The Scout must complete all the requirements from one of the following alternatives.
Alternative A - Powerboats
- Gain the RYA Level 1 Powerboat Award.
- Carry out a Scout activity as a Coxswain of a powered craft (planing or displacement), demonstrating safe procedures and courtesy to other water users.
- Have a general knowledge of the canal system, in particular:
- Suitable places to moor and wind
- Locks, bridges and local hazards
- The location of water points, sanitary stations
- The location of shops and telephones.
- Know the safety precautions necessary in narrowboats for:
- Fire-fighting appliances
- 'Man overboard' drill
- Locks
- Tunnels.
- Have a knowledge of the basic principles of a marine engine, and by demonstration afloat show:
- That they can start and stop the engine, operate the gears and understand the effect of transverse thrust with a single screw.
- That they can recognise fouling of the screw due to weed or rubbish, and know how to clear it with special emphasis on immobilising the engine.
- That they know how to use the stern gland screw.
- Take charge of the boat under qualified supervision and complete the following manoeuvres:
- Prepare the boat for service and, with the help of a crew, cast off and leave their moorings.
- Show their ability to control the boat by:
- Steering past moored boats.
- Steering past a boat travelling in the opposite direction.
- Steering through a bridge hold.
- Bringing the boat alongside a bank and mooring.
- Turning the boat in a winding hole and manoeuvring in confined water, such as a marina.
- Taking the boat through a lock with the help of a crew.
- Whilst moving forward, stop and reverse the boat to an object dropped in the water. Be aware of the dangers to a person in the water from a moving screw.