Steering accreditation

We take health & safety very seriously. We row on one of the most exciting and scenic stretches of the river Thames, but it is also the most challenging part with tidal differences of up to 7 meters and river traffic from Thames clippers, work and pleasure boats.

Adherence to the club’s own rules and the Tideway Rowing Code is absolutely critical for everyone’s safety. Read the PBDRC Health & Safety Manual and visit also the British Rowing safety and safeguarding pages and go through the online capsize drill. Check the weather, wind and tide before you go afloat.

Steering accreditation

On our stretch of the Tidal Thames, we navigate according to the ‘Tideway Code‘ which is a set of rules & regulations published by the Port of London Authority (PLA). Steer certification is the process we use to validate a member’s understanding and ability to navigate under the tideway code. This process is in place to make sure that you, and other river users, are safe when out on the water.

PBDRC Accreditation and Certification Process Manual

The three levels of accreditation suggested by the TRRC relate to the ‘Red’, ‘Amber’, ‘Green’ (RAG) levels at Poplar. When you are “Green”, you will be able to steer a boat unsupervised between Tower Bridge and the Thames Barrier.

The Poplar Accreditation and Certification Process Manual sets out rules and the process of how members at Poplar can progress from a learn-to-row and novice stage to an experienced oarsmen that can go afloat on their own and support others.

If you would like to progress from one stage to the next then please discuss the matter with a member of the rowing committee.

PBDRC steering and rowing record logbook

To progress from ‘Red’ to ‘Amber’ or to ‘Green’ it is recommended that you use a logbook to document your progress. A logbook template can be found here: PBDRC steering record logbook.

PBDRC Tideway Rowing Code Knowledge Test

Part of the steering and rowing accreditation requirement is that you can demonstrate your knowledge of the tideway rowing code. The theoretical test can be accessed via this link. The page is password protected. Arrange a time with a member of the rowing committee to go through the test. Please ask the examiner of the rowing committee to certify your assessment using this template.

Poplar Rowing Committee

Ben	Dan
Ron	Ian
Sara	Markus

Poplar Steering and Rowing Accreditation and Certification Process Manual