guidlines

October 17th 2000

In response to a letter from The Goss Challenge the Ocean Rowing Society formed a committee of ocean rowers: Sylvia Cook (Pacific Ocean), Geoff Allum, Mike Nestor, John Searson (Atlantic Ocean rowers), Teresa Evans from Challenge Business and Kenneth F. Crutchlow from Ocean Rowing Society. The committee met in London on September 24th 2000, the sole agenda item was the Goss letter.

As chair of the meeting I take this chance to thank my fellow committee members for their time and mutual contribution in preparing the following "guidelines" for those who may themselves want to accept the Challenge of an Ocean Row.

Historical notes:
Christopher Columbus (Italian) 1451-1506.
On August 3rd, 1492 Columbus sailed west from Spain with three ships: the Santa Maria, Pinta, and Nina. He took on water and supplies at Gomera, Canary Islands.
On October 12th, 1492 Columbus saw an island, (probably Guanahani) in the Bahamas. There he came ashore and planted the royal banner, claiming the land for Spain.
Columbus had found a New World . . . America.
This is the first record of "crossing the Atlantic", therefore Ocean Rowing Society accepts this as the traditional route.

Sir John William Alcock (GB)1892-1919, Sir Arthur Whitten Brown (GB) 1886-1948 -
Were the first to fly non-stop across the Atlantic. Alcock (the Pilot) and Brown (the navigator) used a Vickers Vimy biplane, it took them16 hours 27 minutes after leaving St. John's Newfoundland before they landed on June 15, 1919 in Clifton, County Galway, Ireland.
This flight was described at the time as "crossing the Atlantic" therefore the Ocean Rowing Society accepts this as an accepted route for an ocean rowing crossing.

HALES TROPHY
is a prestigious steaming record.
1998 marked the 160th anniversary of 18 day 14 hour 22 minute record set by SIRIUS in April 1838. This crossing, together with the successful record breaking arrival in New York one day later by GREAT WESTERN, created public interest in shipping. By gentleman's agreement a number of shipping magnates decided, that the passenger vessel, logging the fastest transatlantic crossing, would be honoured with the privilege of flying a blue ribbon from her mast. Over the next 100 odd years numerous attempts were made to gain the honour of being the holder of the Blue Riband. In 1934 Harold Hales, an English Parliamentarian, commissioned and donated a trophy, which is presented to the "Ship, which shall have crossed the Atlantic Ocean at the highest average speed". Liners, such as REX, NORMANDIE, QUEEN MARY and SS UNITED STATES have all held the Hales Trophy, which is currently held (since 1998) by CATOLONIA. In order to be declared the official record holder a ship must turn over its navigational records to the Hales technical review committee.

Principle Aim of Ocean Rowing Society is:
to promote, develop, and record ocean rowing; to encourage innovation and safety at sea, to maintain and distribute records of all ocean rows and to display ocean rowing boats.

OCEAN ROWING SOCIETY GUIDELINES

The Ocean rowing Society offers the following as "guidelines" for those, who choose to row an Ocean. It is noted, that it is common practice that any ocean rowing crew or solo rower would want to compare their ocean row to those, that have gone before (and after) a row and to have their effort recorded in a proper way.

Ocean Rowing Society recognizes, that the premier events in ocean rowing are:
"Atlantic Ocean West to East" and "Atlantic Ocean East to West".

It is noted, that:
Ocean Rowing Society will, as of this date, use the expression "Ocean Rowing Blue Riband" for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic (E-W, W-E). A review of logbooks and (if available) Satellite tracking data will be done before posting in it's data base a new record for Atlantic Ocean crossing either East to West, or West to East.
A review of Ocean Rowing Society records shows "Ocean Rowing Blue Riband"
for rowing the Atlantic Ocean as follows:
East to West:
Is held by La Mondiale (France) - in 35 days. Gerard Seibel - Captain of 11 man crew. 1992.
West to East:
The fastest recorded "unassisted" row West to East was by Tom McClean (GB).
Tom McClean left St Johns New Foundland aboard ocean rowboat Super Silver at 9.10am 17th May 1969 and arrived at 7.15am 27th July 1969, a total lapsed time of 70 days 18 hours 35 minutes. (Tom McClean has verified that before Bishop's Rock he received no tow, no supplies, nor any assistance at any time after his departure from the dock at St. John's Newfoundland during this row).

