{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFS120627\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E(Published November 2024, replacing January 2022)\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EIntroduction\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAll craft used by The Scout Association must be checked to ensure it\u0027s fit for purpose and suitable for the activity on each occasion it\u0027s used. It\u0027s the responsibility of the permit holder or activity leader to make sure craft and associated equipment are properly checked and maintained.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EGroups, Districts and centres may have their own systems for equipment checking, however the responsibility remains with the permit holder or activity leader to check the craft before use.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EIdentification and monitoring\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll boats operated owned or operated by members on behalf of The Scout Association must have a unique identifier. This could be in the form of a sticker, clearly marked number, or simply be part of a small fleet made up of different coloured boats. Some craft such as dinghies already have unique numbers which could be used for this purpose. The unique identifier will enable groups to monitor the checking, maintenance and use of each boat. This will also assist with the long-term planning for renewal and the budget implications associated with such renewals.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAn \u003Ca href=\u0022https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk/media/16569/fs120157-boat-log-jan-2022.xlsx\u0022\u003Eexample boat log sheet\u003C/a\u003E is available.\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EChecking equipment\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is important that all boats are checked and repaired as necessary. It is the responsibility of the permit holder or activity leader to ensure all equipment is suitable for use but the process may also include others. Frequency of checking will vary dependent on the equipment and its use.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn a group with only a few boats, the checking may take place prior to each activity being undertaken, whereas in a centre a monthly detailed check may be undertaken and supported by visual checks prior to each use.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis should be done in conjunction with following the manufacturer\u2019s guidance for storage and maintenance.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChecks can be varied and should be appropriate to the type of craft and its use, ensuring that the craft is fit for purpose. Common methods include:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EVisual check\u003C/strong\u003E \u2013 are there any obvious visual signs of damage, discolouration, cracks etc. Is everything present and in good working order.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EInternal and external inspection\u003C/strong\u003E \u2013 this would check for all elements of the craft being secured to ensure that exit from the craft was not hindered. Also checking the surfaces to ensure that they are free from splinters, cracks and other damage.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWater leak testing\u003C/strong\u003E \u2013 this is to establish if there are any leaks and is done through simply pouring a quantity (at least 4 litres) of water into the boat and seeing if any water leaks out when the boat is placed on its sides and ends.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAbsorption test\u003C/strong\u003E \u2013 this will be useful where boats are fitted with Poured Expanded Polystyrene. Pour at least 4 litres of water into the boat and then mark the water level when the boat is lying flat on its base. Then stand the boat on its ends (10 min each) before returning to its base. If when it returns to its base the water level is lower water has been absorbed.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESwamp / saturation test\u003C/strong\u003E \u2013 This is only suitable for non-motorised small craft. This is done by placing the boat in the water and then filling the whole boat with water, at this point the boat should still float at the surface of the water.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAssociated equipment would include paddles, spray decks, buoyancy aids, Life jackets, helmets, oars, anchors, engines, air horns, repair kit, fire extinguishers, etc., and should be made available for inspection. They should be in date where appropriate and inspected in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELife jackets and buoyancy airbags will need to be inflated at least half an hour before examination.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf there is any doubt, the advice of the County or District Programme Team or relevant water activity permit assessors should be sought.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EStorage of equipment\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIt\u0027s good practice to store equipment in a cool environment and out of direct sunlight, this will help to prolong the life of the product. If using the product in salt water it will help to rinse the equipment after use and to ensure that all equipment is dried in a suitable manner. Where manufacturer\u2019s guidance exists this should be followed.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EDamaged equipment\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIf anything is damaged or not fit for use then it should be clearly marked and not used on this occasion. Once a repair is done then the equipment must be checked again, this may require getting someone else to check or advise before putting the item back into use.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EWho can help and advise me?\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThere are lots of people who can help with maintaining and repairing equipment, these may be available within your group or may come from elsewhere. Make sure you check with someone who has the skills if you don\u2019t yourself before proceeding with repairs.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9b-requirements-for-specific-activities/9b5-water-based-activities/\u0022 title=\u00229b.5 Water based activities\u0022\u003ERule 9b.5.5\u003C/a\u003E Boats\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Rules relating to boat checking","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk/media/16569/fs120157-boat-log-jan-2022.xlsx\u0022\u003EExample boat log\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/canal-and-river-licences/\u0022 title=\u0022Canal and River Licences\u0022\u003ECanal and river licences\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/class-c-waters/\u0022 title=\u0022Class C Waters\u0022\u003EClass C waters\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/water-safety-buoyancy-aids-and-lifejackets/\u0022 title=\u0022Water safety (buoyancy aids and lifejackets)\u0022\u003EWater Safety (incorporating buoyancy aids and life jackets)\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/water-safety-waterborne-diseases-and-immersion/\u0022 title=\u0022Water safety (waterborne diseases and immersion)\u0022\u003EWater Safety (Waterborne diseases and immersion)\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Additional information","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Learn more about checking boats to ensure they\u0027re fit for purpose and suitable for activities","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"15 July 2023","reviewDate":"16/12/2020","redirectUrl":"","id":46947,"nodeName":"Boat Checking","title":"Boat Checking","type":"contentPage","image":{"url":"/media/12609/scouts-and-explorers-rowing-with-steve-backshall-jpg.jpg?cc=0,0.08655846858094049,0,0.07074490220557636\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dae7eb33b03e10","caption":"Scouts and Explorers rowing with Steve Backshall","type":"jpg","size":3241119,"width":4000,"height":2670,"altText":"A group of young people in red life jackets and white helmets row in a boat with Steve Backshall."},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Boat Checking","headerSubTitle":"","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[]},"subHeader":"Learn more about checking boats to ensure they\u0027re fit for purpose and suitable for activities","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80Njk0NyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/boat-checking/"}