhance accessibility at boating facilities, such as chutes and lifts. The recreation boating facility guidelines supplied here cover the following boating and marine-based facilities and elements:
■ Boating facilities ■ Platforms and fishing piers ■ Chutes and Lifts
This altered guide is intended to help designers and operators in using the accessibility guidelines for boating facilities with assistance from Access To Outdoors. These guidelines establish minimum accessibility requirements for newly designed or newly constructed and altered boating facilities. This guide is not a collection of boating facility designs. Rather, it provides specifications for elements within a boating facility to create a general level of usability for individuals with disabilities. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that individuals with disabilities are generally able to access the boating facility and use a variety of elements. Designers and operators are encouraged to exceed the guidelines (Access To Outdoors can help you do this in a beneficial and cost effective way) where possible to provide increased accessibility and opportunities. Incorporating accessibility into the design of a boating facility should begin early in the planning process with careful consideration to accessible routes.
The recreation facility guidelines were developed with significant public participation. In 1993, the Access Board established an advisory committee of 27 members to recommend accessibility guidelines for recreation facilities, followed by a public input period. Final rules was published in September 2002.
Boating Facilities
The recreation facility guidelines described in this guide focus on newly designed or newly constructed and altered boating facilities. Other provisions contained in ADAAG address elements commonly found at a boating facility, such as accessible vehicle parking spaces, exterior accessible routes, and toilet and bathing facilities. ADAAG addresses only the built environment (structures and grounds). The guidelines do not address operational issues of a facility.
Recreational boating facilities can include fixed and floating facilities. Facilities can vary in size from one boat slip (for example, at a small campground facility) to several thousand slips, and can handle boats ranging in size from small canoes to large sailboats and powerboats. Facilities may be located in the same waterfront area or even in the same site (such as a State park with a large lake) and include marinas, launching facilities, piers, and docks that are designed for recreational use.
These guidelines do not cover the design of passenger vessels or ferry docks, and do not address access on and off passenger vessels. These issues will be addressed in future rule-making for passenger vessels by the ADAAG.
Accessible Routes
ADAAG requires that at least one accessible route connect accessible buildings, facilities, elements, and spaces on a site. Accessible boat slips, accessible boarding piers at boat launch ramps, and other accessible spaces and elements within a boating facility must also be connected by an accessible route. The accessible route must comply with ADAAG provisions for the location, width (minimum of 36 inches. 48 inches to 60 inches is preferred), passing space, head room, surface, slope (maximum of 1:12 or 8.33%), changes in level, doors, egress, and areas of rescue assistance, unless otherwise modified by specific provisions outlined in this guide. It is recommended that paths be as straight as possible, particularly if a wheelchair user has to transport ones craft solo.
Gangways
A gangway is a variable-sloped pedestrian walkway linking a fixed structure or land with a floating structure. Where gangways are provided as part of accessible routes to connect accessible boat slips on floating piers, the following exceptions to the ADAAG accessible route provisions have been included in the guidelines to deal with the varying water level changes and other factors in this dynamic environment. Designers and operators should note that there are no exceptions to the accessible route requirements where the accessible route connects fixed piers to land or other fixed structures.
Gangway Slope and Rise Exceptions
Gangways designed for the least possible slope will provide more independent access for persons with disabilities. As a minimum however, gangways must be designed to provide for a maximum 1:12 (8.33%) slope but are not required to be longer than 80 feet in length. For example, if the vertical distance between where the gangway departs the land-side/shore connection and the elevation of the pier surface at the lowest water level is 10 feet, the gangway would have to be at least 80 feet long. As water levels rise and fall, gangway slopes also rise and fall. At times, this gangway slope may be less than 1:20 (5%) and at other times it may be more than 1:12 (8.33%). In smaller facilities with less than 25 boat slips, the slope of the gangway may exceed 1:12 (8.33%), if the gangway is at least 30 feet long.
The maximum rise requirements in ADAAG do not apply to gangways. As a result, no intermediate landings on the gangways are required and gangways may be any length.
The gangway slope and rise exceptions do not apply to other sloped walking surfaces that may be part of the accessible route. For example, where a non-gangway sloped walking surface greater than 1:20 (5%) is provided as part of an accessible route connecting accessible spaces of a boating facility, it must comply with ADAAG slope and rise requirements. This would include a ramp connecting a fixed pier or a float with fixed switchback ramps.
