Club Boat Use Certification Framework

Club Boat Use Certification Framework

Purpose

  • This framework balances practicality, safety, and member experience, while offering flexibility for
    both experienced members and supervisors. It also establishes a clear path for members with varying levels of experience, helping to make the certification process smoother and more scalable

Prerequisites

  • Club membership, in good standing
  • Attestation of membership package, completed
  1. Application
  2. Boat Bay Placard
  3. Boathouse Rules
  4. eLogbook Guide
  5. Member Responsibilities and Code of Conduct
  6. SN Rules of the River
  7. Waiver

  • Knowledge assessment of #s 5 and 6 (written or oral), completed

Supervisor

  • A Supervisor is an experienced rower who is qualified to oversee others during their certification process. Supervisors can be
    • Coaches
    • Captains
    • Senior members who have demonstrated significant proficiency and experience in rowing, but who may not have the full responsibility of certification
  • Role of Supervisor
    • Supervise a member during their training sessions.
    • Provide real-time feedback and guidance.
    • Ensure that safety protocols are followed and that the rower is progressing correctly.
    • Supervisors may also assist in verifying completion of required supervised rows and providing feedback to the Qualifier

Qualifier

  • A Qualifier a certified member who has been granted the authority to evaluate and approve other members for various levels of certification. A Qualifier’s primary responsibility is to assess a rower’s competence and confirm that they meet all necessary requirements
  • Role of Qualifier
    • Review the rower’s performance during supervised rows.
    • Approve members who demonstrate proficiency in rowing and are ready for certification.
    • Act as a signatory for certification at various levels (1x, 2x, 4x).
    • Qualifiers should have been members for a significant period and have demonstrated consistent rowing proficiency, leadership, and the ability to evaluate the competency of others

Step One

Certification to Row 1x and Bow a 2x

Objective

  • Confirm the rower is skilled enough to manage a 1x and bow a 2x safely Requirements
  • Minimum Distance Logged 60 miles in a club 1x under supervision (Coach, Captain or Supervisor)
  • Supervised Rows
    • At least 5 supervised sessions with feedback recorded (may include 2x bowing)
    • For experienced members, a Qualifier may approve directly after observing a single session
  • Equipment Handling Skills
    • Correct transport and storage of a 1x and oars
    • Ability to launch and land independently
  • Bowing Capability
    • Complete 3 supervised rows in a 2x as bow seat, demonstrating
    • Communication with stroke
    • Awareness of other traffic and hazards
    • Steady course holding and recovery from minor disruptions
    • For experienced members, a Qualifier may approve directly after observing a single session
  • Club Rules Assessment
    • Demonstrated understanding of equipment storage, launching procedures, and damage reporting (see #s 2 and 3, above)
    • Pass a basic quiz or verbal interview on club policies and river navigation rules (e.g., right of way, passing zones) (see #s 5 and 6, above)

Result

Certified to row club 1x independently and bow a club 2x without Supervisor, Coach or Captain supervision

Step Two – Certification to Bow a 4x

Objective

  • Demonstrate ability to lead and navigate a larger boat safely

Requirements

  • Step 1 Certified
  • Supervised Quads
    • At least 3 supervised outings in a 4x as bow seat.
    • For experienced members, a Qualifier can approve after observing a single session, contingent on proficiency.
  • Qualification Process
    • Experienced rowers can bypass multiple supervised sessions if they are approved be a Qualifier

Result – Certified to bow a club 4x without supervision

Grandfather Clause for Legacy Members


For legacy members who have demonstrated expertise, they can be declared “Qualified” based on their past experience rather than requiring them to go through the full certification process.

Proposed Approach

  • Criteria for Grandfathering:
    • Members who have significant prior experience.
    • Members who have already demonstrated the skills necessary for certification, either through
    • past performance or by being recognized as proficient in boat handling, safety, and rule adherence.
    • Legacy members who have been consistently rowing and are already trusted members of the club without any formal qualification.
    • Process for Granting Qualified Status:
    • Initial Assessment: A Qualifier or Captain reviews the rower’s past experience and current abilities. This may involve observing them for a short session to confirm their skills.
    • Approval: After the assessment, the Qualifier can approve the legacy member as “Qualified” to row independently or bow 2x/4x, depending on their experience.
    • Legacy Status: Once approved, these members are granted the “Qualified” status for specific levels and no further certification requirements are imposed unless their skills or safety performance become a concern.