Premier event:
Ocean Rowing Society recognizes as the premier event(s) in ocean rowing :
Atlantic Ocean West to East and Atlantic Ocean East to West.
In order to claim a record a crew or solo rower must have travelled a point to point distance equal to, or more than the current record holder.

Crossings:
It will be Ocean Rowing Society's intention to review its records for every ocean rowing departure, and to maintain and distribute a list of "successful crossings" and "unsuccessful crossings" by ocean rowboats. Also " Fastest Ocean Crossing" in a row boat and "First Ocean Crossing" in a rowboat will be noted in the record listings. Any crossing must be "unsupported" to be recognized as a record.

Geography:

Atlantic Ocean rowing record East to West

A crew or solo rower may start from the continental coastline at any point in Europe or Africa, or their Islands.
Departures from Cape Verde will be recognized as an Atlantic Ocean crossing with the words "shortened crossing" added to official listings. This is in recognition of the fact, that leaving from Cape Verde shortens the traditional rowing distance (assuming finish in Caribbean) by approximately 600 miles.
To qualify for the Ocean Rowing Blue Riband record the crew or solo rower must start at any point in the Canaries.

Atlantic Ocean rowing record West to East
Start from any point on the American /Canadian Eastern seaboard and its Islands
Finish shall be at any point on land in continental Europe, including its Islands.

Pacific Ocean rowing record East to West
May start from any point of the North America, Central America or South America.
And finish at any point in Australia or Asia, including Japan.

Pacific Ocean rowing record West to East
From any point in Australia or Asia, including Japan
to any point In North America, Central America or South America.

Indian Ocean rowing record East to West
From any Point in Australia
to any point in Africa.

Indian Ocean rowing record West to East
From any point in Africa
to any point in Australia.

Verification:
Any ocean rowing crossing that is to be listed in Ocean Rowing Society records must be verified by the Ocean Rowing Society. The crew or solo rower must satisfy the Ocean Rowing Society through at least a signed declaration that all aspects of crossing complies with these "Ocean Rowing Society guidelines".
Ocean Rowing Society will add to its "official list of ocean rows" and to its website "list of ocean rows" any and all ocean rows, and will list any ocean row in the applicable place: i.e. complete, or not complete, or lost at sea when applicable.

Timing:
The timekeeping for an ocean crossing will only stop when the crew or solo rower has set foot on land at the finish position (this is the most desired way to finish). This requirement may be waived, if in the opinion of the Ocean Rowing Society it is deemed unsafe to attempt a landing (such as: in bad weather. or there is risk to life and /or loss of the rowboat), - in which case a time penalty will be added. Any crew or solo rower must be at least within sight of land or 24 miles from land to be considered to qualify as a successful crossing.

Unsupported row:
The Ocean Rowing Society suggests that all crews or solo rowers should conduct their row in an "unsupported " way, that is to say without any kind of assistance from any other persons.
This includes: accepting "a beer" or such like, or "a tin of beans" or such like.
Electronic communication including Satellite phones and laptop computers are acceptable and does not constitute support.

Status:
The crew or solo rower cannot set foot on any other vessel during the ocean crossing without losing "unsupported" status. If a rower or rowers choose to accept assistance during a row, it will still be recognized as a crossing, but the words "assisted row" will be added to the Ocean Rowing Society list of ocean rows.
(to be reviewed)

Gerard d'Aboville. Definition of Assisted and Unassisted rows.

Tow:
Any form of tow during any part of the voyage will be considered outside assistance.
In the event that a crewmember is evacuated for any emergency reason, in this case the row may proceed with "unsupported status" intact.

