For a full professional audit, go to
https://www.accessable.co.uk/essex/essex-county-council/access-guides/topsail-charters
ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE TO OUR BARGES FOR DAY TRIPS
There are three things to consider;
- Access from shore to ship
- Access from the deck to the saloon below and toilets
- Evacuation from the barge in case of an emergency.
Customer with walking aid, dodgy hip, knee etc.
They should have no problem boarding at all locations, provided they take their time and don’t feel rushed.
Gangplanks from shore to ship have hand rails and steps into the saloon have hand rails.
Ipswich offers the easiest access as the barge is usually moored alongside the Quay. London Tower Pier has good access, but London Bridge City Pier can be more difficult (check with office which pier we are using on your chosen trip).
Maldon is not too bad but we often moor three barges together on a tier – at worst, your vessel may be the third one out, so there would be several gangplanks and obstacles to step over.
Our barge Hydrogen has a cockpit on deck with seating and further seating on hatch tops. Access to the saloon is via a run of steps with solid hand rails – no steeper than you would find at home.
Thistle has wooden bench seating on deck and further seating on the hatch tops. Access below is via a few steps with a sturdy solid hand rails.
You can do a google virtual tour from our website, choose the top tab “The barges” and choose the name of the barge.
Customer in electric wheelchair
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate such a customer.
Customer with travelling i.e. collapsible wheelchair
It may be possible to accommodate this customer.
Can the customer get out of the wheel chair and manage the gangplank and get to a sitting area on deck with help?
If unable to get out of the wheelchair unaided, they must be accompanied by at least two people who are able to lift them in or out of their wheelchair across gangplanks and on board.
Our crew are unable to help with lifting due to potential damage to their backs (they are not easily replaceable!).
In case of an emergency evacuation, these two people must also feel confident they could lift the customer and assist them into a lifeboat, so the weight of the customer is an important consideration.
Once on board, the customer needs to consider access down below to the saloon and toilets.
Short trips from Maldon may be most suitable as there is a disabled toilet on the Quay which could be used before sailing.
London Tower Pier would not be an option as access on the pier and from pier to barge is not safe enough.
Hydrogen has the most room on deck in the cockpit to accommodate a customer sitting in a wheelchair, but there is insufficient width on the decks for the customer to use the wheelchair to move around.
Visually Impaired Guests
There are various obstacles on board to consider, both above and below decks. We recommend you bring a guest with you who can escort you at all times.
Please feel free to ring the office on 01621 857567 if you need clarification, or if you’re not sure, a visit to the barge would be a good idea.
