The bottom two rungs of the swimming/boarding ladder double as the lifelines when the ladder is pulled up. The ladder is 'bent' to adapt to the transom. The tubing near the bottom of the ladder fits into a small SS bracket and a clevis pin holds the ladder/lifeline in place. I found a pic which might show it (edit I had to compress it so much it probably doesn't show). I am about to head overseas, I'd be happy to email or post a close-up pic once I get back if desired (or email this one full size: juanona40 (at) hotmail.com)