Table of Content

Rule 1

All paddlers (except the second paddler on an OC-2) are required to sign out a canoe using the online reservation system AND check in and out on the handwritten log sheet in the OC Equipment Storage box.

Only BRCC-Certified OC Paddlers are allowed to reserve an OC online.

All paddlers, including guests on an OC-2, are required to have a current waiver on file with BRCC. A guest waiver filled out and left on the clipboard in the locker before paddling is considered to be “on file.”

The Berkeley Marina WiFi key is:
Berkeley
(Capital B, the rest lower case).
If you’re at the dock and using the online system to sign out a canoe, you can do so without using cellular data. It also works on a Wi-Fi-only tablet with no cellular connection.

Rule 2

Only BRCC members who are OC certified by BRCC may paddle a BRCC OC-1 or be the person in charge of an OC-2. Exceptions can be arranged for participating in time trials supervised by the Small Fleet Captain, a BRCC Coach, or person designated by either of the above. Exceptions may also be arranged for training sessions under the direct supervision of the Small Fleet Captain.

Rule 3

An OC Certified Paddler may host one non-member uncertified guest on an OC-2 ONLY. A guest can paddle an OC-2 with BRCC member/OC Certified Paddler up to three times in a calendar year. After three introductory sessions, new paddlers are asked to join BRCC if they would like to further use the OC.

BRCC OC certified members who are under 18 years of age may only paddle an OC when they are closely supervised by a coach or adult BRCC OC small vessel/OC certified member who is qualified for OC use.

Minor Guests – guest youth (with a waiver on file) who are under 18 years of age may only paddle with a BRCC member on an OC-2 who is an adult BRCC member and certified for OC use.

Minors who are members of a BRCC youth team may paddle other small vessels (not OC) under close supervision by their BRCC-designated team coach.

Rule 4

A PFD MUST be worn when on any BRCC small vessel. PFDs carrying certification by Type (II, III, or V) or by Level 50 (strong swimmer) or Level 70 or higher are appropriate for use on BRCC vessels as described in the BRCC Operation Rules.
BRCC does not allow use of any inflatable PFDs on our small vessel fleet.

Rule 5

A leash must be used while paddling the OCs. Only one leash needs to be worn by one of the paddlers in an OC-2.

Rule 6

Operation of small vessels is restricted to daylight hours.

Rule 7

All small vessels shall not go past the breakwater out into the open SF Bay without a support vessel such as another OC, kayak or dragon boat within easy hailing distance and remaining close enough to assist in case of an emergency.

Rule 8

If the small vessels go past the breakwater wall they must stay within 200 yards of the shoreline, and shall not go south of the old Hs. Lordships restaurant building or north of the NW corner of Cesar Chavez Park.

Rule 9

Small vessels shall not go outside the protection of the breakwaters if the wind is over ten (10) knots (11.5 mph) or if there are white caps visible in the waters outside the marina. Please check online for any Small Craft Advisory for high winds’ that includes the San Francisco Bay north of the Bay Bridge.

Recommended Apps:
· The Weather Channel
· Any Weather app that provides live wind data for the Berkeley Marina

Rule 10

Any damage, leaks or mechanical problems with the boat shall be recorded on the log sheet when returning the OC. Paddler should also email fixsmallvessel@thebrcc.org describing the issue(s) ASAP! Damage shall be reported regardless of whether the damage occurred during the present use or was a pre-existing condition.

Rule 11

If a boat is considered not safe for use, an obvious note shall be left on the boat and fixsmallvessel@thebrcc.org should be notified ASAP.

Procedures for OC Operation and Storage

We maintain a list of certified OC paddlers. If your name is not on the list, you should not ever paddle an OC unless you meet the allowable exceptions.

OC certified paddlers

Please watch our helpful videos for maneuvering/launching/putting the OCs back on the rack at M dock:

Videos

BRCC Small Vessels are stored fully assembled:

  • The seats and leashes are retrieved from the Large Equipment Storage Locker and must be attached.
  • After unlocking – secure lock & set to 0000.
  • Check for water in the hulls and ama by lifting them and listening for water moving inside. Drain if necessary!
  • Roll the iako/ama in the water and then lift and place the hull in the water while holding onto the leash.
  • Attach/adjust the seat, mount, attach leash to ankle and paddle away.

Upon returning to the dock:

  • Remove and Drain: Take the OC out of the water and place it on the mounts or rack. Remove the plugs and lift the opposite end of the vessel to thoroughly drain any water from the hull and ama.
  • Rinse and Store: Rinse the hull and ama with fresh water, place the hull securely back in the rack, and lash it down with bungee cords available.
  • The small fleet team labeled each rack and OC with matching numbers. When docking an OC, always check that its number matches the rack and the OC is correctly positioned. The OC number should never be to the left of the extended supporting arm. The OC number should always stay on the right.
  • Lock up: Reattach the combination lock and spin the dials to 0000.
  • Report Issues: If the vessel is damaged or unusable, please immediately email fixsmallvessel@thebrcc.org so the team can log the issue and temporarily remove it from the reservation list.

Before you leave -> Storage & Safety

  • Lock up the vessel by gently running the lock through the hole in the foot pedal and secure the lock and reset to 0000.
  • Store the leash and seat in the Large Equipment Storage Locker
  • Check out by signing out on the Small Vessel Log. Note the finish time and document any concerns about the condition or operation of the vessel in the comment section of the log and send email.