It is recommended that:

• When leaving in an OC6 or any small canoe, let someone/anyone on land know your plans (float plan) in regards to estimated time of return and destination. If no one is available to know your float plan a text to the safety officer at 831-535-2971 is available for this purpose. Please text your full name, your planned direction or route if you are leaving the harbor, the time you depart, and the time you plan to return. Let whomever the contact is know when you have returned.
• You report any concern regarding safety procedures by using the form on the OSC website page http://outriggersantacruz.org/leadership. These will be documented in the Board of Directors meeting minutes.
• A log book is used signed in by each paddler at time of arrival for any OC6 paddle. The top of the page has the date and time the paddle is starting, estimated time ending, and float plan if known.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

It is required that:

• All who are unable to swim or tread water for a period of 30 minutes you must wear a PFD at all times when in the canoe as per your signed OSC waiver addendum.
• Children under 13 must wear a PFD at all times.
• There be a PFD in the canoe for each person.
• Club OC1/OC2 paddlers wear a PFD. Club mandates wearing of a vest style PFD when paddling club OC1/OC2 outside of the Harbor. When paddling solely within the Harbor,  the club requires a vest or inflatable waist style PFD to be onboard.

It is recommended that:

• Paddlers wear a PFD if they feel it necessary.
• The club upgrade the type of PFDs used over time.
• All PFDs are inspected once a year and all worn PFDs are replaced.
• PFDs not be used for any other purposes like padding amas when stored.

General Safety

It is required that:

• OC6 and club OC1/OC2 canoes have a drybag safety kit secured in the canoe with a VHF radio.
• OC6 must have two bailers secured in the canoe.
• OC6 canoes have a tow rope when participating in NCOCA and SCORA races.
• OC6 canoes are only surfed on breaking waves during specific race training as supervised by the race coaches and always away from the public.
• No one without formal accreditation can steer an OSC OC6 except under the direct supervision of a coach or other accredited steerer.
• Club OC1/OC2 canoes are never surfed on breaking waves.
• Club OC1/OC2 paddlers use a leash.
• Club OC1/OC2 paddlers use their own VHF Radio when leaving the harbor.

It is recommended that:

• A Leader of the Day be identified for each paddle to serve as one voice.
• Each new paddler on newcomers day be paired with an experienced club member.
• Amas be weighted as conditions dictate by the steers person.
• If a paddler is inappropriately dressed (not dressed for immersion) fellow paddlers will suggest they borrow appropriate clothing or return another day.
• Paddlers wear bright colored clothing.
• One paddler in each canoe wears the signaling whistle.

Huli Drills

It is recommended that:

• All groups/crews practice quarterly in realistic water conditions.
• There is a verbal review prior to each paddle.
• A huli drill is practiced with spray skirts on for race crews.
• Huli drills are practiced in both Specs and Unlimited OC6’s.
• Crews practice how to stop or prevent a huli.
• The Board of Directors track each paddler that has experienced a huli recovery.
• The OC1/OC2 training class include a huli recovery.

It is required that steers people obey the harbor navigation rules:

• Due to the low freeboard / visibility of these vessels, they must stay to the farthest right and maintain a proper lookout. Surf breaking at the harbor entrance can impede ability and threaten the safety of staying to the right. If a boater in this class of craft chooses to cross over to the opposing side of the channel to exit or enter, they are advised to use extreme caution when crossing the channel and must yield to oncoming vessels.
• Either as an individual boater, or in a group, this class of craft must not congregate in the harbor entrance or other areas of the channel or fairways that might impede normal transiting vessel traffic.
• See https://www.santacruzharbor.org/ordinances for more information.
• Per the USCG canoes must stay outside of the swim areas denoted by white vertical marker buoys.
• Club members obey the harbor lighting rules between sunset and sunrise;
  •  OC6 must exhibit the lights as shown in the figure below. The required lights are:
    1. Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet long, at least one mile away—on a dark, clear night.
    2. A sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles away.
    3. When you practice or operate between sundown and sunrise you must have the red/green and the white sternlight.

  

  • OC1/OC2 lights suggested by the harbor master is an all-around white light  that is constantly in the “on” position. Or even 2 headlamps (forward/rear facing) would be ok.

  Keiki / Juniors

  It is recommended that:

  We explore the use of ‘Safe Sport’ training and background checks for those working with paddlers age 17 and under.

  Coaches conduct an orientation meeting for Junior Program and Keiki Camps prior to start date; review waivers; meet with individual parents to hear expectations/concerns and review any questions regarding waivers. Notes taken on individual’s waiver regarding parent/coach consultation.

  Paddlers age 17 and under cannot bring a pre-signed waiver.

  Equipment

  It is recommended that each dry bag contains;

  • VHF Radio
  • Length of cord
  • Extra rubber
  • Whistle
  • Compass
  • Cutting tool
  • Space blanket
  • Roll of  tape
  • First aid kit
  • One quick strap
  • CPR kit

  That a ladder strap be installed in OC6 canoes to aid in entering after a huli.

  That an extra steering blade and paddle be strapped to the iako.

  Site Safety

  It is required that a Safety Sign inside shed contains the following emergency information;

  • Call 911
  • Address of OSC shed location
  • Location of closest AED

  It is recommended that a sign be placed around canoes informing public to stay off canoes to avoid injury.

  It is recommended that the bulletin board contain:

  • When/how to file an incident report.
  • Online link info to: “Questions, Suggestions, Concerns?”
  • Basic Safety Checklist.
  • Links to check conditions.

  It is recommended that a reference binder contains:

  • How to perform CPR.
  • Use of radios.
  • Pre-paddle safety checklist.
  • PFD use, storage and care.
  • Include maps, charts.

  It is recommended that a Newcomers Day Checklist contain:

  • Introduction
  • Waiver review
  • Size up w/ paddle
  • Crews set by Leader-of-the-Day
  • Steersperson reviews:
    • Technique
    • Verbal commands
    • Seat assignments & responsibilities
    • PFD useage, try-on
    • Huli
    • Radios/dry bag
    • Loading & unloading OC6’s