Gangway Alterations
Gangways on existing boating facilities may be repaired or replaced without triggering the requirement to increase the gangway length. However, if the areas altered contain primary functions (such as a boat slip or boat dock), existing gangways are considered part of the path of travel to the altered primary function area and must be made accessible, if the cost to do so is not disproportionate. The Department of Justice has determined that it is not disproportionate to spend up to an additional 20 percent of the overall costs of alterations to the primary function areas to make the path of travel accessible.
Transition Plates
Handrail Extensions
ADAAG addresses handrail height, diameter, and extensions provided to the end of the gangway. Other specifications regarding vertical supports are not addressed by ADDAG, but may be addressed in local building codes. Handrail extensions are not required where gangways and transition plates connect and both are provided with handrails. ADAAG does not require handrails on sloped surfaces that have a rise of less than 6 inches or a projection less than 72 inches, or a slope of 1:20 (5%) or less. Where handrail extensions are provided, they do not need to be parallel with the ground or floor surface, since the surface may be moving due to water conditions.
Cross Slope
The cross slopes of gangways, transition plates and floating piers that are part of an accessible route must be designed and constructed to not exceed a maximum of 2 percent (1:50). Gangways and piers that are part of an accessible route are expected to be designed and constructed to meet the 2 percent requirement. Once placed in the water, measurements, absent live loads, are to be made from a static condition (i.e., absence of movement that results from wind, waves, etc.). Where floating piers are grounded out due to low water conditions, slope requirements would not apply.
Elevators and Platform Lifts
In addition to regular elevators, limited use/limited application elevators (smaller, slower elevators used for low-traffic, low-rise facilities) or platform lifts that comply with ADAAG may be used instead of gangways as part of an accessible route connecting floating piers.
Lifts and cranes that give access to boats and directly into the water are not required by the ADAAG rules but greatly enhance access, should be considered where and when possible.
Direct Water Access Ramp (DWAR)
Direct Water Access Ramp (DWAR) gives a person who uses a wheelchair for mobility direct access to the water, away from motorized boats. This is a commonly overlooked item at most boating facilities, because currently such a path is not required by the ADAAG rules. A DWAP is similar to a boat launch that is 48 inches to preferably 60 inches wide or more, with no greater scope than 8.33%. The ramps end at the waters edge should be at least 60 inches in and under the water. It should be made of a materiel that does not allow wave action to erode or displace, and is easy for a wheelchair to roll on. A boat launch should never be used as DWAR, due to the danger of motorized boats with propellers being near a person. DWAR's are used for accessing the water to cool off, swim, or access ones kayak/canoe.
Transfer Systems... for small crafts, i.e. Kayaks, Canoes, small sailboats
One of the big challenges for persons without the use of their legs, persons with balance issues, etc. is getting in and out of their water crafts. A Transfer Bench/Station is a system that is level with a wheelchair seat, which allows the person to move from his chair to the bench, once on the bench the person can slide toward the craft and enter it. Some Transfer Benches have a board like plank that slides out of the bench and over the top of the water craft, allowing a person to drop directly into the water craft. Some Transfer Benches have no transfer slide plank, but is just a level beach, or better ones have shallow steps that one successively moves down to get to the level of their water craft, once at the end of the bench one pivots towards their water craft, and then goes down into the craft (reverse the process to get out). Many Transfer Systems will have a grab rails to assist a person in out of their craft. If no grab rail and/or transfer plank systems are available then its highly likely a person with a disAbility will need assistance from another person with sufficient strength and mobility to assist them in and out of their water craft... not ideal of course, but even without these features a bench will greatly assist in this process.
Some accessible dock systems have a cradle like system to help stabilize a water craft so its does not rock excessively while a person is getting in and out of their craft. Many of these cradle systems have a hull slide system (rollers) to assist the craft in and out of the water. These systems must have a grab rail on both sides of the slide so a person can pull themselves up and down it. If a slide system does not have a grab rail system then its not in the least to be considered accessible. Other cradle systems act like an elevator lifting the water craft in and out of the water. Some elevator systems are strong enough to lift the craft while a person is in it, some are not.
