Part 1 – Preliminary and commencement

1.1 Title and commencement

(1) These rules shall be cited as the Scout Association of New Zealand Water Activity Rules and shall come into force on 31 March 2008. The applicable version shall be the latest published on the authority of the National Water Activities Advisor at Scouts.org.nz.

1.2 Application of these rules

(1) These rules apply to all Scout water activities, irrespective of the branch of Scouting. This includes any members of the Scout Association participating as a team in any events not organised by the Scout Movement.

(2) For the avoidance of doubt these rules apply equally to:

(a) all branches of Scouting under the authority of New Zealand, including activities by foreign groups and activities with any on-water component within New Zealand.

(b) water activities by New Zealand Scouts as a contingent abroad.

(c) any activity which a parent might assume was covered by Scout rules such as where a warranted leader takes one or more youth members from outside their immediate family afloat for any reason. Any warranted leader contemplating such an activity must take steps to remove any doubt as to this.

(3) These rules do not replace, supersede or modify Scouts POR, local byelaws, or national law. Where these rules repeat any part of such an external rule they explicitly reference the external rule and this reference shall be read as meaning the current equivalent rule to that referred to.

1.3 Definition of terms

(1) In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires:

“adult helper”	means approved programme assistants as defined in POR rule 42.
“boat surveyor”	means any surveyor of boats, appointed by any Water Activities Advisor, who surveys boats for the purpose of Clause 3.9.
“canoe”	means any open boat paddled by one or more crewmembers where the paddles do not pivot in crutches or rowlocks. It includes single and multi hull vessels such as outrigger canoes.
“charge certificate examiner”	means any examiner appointed by any Water Activities Advisor with the task of examining the boat handling competence of any adult or youth member in one or more Sections of charge certificate as defined in Clause 5.3.
“charge certificate holder”	means such person having been issued with a charge certificate in accordance with Part 5 of these rules.
“charge certificate”	means the qualification issued by any Water Activities Advisor that meets the requirements of Part 5 and qualifies the holder to take charge of any Scout boating activity.
“competent”	The Group Leader may designate adults and Venturers as competent to meet the supervision needs of particular activities under the direction of the Water Activity Leader.
“commercial vessel”	means any vessel hired or chartered.
“commercial operator”	means operator of a commercial vessel or activity.
“crown cutter”	means any caravel 5.2 metre dinghy designed to the standard Royal New Zealand Navy crown cutter design.
“Cub”	means any invested youth member who is a member of a Cub Pack as defined in POR Rules 119 to 121.
“cutter”	means any clinker 5.2 metre dinghy designed to the standard Scout Association cutter design.
“Group Leader”	means any warranted Adult Leader appointed by any Zone Leader in accordance with POR Rule 97. Every Group shall have a Group Leader who is responsible to the Zone Leader for the administration, general welfare and development of the Group and the progressive training of its members.
“Group Training Limits”	means all waters defined in accordance with Clause 4.3 as suitable for a nominated Scout Group to use for training purposes.
“hours of darkness”	means any time from sunset to sunrise.
“kayak”	means any enclosed vessel paddled by one or more crewmembers where the paddles do not pivot in crutches or rowlocks.
“Kea”	means any invested youth member who is a member of a Kea Club as defined in POR Rules 116 to 118.
“maritime rules”	means Maritime Rules made under the Maritime Transport Act 1994 and all amendments thereto.
“National Water Activities Advisor”	means the person holding the warrant as National Water Activities Advisor appointed by the Chief Executive. The National Water Activities Advisor reports directly to the National Executive Committee and is responsible for advising on water safety and implementation of national water based training and activities.
“non-invested member”	means any youth member not invested in any Kea, Cub, Scout or Venturer section, but who is visiting any Group for any reason and taking part in any activity along with invested youth members.
“POR”	means the Policy Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association.
“power vessel”	means any vessel propelled by machinery.
“properly secured”	means that the personal floatation device is completely secured by all zips and buckles or other devices that the personal floatation device is fitted with and adjusted so that all straps are tightened so the personal flotation device is comfortable to wear but not loose. (replace all references to Correctly Fitted with Properly Secured)
“raft”	means a temporary platform designed to float on water.
“Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor”	means any Warranted Leader appointed by Regional or Zone Leaders in accordance with POR Rule 76. The Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor is to advise the Regional or Zone training team on all Scout water activities and includes any appointed assistants.
Rover	For the purposes of these rules, a Rover scout shall be treated as an Adult Helper.
“Scout Association”	means the Scout Association of New Zealand, also referred to as the “Movement”.
“Scout vessel”	means any vessel owned by the Scout Association or any trust supporting the Scout Association.
“Scout”	means any invested youth member who is a member of a Scout Troop as defined in POR Rules 122 to 126.
“sunburst”	means any 3.5 metre dinghy constructed to the standard design of the New Zealand Sunburst Association.
“Venturer”	means any invested youth member who is a member of a Venturer Unit as defined in POR Rules 129 to 136.
“vessel”	means every description of boat or craft used in navigation, whether or not it has any means of propulsion.
“Warranted Adult Leader”	means an adult person issued with a Scout Association warrant as defined in POR Section C.
“Water Activities Advisor “	means either the National Water Activities Advisor or a Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor as defined in these rules.
“Water Activity Leader”	means the person appointed by the Group Leader or event organising committee to be responsible for a particular water activity who shall be an adult aged 19 or over who is either a warranted Leader or an adult helper. In the case of participation in a non-scout event, each contingent taking part shall provide a Water Activity Leader for each Water Activity in which they take part.
“youth member”	means any invested member of the Movement younger than 19 years of age and who meets the requirements of POR Rule 37, who is a Kea, Cub, Scout or Venturer.

