2.5.3 Steersmen, women and coxswains (collectively referred to as “steersman”).
2.5.3.1 Any person steering a boat is responsible for the crew in their charge. Steering a boat is a highly responsible role. Steersmen must:-
§ Maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
§ Learn and use simple and concise commands for boat control both off and on the water. Be able to use them correctly, clearly and instructively.
§ Understand and observe local navigation rules, and audible and visual signals given by others with whom the water is shared. (Appendix 5).
§ When visiting unfamiliar water, take particular care to learn of local hazards, weather peculiarities, and local rules of navigation.
§ Be conversant with safety and rescue arrangements available in the case of accident.
§ Recognise and respect the rights and needs of other water users, especially anglers.
§ Watch out for swimmers at all times and be alert to unexpected floating objects.
§ Know and have practised accident and man-overboard drills.
2.5.3.2 Coxswains shall wear an approved lifejacket or buoyancy aid when on the water, both in training and in competition. Inflatable lifejackets must not be worn under other garments. In “front-loader” boats, the lifejacket/buoyancy aid must allow easy and unrestricted escape from the boat. Coxswains must fully understand and be practised in the operation of their lifejacket/buoyancy aid.
2.5.3.3 Steersman shall be able to satisfy their Safety Adviser and coach that they are in good health with adequate vision and sound hearing. Where prior evidence of epileptic fits or blackouts exists, coaches and crews must seek medical advice and be made fully aware of actions to be taken should an incident arise.
2.5.3.4 Coxswains should wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Particular care should be taken to ensure warmth around the head, neck and lower back, wrists and ankles. Water resistant outer gloves are recommended but bulky and heavy clothing and “Wellington” type boots which hinder movement, are to be avoided.
2.5.3.5 Be aware of the dangers and symptoms of hypothermia.
2.5.3.6 Voice projection and radio communication equipment when carried in the boat, must be securely fixed to the boat, not the coxswain. Similarly in competition, deadweight must not be attached to or carried in the clothing of the coxswain.