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Oarsman Scoutcraft Badge

From SCOUTS South Africa Wiki

Pulling a boat is about teamwork, rhythm, and coordination. The Oarsman Scoutcraft Badge challenges you to develop practical rowing skills, water awareness, and crew discipline. As an Oarsman, you are an essential part of the crew — working together to move the boat efficiently, respond to commands, and maintain control on the water. You will learn how to handle a pulling boat, apply correct rowing techniques, and work in unison with others. By completing this badge, you will demonstrate that you can safely and competently contribute as a crew member in a pulling boat, supporting the overall control and success of the craft.

Badge Requirements

Oarsman
Oarsman
  1. Prerequisite Knowledge and Training
    Have passed the requirements for the following Scoutcraft Badges and be prepared to demonstrate any of those requirements:
  2. Rules of the Road
    Do the following to demonstrate your ability to apply safety rules and prepare a pulling boat correctly.
    1. Demonstrate how to load a pulling boat with crew and equipment (stores), and trim the boat correctly.
    2. Describe at least 5 local boating safety rules relevant to pulling boats.
    3. Explain the international Rules of the Road (basic boating right-of-way rules) and how they apply in your local waters, with respect to:
      • Power-driven vessels
      • Sailing vessels
      • Human-powered craft (including pulling boats and canoes)
    4. Describe 3 methods used to avoid collisions in shared water spaces
    5. Explain rules applicable to personal buoyancy, including when and why a personal flotation device (PFD) must be worn.
    6. Demonstrate how and explain why you would check a boat for buoyancy before launching.
  3. Weather Awareness
    Do the following to demonstrate the ability to recognise and respond to weather conditions:
    1. Identify at least five signs of approaching bad weather.
    2. Identify at least three signs of fair weather.
    3. Explain how weather conditions affect rowing activities and safety.
  4. Ropework for Oarsmen
    Do the following to demonstrate the ability to perform ropework skills relevant to pulling boats:
    1. Tie the following knots and bends and explain their uses:
    2. Demonstrate how to coil and stow a rope correctly.
  5. Boat and Equipment Knowledge
    Do the following to demonstrate the ability to understand a pulling boat and its equipment:
    1. Name and identify the main parts of a pulling boat.
    2. Name and identify the parts of an oar.
    3. Explain the function of a rudder and steering system.
    4. Demonstrate how to correctly fit oars in rowlocks.
  6. Heaving Line
    Do the following to demonstrate the ability to use a heaving line effectively:
    1. Throw a heaving line at least 8 metres.
    2. Land the line within a target area 2 metres wide.
    3. Coil the line correctly before and after use.
  7. Practical Rowing and Boat Handling
    Do the following to demonstrate the ability to row effectively and contribute as part of a crew in a pulling boat:
    1. Pull a rowing boat or similar for at least 100 metres double banked (paired rowing crew), including:
      • Cast off from a jetty or shoreline
      • Maintaining a straight course (a coxswain may be used to keep the boat straight)
      • Turning the craft under command
      • Returning and coming alongside safely
    2. Demonstrate correct rowing technique, including:
      • Posture
      • Grip
      • Stroke
    3. Respond correctly to standard rowing commands, including:
      • "Oars"
      • "Give way"
      • "Hold water"
      • "Back water"
      • "Easy all"
    4. Demonstrate the following:
      • Forward rowing
      • Backing water
      • Stopping the boat
    5. Demonstrate an understanding of your role as an oarsman:
      • Explain the role of the coxswain
      • Respond correctly to commands
      • Maintain rhythm and timing with the crew throughout
  8. Oarsman Experience and Logbook
    Do the following to demonstrate the ability to gain practical rowing experience over time:
    1. Log at least four hours of pulling over a minimum period of four weeks.
    2. Record in a simple log:
      • Date and location
      • Weather conditions
      • Role on the boat
      • Skills practiced
        Note: The Log must be signed by a Water Activity Licence holder.

Recommended Age Range: The Oarsman Scoutcraft Badge is recommended for Scouts aged 12 to 17 years who have completed the Swimming and Watermanship Scoutcraft Badges and are ready to develop practical skills as part of a crew in a pulling boat.

It focuses on building confidence, teamwork, and coordination while reinforcing water safety and seamanship skills. This badge serves as a progression from basic water skills toward more advanced roles such as coxswain or helmsman.

Badge Examiner: Training and examination for this badge should be conducted by a suitably qualified individual who has relevant experience or formal training in the specific field of expertise being assessed. The ideal examiner should be an experienced Scouter or boating instructor with practical experience in small craft handling, particularly pulling boats, and hold a current Water Activity Licence (WAL). They should be competent in water safety, crew management, and basic seamanship, and able to clearly demonstrate and assess the required skills.

The examiner must uphold high safety standards at all times, assess Scouts fairly and consistently, and evaluate both technical competence and teamwork. They should also provide constructive feedback that builds confidence, promotes learning, and encourages enjoyment in water activities.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

What You Need First

The following Scoutcraft and/or Interest Badges must be completed before undertaking this badge:

Next Steps - Where This Badge Leads

Completion of this badge is required for the following Scoutcraft and/or Interest Badges:

Last Update

May 2026


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