Boat Allocation, Rigging, Storage & Equipment

The proper allocation, rigging and operation of boats is vital to the operation of the centre. This section outlines the types of vessels available, the storage of equipment, locations for rigging and de-rigging and restrictions in operations.

Due to the nature of the centre, it is appropriate that these are outlined.

It is impossible to cover every eventuality but where doubt exists, the overriding considerations of the Duty Officer must be the practice of good seamanship and the safety of all those in his/her charge at all times.

Allocation of boats: The duty officer will keep a record of boats & individuals allocated to groups during a session.

Condition of boats:

All craft and marine equipment used for any activity will be suitable for the intended purpose and in a good state of maintenance and free from any known defect which could endanger the safety of the crew.

All craft and marine equipment will be regularly inspected by boat maintenance teams. 

In addition the group leader or instructor for any activity should check all equipment immediately prior to use for any obvious defects, or signs of damage. Permit holders hold fundamental responsability for the craft in use. Any issues should be reported and if appropriate or unsure the boat should be marked out of service until a more thorough inspection can be carried out.

Boats out of service must be clearly tagged as such.

Defect Reporting.

• Ajax Boats: Defects should be recorded on the whiteboard inside the workshop, any defective equipment that can be carried should be placed inside the workshop door.

• Warspite Boats: Defects should be recorded on the whiteboard next to the heads doors, defective equipment should be placed by the workbench in the boat deck.

Use of non centre craft: Most craft used will belong to Warspite, Ajax or the Warspite Ajax Scouts Activity Centre. Craft not belonging to these organisations can be used for activities as long as they:

• have appropriate insurance which provides third party cover against loss or damage to property and death or injury to persons.  Third party cover must be for a minimum of £2 million.  The owner of the personal craft must prior to the initial use of such craft and each year upon renewal, provide the Groups with confirmation that the relevant insurance is held. 

• are deemed by the Duty Officer to be appropriate for the intended activity.

The Groups and Centre takes no responsibility for any loss or damage to personal craft howsoever caused. 

Storage of non centre boats: The storage of non group/centre boats is a matter for each Group, and both have established policy & rules with regard to this. Please contact the GSL of the appropriate group for further information.