Objectives

The objectives of all safety launch drivers are to:
  • provide rescue facilities to Regattas, Processional Races, events and other Club activities
  • recover capsized athletes without worsening their condition
  • quickly and safely get any injured rowers to medical attention (or vice versa)
  • not become a victim him/herself

Launch Drivers

The launch drivers should be:

  • aware of relevant section in the Water Safety Code
  • relevantly trained in boat handling, resuscitation and First Aid
  • up to date in knowledge and skill

The launch driver should hold RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling Certificate, and boat handling skills and rescue techniques
should be practised regularly.

In addition, as the safety boat may well be the first craft on the scene of an accident, the driver should hold a recognised
First Aid Certificate.

The driver, and all crew members, must wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid while afloat. If the launch is used for ferry
purposes then all passengers must wear life jackets or buoyancy aids.

General Points

Due to wind and engine noises, trying to shout from a moving powerboat is not very successful. Get in close, stop and
speak clearly.

Choose the right clothing for the prevailing weather conditions and bear in mind the length of time afloat, the possible
need for one crew member to enter the water, inactivity for long periods in cold weather and the need for agility when
moving about the boat.

It is the responsibility of the Launch driver to report the use / loss / damage of any equipment on the Launch in the book
in the boathouse so it / they can be replaced. (List of items on Launch under separate heading below.)

Hot drinks on cold days, and vice versa, will maintain the efficiency of the crew.

Boat handling skills should be second nature so that you can concentrate on the task of rescue without having to think
about how you are going to get the boat into the right position.

When manoeuvring outboard powered boats in close quarters make sure that the correct helm is applied before
engaging forward and reverse gear. Look in the direction of travel and check the way is clear.

Launch must only be  tied up at the Workman Bridge end of the Landing Stage. This is to make it safer and easier for
returning crew to land.

For Nighttime use the launch must have a working white light on the bow and stern, one red light (port/ left) and one
green light (starboard/right).

Log the date and hours of usage of the Launch in the book provided in the boathouse to help with correct servicing of
the engines.

Note the fuel type used in the Launch – Unleaded or 2 stroke mix – ensure the tank has enough fuel for the outing and /
or carry a spare can so you don't run out.

Decanting of fuel is very dangerous. If it has to be done it must be conducted in a controlled manor, using the correct
equipment, ie a funnel, gloves, safety glasses, mask. Any decanting must be done outside of the boathouse and away
from any possible sources of ignition.

Fuel tanks / Jerry cans which are not attached to the launch must be stored in the Flammable cabinet and not in the main
boathouse or clubroom.

Launch Equipment

Irrespective of the use of the Launch it must carry the following equipment and safety aids:

  • First Aid Kit
  • Bailer
  • Sound device – capable of attracting attention over a distance of 200metres
  • Simple handhold's fixed to side to provide assistance
  • Sharp knife
  • Paddle
  • Anchor and or line
  • Engine kill cord
  • Throw line
  • Life jackets for crew and passengers
  • Thermal blankets

It is the responsibility of the Launch driver to report the use / loss / damage of any equipment on the Launch in the book
in the boathouse so it / they can be replaced.

Checklist (Extract from the RYA Powerboat logbook. Reproduced with the kind permission of the Royal Yachting
Association)

Before going afloat check:

  • Personal and boat buoyancy
  • Alternative means of propulsion
  • Anchor, chain and warp
  • Bucket, bailer and bilge pump
  • Fuel, including reserve tank
  • First Aid kit
  • Engine emergency spares
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Trailer properly parked

When afloat:

  • Keep a good lookout at all times
  • Don't overload your boat
  • Obey speed limits
  • Keep to the right in rivers/narrow channels
  • When crossing a channel, cross quickly at right angles
  • Keep clear of swans, swimmers, fishermen, canoeists, dinghy sailors and wind surfers
  • Think how your wash will affect others
  • Look out for deteriorating weather conditions

Recovering from the water

When a rower needs to be recovered from the water, the following precautions must be observed:

  • The only time high-speed manoeuvres should be used is when making the approach to the scene of trouble or
    when taking injured rowers back to the landing stage.
  • Any high-speed approach to the scene must make allowance for the safety of other river users. Use the klaxon or
    audible warning device to alert other craft. Give way if need be.
  • The final approach to the rower in the water must be made carefully and at low speed, in order to weigh up the
    situation and to avoid alarming the person in the water.
  • On approach provide buoyancy aid (life-ring or similar) to person in the water.
  • Talk to the person in the water. Make sure they understand what you intend to do and what you want them to do.
  • Approach from downstream/downwind, as appropriate, in order to maintain control over speed and steering.
  • When bringing the rower aboard, the engine must be turned off so that no injury can be inflicted by the propeller
    blades. Leaving the gear lever in neutral is not enough as it is easy to knock it whilst attempting to get the rower
    on board. If the speed of the current or other hazards make this precaution dangerous, then use the anchor to
    hold the launch in position.
  • Should the rower require urgent First Aid treatment this should be applied before moving off.
  • Where there are several rowers in the water, priority should be give to any injured or younger rowers.

Launches

The launches should be:

  • Stable.
  • Quick and manoeuvrable.
  • Designed so as not to create an excess wash.
  • Have adequate capacity to be capable of carrying injured athletes back to the boathouse quickly and safely.
  • Properly equipped
  • Well maintained

Launches powered by outboard engines, must be fitted with a "kill-cord" so that the engine is disabled if driver and boat
part company unexpectedly.
Launch driver rules