Drug free:
Ocean rowing is considered a drug free sport. Drugs in a standard medical kit may be only used for legitimate first aid reasons.

The boat:
The ocean rowboat shall only be propelled by the rowing effort of the crew (or solo rower), the natural action of the wind, waves and currents acting on the boat, it's crew (or solo rower) and equipment whilst operating in their normal manner and intended function. There shall be no use or attempted use of any equipment that deliberately reduces rowing effort or increases boat speed.
The ocean row boat may have one or more skegs, and may be fitted with a rudder (it should be noted, one entrant in 1997 Port St. Charles Atlantic rowing race preferred to leave with no rudder, hence we say "may be fitted with rudder")
The length of the skegs and rudder maybe adjusted to reduce drag and the position of the rudder may be automatically controlled to assist with steerage. (i.e. Autohelm is ok).

The Ocean Rowing Society considers safety at sea to be of paramount importance. For all small boat voyages we recommend the following:

Self-righting:
Boat to be self-righting or rightable in the event of capsize. It is recommended that a test with the boat fully loaded be done before departure.

Ocean Rowing Society Compulsory Safety & Equipment For An Oceanrow - Minimum Requirements
Navigation Light(s) All round white light© Strobe Towing Eye or Point Adequate fixed towing eye/point fitted Adequate backing plate Towing line diameter Towing line length (para anchor warp OK) Liferaft [State size & type] Stowage location – NOT IN BOW! Painter securing point, state location Painter securing point, adequate in emergency Painter attached Within next service expiry date State next service date State life raft unique number EPIRB –NOT IN BOW! Manufacturer Category & type Securely attached to boat Location Battery checked ORS registered as first point of contact Copy of EPIRB registration form supplied to ORS State EPIRB unique number Radar Reflector State location State type Does the boat carry an 'active radar unit' If yes state type Para/Sea Anchor's) Parachute Anchor manufacturer State size and type Warp length, diameter and material Tripping line (not necessary) State point of attachment when deployed Direct or bridle Forward or Aft (Forward safer) Number of other sea anchors or drogues Type & size Warp length, diameter and material Lifejacket's) & Harness(es) Number carried (one per crew member) Jacket in good condition/reflective tape Auto or manual inflation Marked with boat name, number and crew name Whistle attached Light attached Safety harness (one per crew member) Snap hooks functional Crotch straps present and in good condition Jackstays Jackstays in good condition Plastic outer sleeve undamaged Attachment point location Secured adequately Rope lashing (if used) no longer than 100mm Harness securing point to enter and exit cabin Fire Extinguisher and/or Blanket Fire Extinguisher carried Size Type State service date Adequately secured for immediate use Location Fire blanket type Adequately secured for immediate use Location Flares Manufacturer 4 red parachute flares 4 red hand held flares 2 orange buoyant smoke canisters 12 white hand held anti collision flares All within Expiry dates ARGOS Beacon –NOT IN BOW Number Mounting location GPS Manufacturer Type & model (handheld or fixed) Number carried Check functionality VHF Manufacturer type and model Charger and location Fully functional (all channels) Satellite Phone - Optional Manufacturer Model Unique number Charger and location Communications State any other form's) of communications Satellite PC Laptop Other Hatches Forward Compartment access hatch OK Hatch seal gasket in good condition Hatch handles in full working order Centerline access hatches OK Fully sealable, adequate fixings Main aft cabin access hatch OK Size and manufacturer Vertical opening Horizontal opening Safe securing point when hatch open Hatch seal in good condition Hatch handles in full working order Aft cabin roof hatch OK Hatch seal in good condition Hatch handles in full working order	Rudder In good condition Adequate mounting points on transom Securing mechanism after mounting Rudder control mechanism foot or hand Oars Manufacturer Length Blade area Number of pairs carried (Min of 3 sets, solos 2 sets) Water maker Manufacturer Type Electric, Manual or both Location