Foldable ladder for inflatable boat
RibGear

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The device is a ladder system designed to aid the difficult process of getting out of the water and into a Rigid Hulled inflatable boat (RIB). Originally conceived as a way to help divers gain entry onto a RIB, it has evolved to become the worlds first universal RIB Ladder System

The Ladder has several unique features. The design is based around a bi-folding ladder with a suspended jib. The suspended jib design means that the ladder avoids potentially damaging contact with a boats inflatable tubes. With a simple adaptable mounting, that incorporates a quick release fixing mechanism, it means that no tools are required to quickly deploy or stow the ladder.

The ladder is easy to use for people with certain disabilities who could not normally get back into a RIB from the water without the help from others. UK diver Roger Becket who has had his left leg amputated above the knee, gained entry to the boat unaided. (See the Gallery page) Similarly, even people with only one good hand can gain entry without the assistance of others. In both cases not having to remove fins! The upper body strength required to gain access to a RIB from the water is also greatly reduced.