River Traffic Guide for Novice Scullers
Understanding and following proper waterway navigation rules is essential for the safety of all rowers and other water users. This guide covers the core traffic patterns and navigation principles you need to know.
Basic Navigation Rules
Always Stay to the Right
The most important rule in rowing traffic is to stay to the right side of the waterway (relative to your direction of travel). This is similar to driving a car on the right side of the road.
Remember:
- Always keep the nearest shoreline on your right side
- This creates predictable two-way traffic flow
- When in doubt, move further right
Maintain Visual Awareness
Since rowers sit facing backward, you must actively watch where you're going:
- Look over your shoulder every 3-5 strokes
- Alternate between looking left and right
- Check what's ahead of you regularly
- Be aware of other boats around you
Passing Protocol
When you need to pass a slower boat ahead of you:
- Check carefully that the passing lane is clear
- Call out "Passing on your port!" (their left side)
- Move to pass, giving ample room
- Return to the proper traffic pattern after passing
- Thank the other boat if appropriate
Communication Example:
You: "Passing on your port!"
Other Rower: "Heard you!"
When Being Overtaken
When another boat is overtaking you:
- Maintain your course and speed
- Stay to the right of the waterway
- Listen for verbal communication from the passing boat
- Acknowledge with "Heard you" or similar response
- Don't make sudden direction changes
Meeting Head-On
When you see another boat coming toward you:
- Both boats stay to their right side
- Maintain clear visual contact
- If necessary, verbally confirm with "Passing port to port!"
- In narrow passages, the upstream boat typically has right-of-way
- Reduce speed if needed for safety
General Bridge Rules
Bridges require special attention due to limited visibility and space:
- Approach bridges with caution at reduced speed
- Some bridges may have designated arches for traffic in specific directions
- Never stop under a bridge
- Be especially vigilant about looking ahead before entering a bridge
- Call out "Taking center arch!" (or appropriate arch) when approaching
Communication Example:
You: "Taking center arch!"
Bridge-Specific Guidelines
Your club has established traffic patterns for each bridge on your waterway. Your coach will teach you these specific rules, which may include:
- Which arch to use for upstream vs. downstream traffic
- How to handle situations when multiple boats approach simultaneously
- Specific communication protocols near bridges
- Any areas where passing is not allowed near bridges
Common Waterway Hazards
Be aware of and avoid these common waterway hazards:
- Debris: Tree branches, logs, trash, etc.
- Shallow Areas: Know where the water depth changes
- Wake: From power boats, which can destabilize rowing shells
- Wind: Creates waves and affects steering
- Buoys/Markers: Indicating specific areas or hazards
- Other Watercraft: Especially powerboats, paddlers, kayakers
- Narrow Passages: Where extra caution is required
Verbal Commands
Clear communication is essential for safety:
- "On your bow!" - Warning to a boat ahead that you're approaching
- "Passing on port!" - Indicating you're passing on their left side
- "Hold water!" - Emergency stop command
- "Look ahead!" - Warning about obstacle or traffic ahead
- "Way enough!" - Command to stop rowing
Practice These Commands
Say them clearly and loudly so that they can be heard over the water.
Non-Verbal Communication
- Raised oar: Indicates a stopped or disabled boat
- Pointing: Indicating direction or hazard
- Whistle blasts: Often used by coaches or officials (one blast = attention, multiple = emergency)
- Waving arms: Emergency signal for help
Pre-Row Checklist
Complete this mental checklist before each row:
Low Light Conditions
- Wear high-visibility clothing
- Use proper lighting on your boat
- Exercise extra caution and reduced speed
- Look around more frequently
- Stay closer to shore
High Traffic Areas
- Reduce your speed
- Increase your awareness
- Communicate clearly and early
- Follow established traffic patterns precisely
- Be prepared to stop quickly if needed
Water Emergency Response
If you encounter an emergency on the water:
- Stay calm and assess the situation
- Signal for help if needed (wave one arm, use whistle)
- Move to safety if possible
- Assist others only if it's safe to do so
- Report incidents to coaches and club safety officers
Emergency Contacts
| Emergency Service | Contact Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Services | 911 | For all medical emergencies, fires, police |
| DNR Conservation Officers | RAP Hotline: 1-800-292-7800 | For water-related emergencies on Michigan inland waters |
| Washtenaw County Sheriff's Marine Division | Non-emergency dispatch: (734) 994-2911 | For water-related emergencies on the Huron River |
| Boathouse Manager | Russ Giacobbe, Director & Boatman — contact via info@a2crew.com | For facility-related emergencies |
| Club Safety Officer | Jason Wenzlaff, Safety Committee Chair — safety@a2crew.org | For reporting and follow-up |
Key Takeaways
Following these river traffic rules will help ensure your safety and the safety of all waterway users. When in doubt, proceed with caution, stay aware of your surroundings, and remember that safety always takes precedence over training goals.
Next Steps:
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