Universal Marine Industry Design
Designing Watercraft that are Suitable and Inclusive for All People
Oct 10, 2008
Scott Rains serves as a Fellow of the Zero Divide Foundation of California. His Rolling Rains Report highlights his many experiences with boating, accessible boating issues and Universal Design. Universal Design (UD) addresses the shortcomings of technology related to those with disabilities and seeks to find access solutions that ultimately benefit everyone.
Rains explores the concept of seaworthiness as a way to gauges a watercraft's ability to handle the marine environment and its capacity for all people to utilize it for personal needs. Scott Rains sees vessel functionality as representing an inclusive experience for all people, being a vital and mandatory factor in responsible vessel design.
Rains commented on this article about his efforts, "I would like to see Boomers with boats doing to their yachts what they are doing for their homes. The National Association of Home Builders says that home modifications for aging-in-place (Universal Design) is "...the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry." We think that will soon be true for yacht owners. So we are on a campaign to alert the industry to meet the market demand at both ends - learn to apply the Waypoint-Backstrom Principles in boat overhauls and build new boats with the Principles in mind at the design level on all production, not just custom models."
Universal Design Tenets
Universal Design identifies seven principles that should be applied to the design of boats.
- Equitable Use - A vessel's design doesn't negatively impact any group of users
- Flexibility in Use - The boat's design takes a wide range of individual needs and preferences into consideration
- Simple and Intuitive Use - A watercraft is designed to be easily used and understood regardless of experience, knowledge or ability
- Perceptible Information - Information necessary for a vessel's operation is clearly conveyed to a user regardless of weather conditions or sensory ability
- Tolerance for Error - The vessel's design minimizes adverse effects of accidental actions
- Low Physical Effort - A minimum of physical effort is required to efficiently and safely operate the boat
- Size and Space for Approach and Use - Living and operational areas of a boat are provided that are appropriate for the user regardless of body size, posture or mobility
Human-Centered Seaworthiness - The Waypoint-Backstrom Principles
Working with Sherri Backstrom of Waypoint Yacht Charter Service of Bellingham, Washington, Rains is set to publish some suggestions for applying the principals of Universal Design to boating with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Concepts being pursued involve using UD principals in developing boat designs that also ensure a vessel is self-sufficient both socially and environmentally, able to perform under extraordinary circumstances, easily upgraded, and easily boarded.
Sherri Backstrom points out one of her goals to Boating & Sailing, saying "One of our objectives right now is pulling together a team from around the world to further develop these Principles. We envision a team which will include the experienced, as well as the innovative in the fields of yacht designers, engineers and builders, UD maritime product developers, owners and investors of new and redesigned accessible yachts, and UD engineers involved in the development of inclusive land-side/maritime amenities."
Recreational Boating Facility Guidelines
Marina operators should be familiar with the work of the United States Access Board and its recreational boating accessibility guidelines that describe establishing accessible routes to moored boats, locating accessible boat slips, and design of boarding piers at launch ramps.
When these recommendations are combined with the concepts promoted for Universal Design, boating becomes a path available for all people and they can enjoy all activities pursued on the waterfront. Boating becomes transparent for all people and their focus is left on enjoying what's special about the aquatic environment.
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