Part 2 – General safety and supervision for water activities

2.1 Compliance with Maritime Rules and Regional Council by-laws

(1) All Scout water activities must always comply with all Maritime Rules particularly Maritime Rules Part 22 Collision Prevention and Part 91 Navigation Safety or any applicable navigation safety by-laws issued by Regional or Local Councils.

2.2 General

(1) It is not possible to lay down a comprehensive standard set of rules for water activities that will be applicable to all types of water, weather and vessels. These rules are the minimum requirements for Scout water activities. At all times water activities undertaken by members of the Movement shall be managed with due regard to ensuring appropriate safety of all participants

(2) Every water activity must have a nominated Water Activity Leader, who shall remain responsible throughout the entire water activity.

(3) The Water Activities Advisor, Group Leader, warranted leader and the Water Activity Leader must use their discretion, and in applying good seamanship principles and common sense may wish to impose further conditions or restrictions.

(4) A warranted Leader shall be responsible to ensure all normal standards of care and responsibility are maintained during a water activity. Where the Water Activity Leader is not a warranted leader then a warranted leader shall be present and will remain responsible for all aspects of the event, except for those components directly under the leadership of the Water Activity Leader.

(5) The risk management of water activities is covered through the activity intention form process. An activity intention form (Form 801D or 801E) is required to be completed in accordance with Clause 2.3.

(6) Unless the leader in charge of any proposed water activity is the holder of a current charge certificate appropriate to the type of vessel and proposed activity an activity intention form (Form 801D or Form 801E) must be submitted in accordance with POR Management Procedure 43. The Group Leader must approve the activity and one copy of the activity intention form must be given to the Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor before the activity is undertaken.

2.3 Activity intention forms (801D and 801E)

(1) The purpose of the activity intention form is to ensure that due consideration of risks, risk management strategies and appropriately qualified personnel are in place to ensure the safety of the youth and adults involved in Scout activities.

(2) An activity intention form (Form 801D or 801E) must be approved for every water activity unless the activity is exempted as specified in Clause 2.4.

(3) The activity intention form for water activities is approved by the Group Leader and copies provided in advance of the activity to the Group's Zone Leader and the Water Activities Adviser for the Zone or Zones where the Water Activity is to take place.

2.4 Activity intention exemptions and charge certificate requirements

(1) Activity intention forms must be completed except where the activity uses only commercial vessels or all these requirements are strictly complied with:

(a) The water activity is managed by a Water Activity Leader who holds a current charge certificate relating to the types of vessels being used and the planned activity, and

(b) The activity takes place within the Group’s boating limits or Group’s training limits as defined in Clause 4.1or 4.3, and

(c) All the vessels used for the activity are equipped in accordance with Clause 3.3 and have been issued with a current boat certificate as defined in Clause 3.11, and

(d) The activity is not part of an overnight activity, and

(e) Adult to youth ratios comply with Clause 2.7.

