Safety Notices
NERC Incident report form
Click here ​​​​​​​

Read and understand the Water Safety Code - Click here

and Club Safety Responsibilities Guide
Click here

and Maritime Safety Authority
Click here

On Otago Harbour:

• Only row under the supervision of a coach with a coach boat.
• Row in a well defined anticlockwise rectangular circuit – out from the launching ramp, towards the end of the yacht harbour breakwater, north east towards the end of the Ravensdown wharf, towards the shore, near the shore heading back towards NERC.
• Boats may only proceed past the Ravensdown wharf with the permission and direct supervision of a coach.
• Cox or Bow seat rower takes responsibility for maintaining a lookout – for other boats, waterway hazards, and weather and sea conditions.
• In the event of a swamping or capsize, always stay with the boat until help arrives
• Rowing in the dark is not recommended, but if necessary, all boats must carry suitable lights.
• Boats must stay away from the shipping channels at all times

• Coxes must always wear lifejackets when on the water
• All rowers must be able to swim at least 50m in light clothing
• Know where first aid kits are available (e.g. in the St Hilda’s equipment box)
• Always have suitable clothing for the rowing conditions – e.g. polyprop layers, hats (for sun or cold), jackets, socks, and something dry to change into.

First Aid

• Know where the first aid kits are kept.
• All rowers are encouraged to complete first aid training
• All coaches and adults responsible for rowers are encouraged to hold first aid certificates
• The club will designate one coach or responsible adult to be the Safety Officer.

Accident log:

• Always report all accidents to persons or boats to the Safety Officer
• Accidents involving personal injury must be reported to the Club and rowing association
• Record all boat damage and maintenance required on the club white board and notify the club coach.

• Rowing boats are performance machines – they are not for playing in.
• Each rower is responsible for checking that boats, fastenings, and accessories are in a fit condition to use (always check all rigger, seat and footplate bolts and nuts)
• Crews should stop rowing and lay side on the wake of passing ships.
• Crews should always be aware of wind, wave and tide conditions, and be prepared to stop training when conditions are unsuitable.

Coach Boats

• All persons in a coach boat must wear a lifejacket (PFD) at all times.
• Coach boats should be supervising no more that 3 crews on the water at any one time.
• Coach boats should carry enough PFDs for the largest crew they are supervising.
• Coach boat drivers must have completed the Boat Safety course,