Enhancing Safety and Accessibility for Wheelchair Users in Traditional Tuna Fishing Boats

Traditional Sekoci tuna boats lack accessibility features, creating significant challenges for wheelchair users. This study addresses these limitations by applying universal design principles to redesign Sekoci boats, emphasizing accessibility, safety, and operational efficiency. Key innovations include wheelchair-specific safety features, ADA-compliant ramps, hydraulic lifts, wider pathways, and optimized cabin and restroom layouts. Using Bentley Maxsurf Academic Software for stability and motion, stability analysis confirmed compliance with IMO standards under full-load conditions. Seakeeping analysis evaluated vessel motion in head seas and quartering head seas at 0 and 7 knots, ensuring stability and usability under varying conditions. The results demonstrate that the redesigned vessel enhances accessibility and safety without compromising operational performance, offering an inclusive solution for wheelchair users. This study advances barrier-free design in small-scale fisheries, promoting equity and inclusivity in maritime operations. Future research should focus on real-world testing to refine the design and establish guidelines for accessible fishing vessels.