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HMS BOATING SAFETY REVIEW:
ROWING

Available boats for rowing:

12' Gamefisher (aluminum skiff)
12' Livingston (smallest one, with wheels & grey interior)
14' Livingstons (2)

HMS small boat rules:

  • Recreational use of HMS boats is not permitted.
  • Solo use of small boats between dusk and dawn is not permitted.
  • Only Agassiz Beach is to be used for launching/recovering boats.
  • HMS boats only are to be used (i.e. no UCSC, MLML, or personal boats).
  • Skipper must be checked out to the level of boating being conducted.
  • Rowers must stay within the Hopkins Marine Life Refuge.
  • Tell someone you're going and when you expect to return.
  • Fill out the float plan in the fuel shed before leaving and complete it upon return.
  • Boats must have the following before leaving the beach:
    - Oars
    - Anchor
    - Life jackets with attached whistle, one per person
    - Plug(s) securely in the bottom
    - Dive flag, if diving
  • Use clamp-on navigation lights or take a flashlight, and take emergency signal pack for boat use between dusk and dawn.
  • Launch small boats bow-first, lifting or wheeling (not dragging) to water's edge. Do not immerse boat wheels in seawater when launching or recovering.
  • Do not exceed the weight or number of people listed on the capacity plates.
  • Rinse life jackets, oars, and anchor with fresh water after use.
  • Rinse boats well inside and out with fresh water after use. Flush wheels thoroughly.

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Additional notes for rowers:

Check weather reports and watch the ocean before going out. Don't go out in strong winds and chop. Remember that the conditions just outside the refuge and to the west are usually rougher than the protected side of the point off Agassiz beach.

Pay attention to wind, waves, and tidal currents at Agassiz beach when launching and recovering.

Distribute weight of equipment and passengers evenly.

In case of emergency, use a whistle; drop anchor if appropriate.

Be aware of the limitations of the small boats and equipment. When in doubt, ask. Be conservative.

ROWING TRAINING AND CHECK-OUT INCLUDES:

Tour of the facilities, showing the location of the oars, gas shed (anchors, gas, motors, float plan/log), dive locker (life jackets).

Boat users get an on-site (Agassiz beach) orientation including:
· Filling out the float plan
· How to read the weight capacity plates
· Which boats may be used (HMS boats only)
· How to launch a skiff correctly from the beach (bow first, carried not dragged)
· Boundaries of refuge (rowers stay inside refuge)
· Path to take out from Agassiz beach, avoiding rocks

Discussion of safety procedures including:
· Wind conditions (strong NW winds)
· Wind, waves, and tidal currents at Agassiz beach: effects on launching and landing
· Weight distribution on a small skiff
· Emergency procedures: whistle, yell, anchor, Coast Guard

Candidate demonstrates proper launch and recovery, safety considerations, rowing ability, and clean-up procedures, to the satisfaction of the boat master or designee.

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