CAPE CORAL, Fla. (June 24, 2004) – A local entrepreneur has unveiled a revolutionary new marine safety ladder, developed with assistance from the NASA-funded Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP).

Raymond N. Laymance, a former dock builder, began developing the Stair/Port™ Marine Safety Ladder based on his experiences dredging canals for the City of Cape Coral. “We were told not to use private citizens’ marine ladders for fear of breaking them because most become degraded or corroded by the elements,” he said. “I also responded to many calls regarding dogs that had drowned because they can’t climb a vertical marine ladder. I became convinced that what was needed was a ladder that would be both people and pet-friendly, as well as long lasting.”

Laymance created a floating marine ladder that lowers to a 45-degree angle, making it easier for people and pets to climb out of the water. The ladder material is extremely strong and durable and Laymance used ¼ inch plate steel for the bracket to attach the ladder to a sea wall or dock. While he was pleased with the resulting ladder, which has an expected lifespan of at least 20 years, Laymance wondered if a lighter or less expensive material could be used for the bracket. That was when Laymance heard about the NASA-funded Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP), which provides free engineering assistance to small businesses with technical challenges through the donations of expertise from 49 Space Alliance Partners. SATOP paired Laymance’s Request for Technical Assistance (RTA) with Rudy Gabiola, project manager/lead material engineer with the Materials and Processes Group at Lockheed Martin in Houston.

After reviewing the requirements and conditions of use for Stair/Port, Gabiola recommended that Laymance continue using steel for the bracket, but that he should also powder coat the steel to resist corrosion. “Corrosion is the number one enemy of marine ladders, so Rudy’s advice to use powder-coated steel is important to add Stair/Port’s longevity,” said Laymance.

The Stair/Port Marine Safety Ladder recent unveiling featured demonstrations of how the device can be climbed by dogs stranded in the water, as well as its ease of use for people, including young children, the elderly and those in scuba gear.

“Stair/Port is a leap forward in the design of marine ladders and we were very excited to assist in its development because of its potential to save lives,” said Paul Secor, SATOP director.