Requirements
1. Safety and Consistency:
A BRCC certified steersperson is responsible for the safety of the dragon boat, crew, equipment, and for enforcing the BRCC Operating Rules. The steersperson directs the operation of the dragon boat and is responsible for dock safety and security. Steersperson candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the BRCC Operating Rules and pass the on the water proficiency test to be fully certified.
2. Knowledge of the Berkeley Marina and BRCC boats & Safety Procedures:
A BRCC certified steersperson needs to show evidence of “on the water” steering skills as well as good decision making and communication skills while steering and navigating the waters in the Berkeley Marina.
Steps to Become a BRCC Certified Steersperson
1. Take the Dragon Boat Steers Test online
All potential Steers must take and pass the online Dragon Boat Steers Test.
2. Steer at practices under guidance of Lead Steers, a group of veteran steers people determined by BRCC
In most cases steers-in-training practice on the water steering for a minimum of 40+* hours under the guidance of available certified steers who are responsible for the steers-in-training.
The current Lead Steers are Donald Wu, Lawrence Pang, Judy Lee, Al Yeh, and Gary Young. When Lead Steers have observed the on water training of a steers–in-training for several hours of practice, they will recommend to the group of Lead Steers that a steers-in-training is ready to be assessed for certification. Practice includes steering in a variety of weather and light conditions, as well as on different boats.
*Exception to this requirement would be experienced steers coming from other teams who will not be required to log the 40+ )hours.
3. Be able to show competence in a range of steering maneuvers and decisions in the dragon boat
As one becomes more skilled in steering and logs time steering at practice – Lead Steers (those able to certify) will ask you to show competency in various maneuvers in and around the marina.
Here is a description of some of the things that you will need to be able to do: