Skipper’s responsibilities: checklist

To be authorised as a skipper, members need to demonstrate their competency in the following areas.

Pre Departure

• Prepare the boat for departure (arrive at least 10 mins early)
• Assess the ability of crew by conversation
• Assess weather conditions
• Know how to access and interpret tidal conditions
• Brief the crew on the intended activity
• Ensure that all lifejackets are correctly fitted
• Check the bung is secure
• 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 foot plates
• Brief crew on departing pontoon

Departure

• Secure chains across access gap
• Safely depart pontoon with regard to wind and tidal conditions
• Manage crew to ship oars safely
• 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 Watch video
• Ensure oars are shipped in good time to avoid damage to oars or other craft
• Ensure crew disembark in a safe manner (only one person standing at one time)
• Moor vessel appropriately using suitable knots and methods and awareness of hazards – Rafting diagram
• Tidy vessel
  • unship rudder
  • cover and lash oars
  • stow footplates in clubhuse
  • stow lifejackets in clubhouse
  • secure pontoon chains
• Record and communicate immediately (by email to admin@rowglasgow.org.uk with DAMAGE REPORT in the subject line) anything which may prejudice the next rowing session, eg a broken pin or damaged life vest

Download printable copy

Organising rowing sessions

Skippers are also responsible for  setting up rowing sessions using Eventbrite, a popular event management tool. Watch the instructional videos.

1. Setting up events
2. Managing sessions