Just to make public what I posted at Vesuna's Taigh:

When the game starts up and you stand before the grated ladder, turn left so that you can see the boat and the geared crank. The metal handle on the floor you pick up, then put into the slot on the crank. It should make the crank turn and the boat rise, thereby raising the grate covering the ladder; if you don't put the handle in the right place, it will just fall back onto the floor. Turn right and click on the ladder, then click on the ladder again to go up it.

I think that's as clearly as I can put it. If anyone else can assist her, please go ahead!

--Camilla Lucretius