Roles and Responsibilities for Steering Accreditation

Paddlers

Be helpful to the SIT by executing your seat responsibilities.
If you don’t feel comfortable being in the canoe with an SIT steering, express your concern when crews are being set on land.
If you feel your safety is at an unacceptable risk while the SIT is steering, express your concern to the SAS.
Support and encourage the SIT when appropriate.
If you have strong concerns about an SIT, share those with the SC.

Identify and encourage paddlers, who meet the SIT prerequisites, to consider starting the process for becoming a SIT.
Try to accommodate a SIT during paddle outings when appropriate.
If you are asked by a SIT to practice their steering during an outing, you are not obligated to accommodate.
To help paddlers get excited about becoming a potential SIT, consider teaching your paddlers the skills of steering from seats 1, 2, and 5.

You have ultimate responsibility of the canoe when a SIT is steering in your canoe.
Be respectful of paddlers who may express concerns with the SIT.
Teach the SIT the art and skill of steering with an emphasis on the final accreditation evaluation skills.
You should encourage and allow, when appropriate, the SIT to progressively take on more responsibility from seat 6. By the time the SIT is ready for the final evaluation, they should have already been steering a canoe without the assistance of an AS.
Follow specific parameters for Indirect Supervision.
If you have any concerns about the SIT steering in your canoe, notify the person setting the crews while on land.

Confirm the SIT clearly meets or exceeds the prerequisites.
Help guide and encourage the SIT throughout the steering accreditation process.
If you are asked to be a SIT’s ASM, you have the right to decline.
Check in with other SASs about the progress of your SIT.
If you begin to have concerns, sometime during the accreditation process, consult with the SC.
Check in with the SIT on a regular basis to assess their progress.

Work with the SC to schedule and conduct the final evaluation.
Be objective, unbiased, and equitable to all SITs steering during the final evaluation.
If you are asked to be a SIT’s ASE, you have the right to decline.
Familiarize yourself with the Final Evaluation checklist prior to the SIT’s final evaluation.
Follow all the directions outlined on the Final Evaluation Checklist during and after the evaluation paddle.
If needed, consult with the SC and Board on any issues or concerns.

Follow the Steps for becoming an Accredited Steersperson.
You are responsible for setting your pace to becoming an AS, yet recommend training as often and regular as possible.
Rely on your ASM to help guide you through the accreditation process, and definitely ask questions as needed.
Strive to be the best steersperson you can be. Be open to advice from other AS’s involved in your training.
Train with, at least, 3 different SASs (this can include your ASM). There is no primary trainer.
Prior to your final evaluation, you should be able to completely steer an OC6 from seat 6 without any assistance from the SAS.
Continue to consult the OSC Steering Resources webpage to learn off the water as well.
You are asked to keep a log of your steering activity and progress. (NOTE: A SC, ASM, or SAS may ask to see your log during your training.) This log will also be helpful if you wish to seek future additional endorsements (UL/DH) when you qualify.
Be patient and understanding with paddlers who express concerns about you steering the canoe. The majority of the time, it will be due to ocean conditions.

Manage the Steering Accreditation program so all stakeholders know their roles and responsibilities.
Establish and maintain a list of SAS’s, ASE’s, and ASM’s in consultation with seasoned Accredited Steerspersons. The minimum experience is 1 year, 3 years, and 3 years respectively. Exceptions can be made based on experience, honed skills, and exceptional risk management.
Establish and maintain a record with notes of SIT’s and their training progress. Periodically contact the ASM for an update.
Meet with and encourage SIT’s, who are within reach of becoming accredited, to complete their final evaluation.
Be the liaison between the Board and stakeholders of the program.
Periodically report to the Board on the status of the program.
Arrange and schedule the final evaluation paddle crew (1 SIT, 1 ASM, 2 ASEs, 2 paddlers)
Report to the BOD President all SIT’s who have passed the final evaluation.
Ensure the Steering Resources webpage contains current and accurate information.

Oversee the Steering Accreditation program.
Send a correspondence to the OSC membership congratulating the newest accredited steersperson.
Add name of new AS to OSC AS list. Add canoe designation (UL/DH) as appropriate.