Boat Slips
If boat slips at a facility are not identified or demarcated by length, each 40 feet of boat slip edge along the perimeter of a pier will be counted as one boat slip. For example, a new boating facility will provide a single 60-foot pier with boats moored parallel to the pier on both sides. The pier has 120 feet of boat slip edge, which equates to three boat slips. According to the table, one slip must be accessible, with clear pier space at least 40 feet long and a minimum width of 60 inches. In this case, the width of the pier is not considered when totaling the amount of boat slip edge, since it is not designed for mooring. Another new boating facility plans to provide a single pier that is 25 feet long and 3 feet wide and will allow boats to moor on both sides and on one end. The pier has 53 feet of boat slip edge, which equates to two boat slips. According to the table, one slip must be accessible, and the width of the pier must be increased to a minimum of 60 inches.
Dispersion
Accessible boat slips must be dispersed throughout the various types of slips a facility provides, but a facility does not have to provide more accessible boat slips than required in the table. Accessible slips may be grouped on one pier if the requirement for different types of slips is met. Types could include shallow-water or deep water; transient or longer-term lease; covered or uncovered; and whether slips are equipped with features such as telephone, water, electricity, or cable connections.
Accessible boat slips do not need to be marked and are not reserved in the same way as accessible vehicle parking spaces. For example, facilities should hold the accessible slips open for persons with disabilities until all other slips are filled. At that point, the slip may be made available for general use. For seasonal slip holders, accessible slips should be held until the expiration period for slip contracts has expired. Marina operators may choose to make information regarding accessible boat slips available in promotional material or a facility guide. Ensuring that accessible slips are available to persons with disabilities is an operational issue and operators should contact the Department of Justice for further information.Accessible Boat Slips
Accessible boat slips must have clear pier space at least 60 inches wide and as long as the slip. Providing more than 60 inches wide clear space will improve safety for people with disabilities, especially on floating piers. This space is the minimum necessary for individuals with disabilities to have sufficient space adjacent to their boat slip to use a chair lift or transfer device for getting on or off their vessel and provide a turning space for changing directions. Every 10 feet of linear pier edge serving the accessible slips must have at least one continuous clear opening that is at least 60 inches wide. There are three exceptions:
■ The width of the clear pier space may be 36 inches wide for a length of 24 inches, as long as multiple 36-inch segments are separated by segments that are 60 inches minimum clear in width and 60 inches minimum clear in length, and the clear openings are at least 60 inches deep.■ Edge protection is not required, but if provided, it can be 4 inches high maximum and 2 inches deep maximum at the continuous clear openings.
■ In alterations, facilities with finger piers must have at least one accessible finger pier, which is the length of the boat slip and a minimum of 60 inches wide. Other accessible slips can be located perpendicular to the end of the pier with clearance extending the width of the slip. In facilities without finger piers, at least one accessible slip must be parallel to the pier and be a minimum of 60 inches wide (shown above).Cleats and other boat securement devices at accessible slips do not have to comply with ADAAG reach range requirements. However, clear space must be provided at each securement device and each device must be located on an accessible route. This reach range exception does not apply to other controls and operating mechanisms such as hose bibbs, water supply hoses, outlets for electrical power, telephones, or cable TV.
Accessible Non-Motorized Kayak/Canoe Piers
There are several dock/pier manufactures who build specially designed accessible kayak/canoe piers for persons with disabilities to transfer in and out a kayak/canoe, and water safely. The pier includes a transfer station and kayak/canoe cradle system that keeps the craft from capsizing, and includes rails to assist the person with a disabilities to guide his/her craft in and out of the pier launch system. The piers/docks must meet ADAAG rules, but the pier transfer station and kayak/canoe guidance system is not officially required YET. The kayak launch system should be at least 48 inches wide or preferably 60 inches wide, and be 12-18 feet long.
Kayak/Canoe Chute
A Kayak/Canoe chute is a launch and retrieval system specifically designed to get a kayak to and from a pier or water via either a long ramp, or rails, rollers, system. When a gangway is to steep for example such a system makes it easier and safer for a person with a disability to get their craft to and from the pier/water. There are no ADAAG requirements for such a system but a chute should at least have free uninhibited cross space of 48 inches wide minimum or up to 60 inches preferably. There should also be a simple winch system to help pull the a craft back up a chute, and be electric if possible. The scope of the system is dependent on if the craft will slide freely down to a pier or the water. If very steep again a winch is needed to get the craft back up the chute.