Installation checked and approved inc THF if app. Operationally tested (one hour test) Fresh Water Supply/Ballast Water Container Capacity Number of containers 150 liters minimum requirement (solo 100 liters) Fully secured against inversion Rowing Gates & Seat Number of gates fitted State distance outboard of gunwale edge Is there a backing plate under gate mounting Backing plate material Check adequate for job Gate and seat spares carried Seat sliding or fixed Runners in good condition Waterproof bag if not waterproof unit Cooker & Food Supply Manufacturer of cooker Location Fuel type Number of bottles carried/capacity Fuel supply securely stowed Food supply for 80 days minimum pcm. Solar Panels Manufacturer Fixed/ flexible and/or movable Max Power output Number of panels carried Location Batteries Number Type Location Secured against inversion Capacity (Amp Hours) Bilge Pumps Deck Bilge pump size type and capacity Handle secure Checked for full operation Roving bilge pump size, type and capacity checked for full operation Grab lines Location of grab lines cabin break to for'd 'cabin' Type and diameter of rope Fixing points secure and fit for purpose Publications Manuals etc Boat Log Book ORS Race Publications Service manuals for GPS VHF Water maker inc repair manual Medical guide Satellite Phone VHF Radio License Small Ships Registry certificate (SSR) Doctors Letter stating you are fit enough to row an ocean Charts applicable charts depending on proposed routing Other Equipment Buckets with lanyard minimum 2 Waterproof Torches minimum 2 Foghorn mouth or aerosol type Signaling Mirror (with life raft or extra) Binocular Knife Eating utensils Throwing line 20 meter buoyant attached to boat Sun block Sunhats Sunglasses Toolkit including : 6" Adjustable spanner Pliers Mole grips Junior hacksaw and blades Stanley knife and blades Hand drill with bit set Spanners Alum Keys to fit water maker Screwdrivers Hammer Multi meter Medical Kit Full set of all necessary spares inc bulbs fuses if applicable water maker spares kit nuts, bolts screws etc Gaffer tape etc Spanner and Alum key for converting water-maker to manual
Auto steering: Optional.		UP
Wind generators: After the following comment from Rusty Knowler of Southwest Windpower USA. (and in the absence of any conclusive data saying a wind generator can help advance a ocean rowboat) ORS accepts that a wind generator is optional equipment for an ocean rowboat. From: Rusty Knowler To: Michael Seeley Subject: RE: AIR Marine 403 or AIR X Mike, We don't have any good thrust data at low wind speeds, but it is basically zero. I can't imagine it being anywhere close to enough force to move a boat. Rusty It is still advised by ORS to check self righting capability of ocean row boat once the wind generator is installed.
Solar panels:
Should be used for generating power for all electric's on any ocean rowboat.		UP
Canopies: Not to be fitted, they can hinder or prevent ocean rowboat's self righting action (it has been said by many ocean rowers that they believe a canopy acts as a sail).
Radio operator's license: The minimum radio equipment required is a VHF. A radio operator's license is needed to operate this and other radio systems.
*Ocean row boat registration:*
It is not a British requirement that an ocean rowboat be registered. However in many foreign ports authorities (such as customs) often expect that an ocean rowboat would be registered, and that the owner is expected to have "proof of ownership". It is advisable, especially if the ocean rowboat is going out of Great Britain that it be Registered with: Registry of British Ships part 111 (small ships register) write for registration form to:
Small Ships Register Registry of Shipping & Seaman Anchor Court Ocean Way Cardiff CF2 455W phone 029 20448800
Registration fee £12.00 cheques or postal order to be made payable to Maritime Safety Agency. Online - www.mcga.gov.uk
Service Argos (CLS) satellite tracking, this avoids any question about where and when ocean rowboat arrives, it is also an emergency beacon. In the event of rescue at sea the rowboat can be tracked by Service Argos and recovered at a later date.(Peggy Bouchet 1998, for example).
*Satellite telephone:* ORS recommends Iridium or (if budget allows) Thrane&Thrane (Denmark) . Airtime by Satlink (Madrid). Electrical communications and laptops are optional but preferred ( if budget allows)		UP