Boat Damage Policy (FEBRUARY 2022)

Accidents will happen. However, they can be minimised if all members maintain strict awareness of their situation on the water at all times. This policy is written to advise  members of their responsibilities in the event of an incident causing damage to club equipment on, or off, the water. Damage to private equipment will be paid for by the owner. 

Before using any club equipment the designated spokesperson must sign out the equipment in the sign-out book. In a coxed crew the spokesperson is the coxie. In a non-coxed boat the spokesperson is bow seat. Failure to sign out equipment by an individual or crew will result in a one week suspension of dock privileges. All crew members are personally responsible for the club equipment they are using and ensuring that it returns to the dock undamaged. If any crew member feels a situation may cause an Incident - speak up in the boat.

PROCEDURE

In the event of damage to ANY equipment members must follow the procedure below.

When damage occurs all crews involved must immediately return to the dock. The crews will not take out another boat to continue their practice.

  1. Seek medical help in the event of any personal injury.

  2. The spokespeople will immediately report the incident verbally to their coach or to the Club Captain.

  3. Within two days of the incident the spokespeople will complete an Incident Report signed by all crew members and submitted to their coach or Club Captain. 

  4. All crew members will be off the water until the Incident Report is completed and submitted to the Club Captain, at which time the crews may resume training.

  5. The Club Captain, with the Rowing Committee, will review the Incident Report to identify any steps that can be taken to prevent a reoccurrence. If Club policies need to be amended the matter will be referred to the Board. 

  6. Repairs to the damaged equipment will be estimated by the equipment steward.

  7. All individuals involved will be presented with the cost of repairs and will be asked for an equal contribution of up to $500 each, payable within 21 days. Any balance outstanding will be covered by the club equipment fund. In the event of the Club making an insurance claim the crews’ liability will be the insurance deductible, currently $1,000 per boat. Water privileges will be revoked for any member who fails to pay on time and until payment is received. Members unable to pay the assessed damage contribution may apply to have their payment converted into volunteer hours valued at $15 per hour. Such payment-in-kind activities may be assisting with LTR’s, cleaning boats, organizing tools, etc., as directed by the Club Captain.

Members who are involved in multiple Incidents may be subject to additional sanctions determined by the Board.