Skippers are assessed independently by two experienced skippers, one of whom will be a committee member. The assessment tests competency in boat handling, safety and crew management (see below).

Candidates should be familiar with the club rules

Once qualified, skippers must be willing to set up and run rowing sessions and help coach new rowers.

Competency

Pre Departure

  • Ensure that all lifejackets are in working order and correctly fitted
  • Ensure you or at least one crew member has a mobile phone
  • Assess the ability of crew by conversation
  • Prepare the boat for departure, with assistance from the crew
    • remove cover and stow on pontoon
    • throwline and first aid kit
    • two paddles
    • footplates
    • rudder and tiller
    • mallet
    • bailer
    • Check the bung is secure
  • Assess weather conditions visually and with reference to forecast
  • Assess and interpret tidal conditions. Check tide tables: www.tidetimes.org.uk/glasgow-tide-times
  • Brief the crew on the intended activity
  • Brief crew on rowing commands (see below)
  • Request crew sit in appropriate positions with regard to ability and weight
  • Support crew in getting correct rowing set up, i.e. sitting position and footplates
  • Ensure crew members know how to ship oars quickly
  • Brief crew on procedure for departing pontoon

Departure

  • Secure chains across access gap (if departing east pontoon arm)
  • Safely depart pontoon with regard to wind and tidal conditions
  • Manage crew to ship oars safely
  • Ship fenders
  • Gain control of the boat and prepare to row

Rowing

Use correct commands:

  • Stroke side / Bow side [or Starboard / Port].
  • Make sure crew knows which system you’re using, they know their number and the side they’re rowing
  • Crew numbering
    • Number 1: bow oar / bow [port] side
    • Number 2: stroke [starboard ] side
    • Number 3: bow [port] side
    • Number 4: stroke oar / stroke [starboard]  side
  • Come Forward
  • Ready / Row
  • Row Light / Row firm  / Easy / Hold Water / Back Water

Coach crew in basic rowing techniques:

  • Matching stroke’s time
  • Straight back
  • Straight arms / long reach / clean ‘catch’ / long stroke / lean back into the finish (Diagram)
  • Demonstrate ability to control two sides of the boat independently including at least one ‘buoy turn’
  • show understanding of crew’s abilities and tailor session to suit

Return

  • Bring boat safely back to pontoon in control
  • Ensure oars are shipped in good time to avoid damage to oars or other craft
  • Ensure fenders are out
  • Ensure crew disembark in a safe manner (one person standing at a time)
  • Moor vessel appropriately using suitable knots and methods and awareness of hazards
  • Tidy vessel
    • unship rudder & tiller and leave in skiff
    • Leave footplates and paddles in the skiff
    • stow lifejackets in clubhouse
    • Put cover back on skiff.
  • Report any damage or malfunctions by posting a message the Maintenance Group on Spond.

Safety

Download Assessment form

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