Boarding Piers at Boat Launch Ramps
A boarding pier (sometimes called a courtesy pier or a launch dock) is the part of a pier where a boat is temporarily moored for embarking and disembarking. A boat launch ramp is a sloped surface designed for launching and retrieving trailered boats and other watercraft to and from a body of water. The provisions for boarding piers cover only those that are associated with boat launch ramps. Boarding piers that are not part of a boat launch ramp are classified as “boat slips” for purposes of these guidelines.
If boarding piers at boat launch ramps are provided, at least 5 percent but not less than one, must comply with these guidelines and be served by an accessible route. The exceptions for gangways, previously described above, may be applied to boarding piers (see pages 5–8).
In addition, gangways connecting floating boarding piers may exceed the maximum slope specified in the guidelines, if the total length of the gangway is at least 30 feet.
ADAAG ramp requirements do not apply to the portion of the accessible route serving a floating boarding pier or skid pier if it is located within a boat launch ramp. For example, a facility provides a chain of floats on a launch ramp to be used as an accessible boarding pier. At high water, the entire chain is floating and a transition plate connects the first float to the surface of the launch ramp. As the water level decreases, segments of the chain rest on the launch ramp surface, matching the slope of the launch ramp. An accessible route must serve the last float because it would function as the boarding pier at the lowest water level, before it possibly grounded out. Because the entire chain also functions as a boarding pier, it must comply with all ADAAG provisions, including the 60-inch minimum clear pier width provision.
Another facility provides a non-floating boarding pier that is supported by piles and divides a launch area into two launch ramps. An accessible route must connect the boarding pier with other accessible buildings, facilities, elements and spaces on the site. Although the boarding pier is located within a launch ramp, because the pier is not a floating pier or a skid pier, no exceptions apply. To comply with ADAAG, the accessible route could run down between the two launch ramps. Or, the fixed boarding pier could be relocated to the side of one of the launch ramps, which would allow the slope of the launch ramps to remain unchanged since the accessible route would run outside the launch ramps. Boarding Pier Clearances The entire length of accessible boarding piers must comply with the same technical provisions that apply to boat slips. There is no minimum length for the pier. However, the accessible boarding pier should be at least as long as other piers provided at the facility. If no other boarding pier is provided, it should be at least as long as what would have been provided if no access requirements applied. For example, at a launch ramp, if a 20-foot accessible boarding pier is provided, the entire 20 feet must comply with the pier clearance requirements. If a 60-foot accessible boarding pier is provided, the entire 60 feet must comply with the pier clearance requirements.
Launch Ramps Without Boarding Piers
There are no specific provisions that address access to launch ramps without boarding piers. The Department of Justice advises that if there are no applicable scoping requirements (i.e., how many features must be accessible), then a reasonable number, but at least one, must be accessible. It is recommended that an accessible route serve at least one launch ramp. The portion of the accessible route located within the launch ramp is not required to comply with the slope requirements for accessible routes.More Information
You can obtain copies of the recreation facility guidelines, which include boating facilities, and further technical assistance from us with Access To Outdoors 208-704-4781 accesstooutdoors@gmail.com . Also via the ADA Access Board at www.access-board.gov
Files a Complaint
How to enforcement the ADA Access Board recreational facilities and Architectural Barriers Act rules?
If you feel a particular recreational facility that may have been federally funded should be fully or partially accessible you can file a complaint with us and we will look into it. Simply email us at accesstooutdoors@gmail.com or call/text 208-704-4454
In addition one can file a complaint with the ADA Access Board (ADAAB) at this link http://1.usa.gov/1JyLAB2
DOCKS AND TRANSFER SYSTEMS
One of the big challenges for persons without the use of their legs, persons with balance issues, etc. is getting in and out of their water crafts. A Transfer Bench/Station is a system that is level with a wheelchair seat, which allows the person to move from his chair to the bench, once on the bench the person can slide toward the craft and enter it. Some Transfer Benches have a board like plank that slides out of the bench and over the top of the water craft, allowing a person to drop directly into the water craft. Some Transfer Benches have no transfer slide plank, but is just a level beach, or better ones have shallow steps that one successively moves down to get to the level of their water craft, once at the end of the bench one pivots towards their water craft, and then goes down into the craft (reverse the process to get out). Many Transfer Systems will have a grab rails to assist a person in out of their craft. If no grab rail and/or transfer plank systems are available then its highly likely a person with a disAbility will need assistance from another person with sufficient strength and mobility to assist them in and out of their water craft... not ideal of course, but even without these features a bench will greatly assist in this process.
