These are the safety protocols that the North Brooklyn Community Boathouse has adopted for all members and guests. Members and guests are expected to exercise common sense and always follow all safety protocols.

Safety protocols for independent use of club equipment (NBCB certified official paddlers)

General Rules

When launching from North Brooklyn Community Boathouse (NBCB) locations for any and all vessels, whether independently owned or club owned, you must satisfy all of the below qualifications:

  • Be a NBCB member in good standing as defined in bylaws.

  • Review and pass a written test about local waterways knowledge.

  • Be observed satisfactory by a certified trip leader on 5 boating trips (last trip you plan and lead under observation).

  • Certified by an accredited organization as noted depending on the vessel below in Section II. 

  • The consumption of psychoactive drugs or alcohol or being under the influence of psychoactive drugs or alcohol while paddling is strictly forbidden without exception.

Certification

Canoes and Kayaks: American Canoe Association (ACA) or Paddle UK (formally British Canoeing skills assessment level 2.  Or on a case-by-case basis as approved by the Canoe or Kayak Committees, a member may obtain approval from a certified trip leader or instructor following proper demonstration of equivalent level 2 skills and rescues.

Rowboats: Demonstrate open water rescue and basic skills to Canoe or Kayak Committees member(s). Sailboats: American Sailing Association (ASA) Basic Keelboat Sailing 101 or US Sailing Basic Keelboat certification.

Non-Member Use

NBCB members who successfully satisfy all the requirements in Section I are allowed to take non-members onto the water after the non-members sign a legal waiver of liability and risks and certify they are able to swim. Members are allowed one guest in the case of solo vessels (such as kayaks) or multiple guests when captaining a larger vessel (such as a canoe, rowboat, or sailboat) so long as the total number of people on board does not exceed the recommended capacity limits of that vessel. Non-members must follow all NBCB rules and protocols.

Use Requirements

Each time you go out:

File a float plan with attendant at the Boathouse or electronically on the calendar.

It is strongly recommended that you do not paddle alone.  If you do, you must carry appropriate solo paddle rescue equipment (e.g. paddle float, radio).

You must always follow NBCB protocols at all times.

Every group/person must have appropriate rescue plan and equipment. Every group/person must carry at least one VHF marine Radio.

When an SCA is in effect in the NY Harbor, it is advised not to run trips either in the East River or Newtown Creek.  However, depending on conditions (wind speed/direction), experience level of the group, and the timing of the trip vs the SCA, a TL may determine the trip can be run safely.  Trips that overlap with a SCA should be posted as "Advanced".

Trips are strictly forbidden when a Gale Warning is in effect.

Trip Leader Qualifications and Trip Protocols

General Rules

When launching from North Brooklyn Community Boathouse (NBCB) from any location, any and all vessels as a Trip Leader you must satisfy all of the below qualifications:

  • Be a NBCB member in good standing as defined in bylaws.

  • Endorsed by NBCB after passing a written local knowledge test.

  • Show skills and leadership ability over at least 5 trips as an Assistant Leader (including at least three trips planned and led under observation by a Certified Trip Leader).

  • Certified by an accredited organization as noted depending on the vessel below in Section II.

Certification

Canoe: Successful completion of the American Canoe Association (ACA) Canoe Trip Leading or Guide program.

Kayak: Successful completion of the ACA Coastal Kayak Day-Trip Leading program.

Non-Member Use

Each Trip Leader is allowed to lead trips with up to 5 non-members and/or uncertified members. If the Trip Leader has a Certified Member as a designated Assistant on a trip, up to 10 nonmembers and/or uncertified members may be brought out. The maximum number of total paddlers allowed for any group is 15, which must include a minimum of one Trip Leader and two designated Assistants. Any groups larger than 15 persons must be broken up into separate trips and maintain the aforementioned ratios of Trip Leaders to uncertified paddlers. Non-members must sign a legal waiver of liability and risks. Nonmembers must follow all NBCB rules and protocols.

Exceptions to the non-member limits above will be determined on a case by case basis by the Steering

Committee. Examples may include events/person such as City of Water Day, fund-raising events, VIP events, Community Boathouse exchange, etc. All exceptions must be approved in writing by the Steering Committee and must take all safety precautions.

Use Requirements

Each time you go out:

  • File a float plan electronically on the NBCB calendar.

  • You must always follow NBCB protocols at all times.

  • Every group must have appropriate rescue plan and equipment. Every group must include someone with a VHF marine Radio.