TIDEWAY SCULLERS SAFETY BRIEFING

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TIDEWAY SCULLERSSAFETY BRIEFING

• By Chris Williamson behalf ofThames Regional
  Rowing Council

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Why am I talking about this?

• Normal rules on any waterway are the
  International Maritime Collision Regulations (Col
  Regs) ie Starboard Hand Rule (or keep right).
• PLA have agreed special rules which make rowing
  and sculling easier (and we believe safer) on the
  Tideway.
• If we dont comply as a sport Col Regs may be
  imposed. Once imposed they wont be relaxed.
• If clubs dont comply then other clubs will
  report them to TRRC, with various measures and
  penalties resulting, eventually suspension and
  fines.
• Coaches must know and read Code of Practice, must
  ensure their rowers know the basics. All must
  read and understand the guide.
• If the rules arent obeyed collisions will occur
  causing damage and injury.

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Expectations

• Keep a lookout. Most accidents would be avoided
  by looking round every 5 strokes.
• The steersman / cox / sculler is the master for
  all legal aspects, and the club MUST ensure they
  are competent.
• Know the rules.
• Coaches must coach steering as well as sculling /
  rowing.

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Navigation

• Navigation Channel (Fairway)
• Marked on charts, usually in centre
• Only use with the tide, except extreme cases
• Keep as close as is safe and practicable to the
  edge, to the starboard of centre
• Always ensure there is space for a large vessel
  to come the other way in the channel and pass
  port to port
• Be in the right place even if you havent seen
  anyone. There are CCTV cameras and watchers and
  its a good habit
• Large vessels have right of way!
• Overtaking crew does not have right of way
• Crew being overtaken maintain course and speed
• No overtaking in restricted zones, or if
  something is coming
• Maximum 3 boats abreast, never 4
• 2 can row abreast but in the correct station

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Navigation

• Inshore Zones areas established by RCP some
  areas marked by buoys, keep inside the buoys
  against stream
• Do not row 2 abreast
• Overtake on outside
• Crossing Zones
• Designated areas for crossing see guide
• Cross as quickly as possible
• Do not stop in crossing zone
• These will be marked

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Navigation

• Sound Signals
• One short blast to mean I am altering my course
  to starboard his right
• Two short blasts to mean I am altering my course
  to port his left
• Three short blasts to mean I am going astern
• Five short and rapid blasts mean What the
  are you doing?
• One long blast means I cant see round the bend
  etc, but I am coming. Watch out especially
  likely at Kew Bridge

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Navigation

• Restricted Zones
• Around bridges, see map
• Do not stop or turn
• Hazardous Areas
• Hammersmith may go outside Surrey pier at low
  tide
• Barnes very shallow at low tide
• Kew most dangerous area
• Syon to Richmond Col Regs apply keep to
  starboard

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Navigation

• Baulking
• Never baulk someone trying to overtake, rowing or
  motor boat
• In particular dont stop and do starts in front
  of the motor boat
• Stopping
• Keep in to the bank or at edge of channel
• Coaches must keep out of way of others dont
  sit alongside in the way
• Other Areas
• Disciplinary matters include no lights, too much
  coaching wash, no buoyancy aids for coaches

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Discipline

• We manage the code, the PLA are not policemen
• Disciplinary procedure in place by TRRC
• Problems reports to TRRC web site
• Incidents will be given a level of seriousness by
  TRRC
• Points will accumulate over a rolling year above
  certain levels sanction will be taken by TRRC, up
  to suspension
• Other river users must be reported in the event
  of problems. PLA say all cruisers must be good
  as we never report them!
• Rewards for safest / most improved club 300 to
  500
• Be courteous do not use foul language

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Conclusion

• Keep a lookout
• Know the rules
• No piece is so important that safety can be
  compromised
• There is a reception at LRC on the 6th Oct, to
  kick the new rules off, three club officers or
  members are invited, free bar and food!