2.5 Supervision of water activities

(1) All water activities shall be under the leadership of a nominated Water Activity Leader who shall remain responsible throughout the entire activity.

(2) Where an activity has a charge certificate defined in these Rules then the Water Activity Leader must ensure that a holder of the appropriate charge certificate must be present throughout to supervise that particular aspect of the activity.

(3) The Water Activity Leader or another adult leader or helper present throughout must be able to produce a valid first aid certificate conforming to New Zealand Qualifications Authority standards 6400, 6401 and 6402. The Water Activity Leader and any other adult leader or helper providing supervision needed to meet the adult to youth ratios in Section 2.7 must be able to swim 50 metres while fully clothed and wearing a personal floatation device.

(4) The Water Activity Leader shall ensure that the minimum adult to youth ratios as defined in Clause 2.7, minimum experience requirements and all safety aspects are in place before permitting the water activity to commence and remain in place for the entire duration of the activity.

(5) Keas and Cubs may take part in water activities under the supervision provisions contained in these rules.

(6) Consent must be obtained from a parent or guardian of each Kea, Cub or non-invested member before they are permitted to participate in Scout water activities. This could take the form of the Nominal Register being signed by the parent or guardian.

(7) Where any non-invested youth members are participating in any water activity with invested youth members, they must have the same level of supervision and comply with all the requirements for the youth members participating in the water activity.

(8) Where youth members do not meet the minimum swimming ability specified in Clause 2.6 the Water Activity Leader must ensure that specific supervision and briefing occurs in accordance with these rules prior to those youth being permitted to participate in the water activity.

(9) The Water Activity Leader must not be impaired by fatigue, alcohol or drugs to an extent which impairs their ability to adequately supervise the water activity undertaken by any adult and youth member.

(10) The Water Activity Leader must be alert for signs that any participant undertaking water activities is impaired by fatigue, alcohol or drugs, and remove from the water activity anyone they consider is so impaired.

2.6 Swimming ability

(1) The Water Activity Leader must be satisfied that youth members can swim 50 metres without a personal floatation device. Participants who have not demonstrated the ability to swim 50 metres without a personal floatation device may take part in suitable water activities at the discretion of the Water Activity Leader, provided the following precautions are observed:

(a) Where a non-swimmer is taken aboard a vessel (other than a commercial vessel):

(i) each vessel must be directly controlled by an charge certificate holder who is in the vessel, or

(ii) there must be no more than one non-swimmer in the vessel and the buddy system must be used, or

(iii) there is a support power vessel controlled by a charge certificate holder which remains in close proximity

(b) In the case of single handed craft supervision must be on a one to one basis with an adult charge certificate holder in a suitable craft close to the non-swimmer at all times.

(c) Participants who have not demonstrated the ability to swim 50 metres while wearing a personal floatation device must wear a correctly fitted Type 402 life jacket while taking part in the water activity.

2.7 Adult to youth ratios

(1) Table 1 provides guidelines for minimum adult to youth ratios for various water activities.

(2) Should a Group wish to vary from these minimum adult to youth ratios then prior approval must be obtained from the Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor by following the activity intention forms process. Due regard to safety of the water activity participants will at all times remain paramount.

(3) All activities involving Keas, Cubs or Scouts must have a minimum of two competent people participating, regardless of the ratios.

(4) The Venturer Leader and/or Water Activity Leader must determine supervision ratios for activities involving Venturers.

(5) Any activities or events whose characteristics are not specified in Table 1 must be approved beforehand by the Group Leader and the Zone or Regional Water Activities Advisor through the Activity Intention Form.

(6) For the purpose of these ratios youth means the total of all invested and non-invested members participating.

Activity

Kea

Cub

Scout

Venturer

Swimming in pools

Clause 2.13 applies

Conform to requirements set by aquatic facility manager

Ratio 1:5

Conform to requirements set by aquatic facility manager

Ratio 1:5

Conform to requirements set by aquatic facility manager

Ratio 1:10

Conform to requirements set by aquatic facility manager

Unspecified ratio

Swimming in open waters

Clause 2.13 applies

Beach, Lake or River visit limited to swimming in enclosed areas with no current and shallow depths

Ratio 1:5 and use buddy system

Beach, Lake or River visit limited to swimming in enclosed areas with no current and shallow depths

Ratio 1:5 and use buddy system

Swimming limited to areas with little surf and gently sloping bed or weak currents with a safe run out area

Ratio 1:10 and use buddy system

To be within the skill and competence of the least experienced members of the party and competence, qualifications of the supervisors

Unspecified ratio

Flat-water Canoeing/ Kayaking

Clause 2.10 apples

Introduction in pool or enclosed waters

Ratio 1:3

Rescue craft in attendance recommended

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

Introduction in pool or enclosed waters

Ratio 1:3

Rescue craft in attendance recommended

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

Sheltered waters only, introduction to sea kayaking

Ratio 1:8

Rescue craft in attendance recommended

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

To be within the demonstrated skill and competence of the least experienced members of the party and competence qualifications of the supervisors.

