Rowing code of conduct

1. Context and purpose

Transport for NSW has prepared in consultation with industry stakeholders a rowing code of conduct to enhance marine safety and navigation by increasing the current minimum requirements for specific vessels.

This code of conduct outlines additional light requirements for the following vessels over 4 metres in length, when being operated on NSW navigable waters between sunset and sunrise:

• Rowing/sculling craft
• Dragon boats
• Surf boats
• Outrigger canoes.

1.1  Compliance with this code signifies a commitment by rowers and paddlers to reduce the level of risk associated with operating a rowing/sculling craft, dragon boat, surf boat or outrigger canoe in restricted visibility and between sunset and sunrise.

2. Current Requirements in Relation to Lights

2.1  Rule 25 of the International Regulations For Preventing Collisions At Sea, which are adopted in NSW through the Marine Safety Regulation 2016, sets out the minimum lights required to be displayed and/or carried on all rowing/sculling/paddle craft used on navigable waters between sunset and sunrise.

2.2  Rule 25 is reproduced here for convenience and immediate reference.

Rule 25 Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars

1. A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit:
   1. sidelights
   2. a sternlight
2. In a sailing vessel of less than 20 metres in length the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule may be combined in one lantern carried at or near the top of the mast where it can best be seen.
3. A sailing vessel underway may, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit at or near the top of the mast, where they can best be seen, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower green, but these lights shall not be exhibited in conjunction with the combined lantern permitted by paragraph (b) of this rule.
   1. A sailing vessel of less than 7 metres in length shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
   2. A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this rule for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
4. A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downwards.

3. Lighting requirements for Rowing/Sculling/Paddle craft over 4m in length

3.1  Despite the minimal lighting requirements set out in Rule 25 of the International Regulations For Preventing Collisions At Sea in relation to vessels under oars, Transport for NSW (Maritime) is of the view that for safety reasons any such vessels that are greater than 4 metres in length should, in restricted visibility and between sunset and sunrise, exhibit:

1. Two all-round white LED lights, one attached to the vessel at or near the forward end, and one attached to the vessel at or near the aft end. The lights can be either two continuous white lights, 2 flashing white lights or a combination of the two.
2. A continuous white LED light is considered acceptable if it is visible in clear conditions from a distance of 1 kilometre.
3. A flashing white LED light is considered acceptable if it flashes at least once per second and is visible in clear conditions from a distance of 1 kilometre.
4. Notwithstanding 3.1(a), it is considered acceptable for a light to be masked so as not to interfere with the vision of the vessel’s occupants, provided at least one light is visible from any direction.

4. Compliance with this code

4.1  Although there is no specific legislative provision requiring rowers and paddlers to display the lights specified in Clause 3.1 above failure to comply with this Code may be viewed by the Courts as evidence of poor seamanship or negligence.

5. Responsibility of rowers and paddlers

5.1  Transport for NSW (Maritime) reminds rowers and paddlers that although they must at all times comply, as a minimum, with the requirements set out in the International Regulations For Preventing Collisions At Sea and all other provisions contained in the marine legislation, there is a general common law obligation upon them to do more than the minimum, should it not be sufficient to eliminate the risk of injury or damage.

6. Amendments

6.1  Any suggested amendments or variations to this code should be submitted to the Director Maritime Greater Sydney, Transport for NSW in the first instance. They will be adopted if deemed appropriate after consultation with users. Email: mps@transport.nsw.gov.au