Steers (the term includes coxswains) in any boat with a CYG ID (including privateers) are obliged to adhere to the requirements and conditions detailed below which have been agreed by the committee and captaincy.
Steers must also understand that they are the “Master of the Vessel” and therefore legally responsible for the conduct and safety of their crew, even when under the instruction of a coach.
*To take the steering and navigation test contact the Safety Asvisor, who will arrange a time with you to take the test. The test is not available on-line
There is no specific restriction on the class of boat an Approved Steers may be the master of. The captain is may refuse permission if he considers the steers to have insufficient experience in a particular boat class. While gaining appropriate experience, of a particular boat class, a steers should be supervised by someone who does have that experience until they are confident in their ability to safely handle the class of boat.
It is recommended the same principles of Experience Levels (below) are applied to the class of boat – i.e a steers should not use a boat (unsupervised) if it exceeds the limit of their previous experience in that boat class
The essence of this system is that a steers should venture no further unsupervised than the limit of their previous experience.
In order to venture further they must be supervised (by an experienced steers or coach) for a minimum of the first three outings so as to gain the necessary experience safely. There is no specific time limit on achieving each level. Steers should remain long enough at a level to gain the water time they need to master the minimum requirements of the level and to feel safe, comfortable and confident doing so. They can then ask to be moved up to the next level.
The captain will consult the opinion of experienced club steers and/or coaches to help decide if a particular steers is competent to move up a level. Generally this applies across the whole fleet (including private boats) and steers are strongly encouraged to keep a log of their water time including the range of any outing and in what class of boat.
All outings limited to between UL and Harrods (a.k.a The Playpen)
Click on image to enlarge
Single scull • must always go afloat with another boat, either a buddy (preferably Level 2+) in another single, and/or with a launch/coach alongside.
Crew boat • must always go afloat with an experienced steers (preferably Level 2+) in the seat in front (at 2 or stroke) and/or with a launch/coach alongside.
Coxing • must always go afloat with a minimum of an experienced steers at stroke or at bow (preferably Level 2+) and/or with a launch/coach alongside for guidance.
All boats • a minimum of three supervised outings before considering going solo. At least one of those outings must be upriver against the ebb tide as far as UL. At least one of those outings must be downriver against the flood tide as far as Harrods
Strictly no outings after dark.
LEVEL 1 • Solo/unsupervised
Having completed the requirements of Level 1, steers may paddle unsupervised in a single scull or a crew boat (including cox’ns) but outings are limited to the section of the river of which they already have experience i.e. between UL and Harrods.
All outings limited to between Richmond Lock and Putney Pier
Click on image to enlarge
Having completed the requirements of Level 1, steers may only go above UL or below Harrods when:
Single scull • with another boat, either a buddy (preferably Level 3+) in another single, and/or with a launch/coach alongside.
Crew boat • must have an experienced steers (preferably Level 3+) in the seat in front and/or with a launch/coach alongside.
Coxing • with a minimum of an experienced steers at stroke or at bow (preferably Level 3+) and/or with a launch/coach alongside for guidance.
All boats • a minimum of three supervised outings before considering going solo. At least one of those outings must be upriver against the ebb tide as far as the Richmond Lock At least one of those outings must be downriver against the flood tide as far as Putney Pier
Outings after dark • Cygnets’s Rowing in the Dark policy must be strictly observed at all times
LEVEL 2 • Solo/unsupervised
Having completed the requirements of Level 2, steers may paddle solo in a single scull or unsupervised in a crew boat (including cox’ns) but outings are limited to the section of the river of which they already have experience i.e. between Richmond Lock and Putney Pier.
Strictly no solo outings after dark.
All outings including above the Richmond Lock and below Putney Pier (but never beyond Chelsea Bridge)
Click on image to enlarge
Having completed the requirements of Level 2:
Must have at least one outing in either direction with another steers or coach who has previous experience and knowledge of those sections of the Tideway above Richmond and below Putney. If no such person can be found then the steers may not proceed beyond the limit of their previous experience unaccompanied.
Outings after dark. Cygnet’s “Rowing in the Dark” policy must be strictly observed at all times. Boats should be accompanied by a launch unless otherwise agreed by the captain
(see below).
LEVEL 3 • Solo/unsupervised
Outings between the UL and The Mile Post after dark but unsupervised by a launch may only take place with the captains’ express permission and after a thorough risk assessment.
Solo single sculling after dark is not permitted. Scullers must be accompanied by at least one other sculler and both must be Level 3 steers. A supervising launch is preferred.
In both cases boats must carry means of attracting attention in an emergency (mobile phone, torch and whistle) and must ensure that someone knows they are afloat and also when they have returned safely.