Ratio specified by the Group Leader who may delegate to the Venturer Leader or Water Activity Leader

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

Moving water Canoeing/ Kayaking

Clause 2.10 apples

Not permitted

Permitted provided the Water Activity Leader has assessed the capability of the least capable member of the group

Grade 1 rivers only

Ratio 1:3

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

Suitable head protection must be worn when deemed appropriate by Water Activity Leader

To be within the demonstrated skill and competence of the least experienced members of the party and competence qualifications of the supervisors

Grade 1 and 2 Rivers only

Ratio 1:4

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

Suitable head protection must be worn when deemed appropriate by Water Activity Leader

To be within the demonstrated skill and competence of the least experienced members of the party and competence qualifications of the supervisors

Ratio: specified by the Group Leader who may delegate to the Venturer Leader or Water Activity Leader

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

Suitable head protection must be worn when deemed appropriate by Water Activity Leader

Sailing

Clause 2.11 Applies

Introduction:

- as an activity with Scout Section/ Group

- as an activity with parents

provided that it is undertaken in Group training limits, on sheltered and semi enclosed waters, in suitable boats, where instructors and rescue cover exists on site and only on approval of GL

Ratio 1:2 in cutters.

If other boats are used, the ratio is to be reviewed by the water activity Leader.

rescue craft in close proximity

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

Introduction:

- as an activity with Scout Section/ Group

- as an activity with parents

provided that it is undertaken in Group training limits, on sheltered and semi enclosed waters, in suitable boats, where instructors and rescue cover exists on site and only on approval of GL

Ratio 1:4 in cutters

If other boats are used, the ratio is to be reviewed by the water activity Leader.

rescue craft in close proximity

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

Can be a core part of Troop programme with numerous links to award scheme.

Ratio: 1 competent adult per two craft, but need not be in the craft.

1 adult holding appropriate charge certificate Section A and E must supervise, additional supervision may be provided by Venturers holding either charge certificate or helmsman’s certificate

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

To be within the demonstrated skill and competence of the least experienced members of the party and competence qualifications of the supervisors

Ratio: specified by the Group Leader who may delegate to the Venturer Leader or Water Activity Leader

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

Rowing

Clause 2.11 Applies

Undertaken as a Group activity with Scouts or Venturers in Group training limits and in still waters.

Ratio 1:2

When in cutters, must have 2 capable oarsmen and one experienced coxswain onboard.

If other boats are used, the ratio is to be reviewed by the water activity Leader.

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

Undertaken as a Group activity with Scouts or Venturers in Group training limits and in still waters.

Ratio 1:4

When in cutters, must have 2 capable oarsmen and one experienced coxswain onboard.

If other boats are used, the ratio is to be reviewed by the water activity Leader.

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

Can be core part of Troop programme.

Ratio: 1 competent adult per two craft, but need not be in the craft.

1 adult holding appropriate charge certificate Section A must supervise, additional supervision may be provided by Venturers holding either charge certificate or coxswain’s certificate

All participants must have available, and non-swimmers must wear, a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

To be within the demonstrated skill and competence of the least experienced members of the party and competence qualifications of the supervisors

Ratio: specified by the Group Leader who may delegate to the Venturer Leader or Water Activity Leader

All participants must have available, and non-swimmers must wear, a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

Rafts

Clause 2.12 applies

Introduction in pool or enclosed waters

Ratio 1:3

Rescue craft available for early intervention recommended

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

Introduction in pool or enclosed waters

Ratio 1:3

Rescue craft available for early intervention recommended

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device

Use in slow moving or sheltered waters. There is to be appropriate safety boat cover, unless in enclosed waters

Ratio: 1 competent adult per two craft, but need not be on the craft.