CRADLES/STABILITY/LIFT SYSTEMS
Some accessible dock systems have a cradle like system to help stabilize a water craft so its does not rock excessively while a person is getting in and out of their craft. Many of these cradle systems have a hull slide system (rollers) to assist the craft in and out of the water. These systems have a grab rail on both sides of the slide so a person can pull themselves up and down it. Other cradle systems act like an elevator lifting the water craft in and out of the water. Some elevator systems are strong enough to lift the craft out of the water while a person is in it, some are not. For more info on pricing, etc. contact FunToSail at funtosail@gmail.com or visit FunToSail.com
ACCESS MATES
Access Mats and Ramps are hard services made of plastic or metal that can be rolled out or placed in sections on beaches or on soft ground to allow wheeled mobility devices to roll freely down to the edge of or into the water without sinking into the sand or mud. Such systems allow person with a disability to easy go swimming or launch and retrieve their non-motorized water craft. Prices vary from the various manufactures. For plastic mats visit Access Rec, LLC at AccessRec.com . For aluminum mats/ramps system visit Roll-A-Ramp at RollARamp.com . EZ Docks can build a hard surface permanent or mobile ramp... visit EZ-Dock.com Also visit For additional info contact FunToSail atfuntosail@gmail.com or visit FunToSail.comACCESS TO OUTDOORS SPECIALIST (ATOS)
If you need help making an outdoor site accessible, maybe there are people creating barriers to the outdoors, or you need a product made accessible, or just need information please contact our ATO Specialist at accesstooutdoors@gmail.com
Make a comment below... Comments are removed periodically to keep this site fresh and current, etc...
4-10-2020: Hi Miles I am finally getting around to catching up with my messages. I have been working on Skip's boat and think we may have it up and running this weekend. I would be happy to help georgia with her 15' boat. Have her give me a call. I sure hope the wind will hold up till the weather gets warmer. Are Fridays good for you to go sailing let me know.
ReplyDelete4-1-2020: Hi everyone... Miles Moore here... Just had our group social at my house on Feb. 28th. Watched SailGP racing and at snacks/socialized. Next activity is our May Spring Social at a members home. We may have a group activity in March and April depending on interest. If you all want to get together this March and April post a comment here. Also first weekend of June is out group regatta near the Tri-Cities in eastern WA. Visit our calendar to learn more. We are camping at the state park at the regatta location. Please sign up for a campsite asap.
4-1-2020: We have a member who has a WWP 19. Hope you come out to our activities this year. Visit the club calendar via tab above on this site. If we are doing something via short notice it will be posted here.
3-1-2020: Would love to have you. Remember FunToSAIL can supply you with your parts needs. No group activities planned yet for March and April, but May we will have a spring social. First weekend of June is our annual regatta. For event dates, etc. visit our calendar via the Club Tab above.
2-29-2020: Hi. I have a 15' West Wight Potter that I'd love to get in the water! I cannot set the mast alone nor launch the boat by myself anymore but have been sailing for years. I'm happy to take someone along who can help me with the heavy lifting!
8-18-2019: Hi Miles, thanks so much for your phone call last week. My hobie 16 is close to being ready for the water. I am interested in getting together with other sailors in the cda area. Just a few more items to finish up... Don Carter
4-12-2019: Hello fellow sailors with in the Inland NW (N. ID, E.WA., NW MT). Please post your questions, requests, etc. right here. Lets make this place active with sailors comments and work to get together and do some fun sailing and races. I am Miles Moore with FunToSAIL, I own 2 Hobie 16's, 3 Wave's, 1 Bravo, 1 Hobie Tandem Island, 1 Super Sea Snark, a Hunter 212 soon to be replaced by a Corsair 600 Pulse. I run a sailing school is why I have so many boats. I also use with Hobie 16 with Trapseats to run a disAbled/Accessible sailing program. Will be running the 2020 International Hobie 16 Trapseat Cup in Sandpoint Idaho. Join me for some sailing, etc.
At Sunnyside Marina in Tahoe, you may hire cobalt boats with up to 13 seats for Tahoe wakeboarding. You have the choice of having your conveyance to the beach set up for you if your ship docks in the north.
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