Rescue craft available for early intervention recommended

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device.

Use in slow moving or sheltered waters. There is to be appropriate safety boat cover, unless in enclosed waters.

Ratio: specified by the Group Leader who may delegate to the Venturer Leader or Water Activity Leader

Rescue craft available for early intervention recommended

All participants must wear a correctly fitted Personal Flotation Device.

Fishing

From a safe wharf, platform or riverbank.

Ratio 1:3

From a safe wharf, platform or riverbank.

Ratio 1:6

From a vessel, a correctly fitted Personal Floatation Device must be worn

Ratio 1:4

Land or boat based

Ratio 1:8

From tidal rocks, a correctly fitted Personal Floatation Device must be worn

Ratio 1:6

Land or boat based

Ratio specified by the Group Leader who may delegate to the Venturer Leader or Water Activity Leader

From tidal rocks, a correctly fitted Personal Floatation Device must be worn

Table 1 Adult to youth ratios

2.8 Personal floatation devices

(1) Personal floatation devices permitted for water activities must conform to NZ Standard 5823:2001 or NZ Standard 5823:2005.

(a) A lifejacket such as the Type 402 is designed to support the wearer in a safe, head-up position with the nose and mouth well clear of the water. Lifejackets are essential for children, adults with poor swimming skills and for most boating activities.

(b) A buoyancy vest or garment has less buoyancy than a lifejacket, is closer fitting and has no collar, giving more freedom of movement for active water sports. The wearer generally floats lower in the water, in a near vertical position without any significant head support.

(c) Inflatable lifejackets and buoyancy aids, while being light to wear with ease of movement compared to a conventional lifejacket have other inherent risks which must be considered before being approved by the Water Activity Leader for use in the activity.

(2) The Water Activity Leader must ensure that for each vessel there are on board at the time of use, and in a readily accessible location, sufficient personal floatation devices of an appropriate size for each person on board.

(3) The Water Activity Leader in charge of a vessel being used for a Scout activity may not use that vessel in circumstances where tides, river flows, visibility, rough seas, adverse weather, emergencies or other situations cause danger or a risk to the safety of persons on board, unless every person on board is wearing a properly secured personal floatation device of an appropriate size for that person

(4) Every person, including leaders, helpers and parents, must wear a properly secured personal floatation device of an appropriate size for that person during the following Scout water activities:

(a) All persons on board any open powered vessel.

(b) All persons on or in any canoe or kayak.

(d) All persons on board any raft or temporary platform used for races or similar activities. This clause does not apply to stable swimming platforms permanently moored adjacent to any designated swimming area.

(e) During any occasion when directed to wear a properly secured personal floatation device of an appropriate size by any Water Activities Advisor, Group Leader, or Water Activity Leader.

(5) Whenever a water activity is undertaken in a commercial vessel that has in place a Safe Management Plan, all persons must wear a personal flotation device when directed by the operator of that commercial vessel.

(6) NZS Type 402 lifejackets are the only personal floatation devices permitted for:

(a) Keas and Cubs, and

(b) Any participant who cannot swim at least 50 metres fully clothed.

(c) NZS Type 403 or 405 buoyancy aids may be used by Scouts, Venturers and adults with the joint approval of the Group Leader and Water Activities Leader

(7) Inflatable lifejackets and buoyancy aids may be worn by Scouts, Venturers and adults in powered vessels with the joint approval of the Group Leader and Water Activity Leader.

2.9 Power boating

(1) Scouts and Venturers are to be encouraged in the safe use of small power craft on inland lakes and coastal waters. Knowledge of the appropriate operating rules is essential.

(2) Under the law, no youth member under the age of 15 shall be in charge, or propel or navigate, a power driven vessel that is capable of a proper speed exceeding 10 knots unless he or she is under direct supervision of a charge certificate holder, holding a charge certificate Section B who is within immediate reach of the controls.

(3) The speed and operation of any power driven vessel must comply with Maritime Rules Part 91 and any Regional Council navigation safety bylaws in force.

(4) Water skiing, wake boarding or sea biscuiting is permitted between sunrise and sunset provided the driver of the towing boat holds a charge certificate Section B and is accompanied by at least one responsible person over the age of 12 whose specific task is the safety of the skier or person being towed. Scouts and Venturers must wear a non‑inflatable personal floatation device when water skiing or being towed behind a power driven vessel.

(5) Times of sunrise and sunset can be obtained from:

http://www.hydro.linz.govt.nz/astro/index.asp

2.10 Canoeing and kayaking

(1) Before permitting youth members to take part in canoeing or kayaking activities outside Group training limits, the Water Activity Leader must be satisfied that adequate training for the proposed activity has been undertaken by all participants, that the leader of any such activity has been further trained to a level where that person is competent to lead the activity safely.

(2) All canoeing or kayaking activities require an activity intention form (Form 801D or 801E), except National, Regional or Zone activities and those carried out at an approved centre where, in the opinion of the Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor, adequate supervision exists.

2.11 Youth member qualifications for sailing and rowing

(1) Scouts and Venturers who have qualified with the helmsman’s badge or certificate may take charge of a rowing or sailing vessel in Group training limits under the supervision of the Water Activity Leader, who may be ashore.

(2) Scouts and Venturers who have qualified with the coxswain’s badge or certificate may take charge of a rowing vessel in Group training limits under the supervision of the Water Activity Leader, who may be ashore.

(3) Scouts and Venturers who have qualified with the sailor’s badge or certificate may take charge of a rowing or sailing vessel in Group training limits at the discretion of the Water activity Leader, under the supervision of the Water Activity Leader, who may be ashore.

(4) Venturers who hold a charge certificate may undertake a water activity not supervised by an adult with the approval of the Group Leader

2.12 Rafting

(1) Activities involving use of rafts constructed by youth members must be kept within 50 metres of the shore and provision must be made for suitable rescue craft to accompany the rafts or temporary platforms.

(2) Rafts must be constructed to provide sufficient buoyancy for all participants and the weight of the raft. One litre of buoyancy supports a weight of one kilogram.

(3) Rafts with sails should be supervised as sailing craft as well as rafts because of the potential to travel further.

2.13 Swimming

(1) The Water Activity Leader must ensure that the safety of the place must have been previously assessed, competent direct supervision arranged and all reasonable precautions taken.

(2) Two good swimmers, preferably holders of a life‑saving qualification, must be on duty ready to enter the water, either in a boat or on shore as the circumstances may demand, ready to help anyone in difficulty. Those people supervising shall not enter the water to swim until the others have left the water.

(3) When supervising surfing, the Water Activity Leader should have a surf ski available for rescue.

(4) When bathing in properly supervised aquatic facilities, or under the direct supervision of a surf club affiliated to the New Zealand Amateur Surf and Lifesaving Association, the supervision provided by these bodies may be accepted as adequate.

(5) Cubs, Scouts and Venturers should be encouraged to swim in pairs and check each other from time to time, i.e., the "buddy" system.

2.14 Use of commercial operators and vessels

(1) Groups may undertake water activities in commercial vessels including rafting and similar activities. The commercial operator is responsible under law for the activity's Risk Management. Activity Intention Forms are required.

(2) All adults and youth members participating in a water activity run by a commercial operator must follow all safety instructions set by the commercial operator.

2.15 Personal protection

(1) The Water Activity Leader must ensure that all participants taking part in any water activity are appropriately equipped and briefed on personal protection for that activity.

(2) The following clothing and protection shall be considered for any water activity:

(a) Approved personal floatation device as appropriate.

(b) A woollen or polypropylene outer garment or wetsuit as appropriate.

(d) Waterproof sunscreen rated SPF 15 or greater that is applied frequently during the water activity.

(e) Appropriate footwear.

(f) A windproof raincoat or jacket.

(g) A spare set of warm dry clothes and a towel available on shore.

(h) Appropriate head protection.

(3) All participants in every water activity must be encouraged to bring and consume sufficient drink so as to avoid dehydration.

(4) For activities which may extend outside the period from sunrise to sunset, a luminous chemical stick is an appropriate personal marker.

2.16 Water activities during hours of darkness

(1) Outdoor boating activities must not be undertaken between sunset and sunrise unless the following precautions have been followed:

(a) A Water Activity Leader holding a charge certificate appropriate to the types of vessels being used directly supervises the activity, and

(b) All vessels are under the control of a charge certificate holder, and

(c) The activity takes place inside the Group training limits as defined in Clause 4.3 and every vessel has a fully charged waterproof torch or other waterproof light .

(2) Sailing activities must not be undertaken between sunset and sunrise unless specific approval is obtained from the Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor.

(3) Water skiing, wake boarding or sea biscuiting is prohibited by law between sunset and sunrise.

(4) Keas and Cubs may not participate in outdoor boating activities between sunset and sunrise.

(5) Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisors can authorise boating activities during hours of darkness subject to setting any restrictions he or she feels appropriate. A completed activity intention form (Form 801E) is a pre-requisite for the Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor to consider a request for night activities.

(6) Clause 2.16 does not apply to boating activities in commercial vessels during the hours of darkness.

2.17 Nominal lists and voyage plans

(1) The Water Activity Leader is to nominate a contact person ashore with access to a nominal list ashore (which may be the Activity Intention Form or some other list) of all people participating in the activity. The Water Activity Leader must check all participants against the list at the start and end of the activity.

(2) The Water Activity Leader should provide regular Trip Reports to the nominated contact person ashore throughput any extended trips.

(3) In the event of a vessel failing to return to shore by the estimated time, the nominated contact person ashore is to initiate an immediate search of the area. If this search does not find the vessel(s) and crew the initiator must immediately inform Maritime Radio or Police on VHF channel 16 or by phoning 111 and request that a full search be carried out. The Group Leader is to be informed who will then notify the Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor and the Zone Leader of the circumstances and the actions taken.

(4) Once the results of the search are known the Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor, or the Zone Leader in the Advisor's absence, is to conduct an inquiry and report all the circumstances and actions taken to the National Water Activities Advisor within 14 days.

2.18 Accident reports

(1) Whenever any vessel has been involved in an accident or incident where an injury has resulted in harm or serious harm to any person or damage to any vessel has rendered it unseaworthy, a Recreational Boat Accident or Incident Report (MAR AI 5) must be completed and forwarded to Maritime New Zealand. The Regional Harbour Master must also be informed.

(2) Full details of Maritime New Zealand’s recreational accident reporting procedures can be found at:

http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/rec_accidents/acc_pub.asp

(b) The Scout arrowhead class emblem mentioned in Clause 3.1(2) (a) shall be not less than 350mm in height and 350 mm in width. A template for such an emblem is available from the National Water Activities Advisor.

Table 2 Minimum and maximum crew numbers

(3) The minimum and maximum crew numbers must not be exceeded without approval from the Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor.

(4) For classes of vessel not listed in Table 2, minimum and maximum crew numbers must be consistent with that vessel’s class requirement. Vessels must never be over crewed as to render them unseaworthy.

(5) The minimum and maximum crew numbers may be temporally altered for a special water activity event at any National, Regional or Zone Regatta provided that the event is controlled by the National or Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor and sufficient additional patrol vessels are available.

(1) Water activities may be approved in areas outside the Group’s boating limits as defined in Clause 4.1. Such approval must come from National Water Activities Advisor or the Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor having jurisdiction of the area where the activity is planned to take place.

(1) Any holder of an existing charge certificate who wishes to obtain an endorsement for new boating limits as defined in Clause 4.1 must make an application to the Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor in the new Zone but need only be examined by an examiner in that Zone in respect of Clause 5.3 (1) (a) and (b).

(1) Holders of existing charge certificates issued prior to 1 September 2007 will be considered as having met all the requirements of Clauses 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 subject to the approval of the Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor concerned.

(2) Group Leaders must to notify their Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor when the conditions set out in Clauses 5.9 (1) (a) and (b) have occurred.

(3) The charge certificate holder must return their charge certificate to their Group Leader, Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor when conditions set out in Clauses 5.9 (1) (a) and (b) have occurred.

(1) Charge certificates holders must apply to the Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor through their Group leader to have their charge certificate renewed when the condition set out in Clause 5.9 (1) (c) has occurred. Such renewal will be automatically processed without any re-examination provided the charge certificate holder can demonstrate that the certificate has been used within the previous 12 months.

(2) The warranted Adult Leader, adult helper or youth member must apply to the Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor through their Group leader to have their charge certificate reissued when the certificate has expired due to Clause 5.9 (1) (a) (b) and (c) and that the certificate has not been used within the previous 12 months. The Regional or Zone Water Activities Advisor must use their discretion in determining which components of the charge certificate syllabus contained in Clause 5.3 is to be re-examined before the charge certificate is reissued.

(4) The National Water Activities Advisor must be informed of the results of all charge certificate suspension reviews required by Clause 5.12 (2) within 28 days of the review being completed.