Requirements July 1933 until June 1952

A Scout must first have met the Merit Badge requirements for Swimming, and must:

1. Row properly without assistance, but with Counselor in stern sheets:

(a) In straight line for quarter of a mile, make turn to starboard in boat's length (pivot), and return to starting place.*

(b) Make port turn in boat's length, row quarter of a mile and backwater in straight line to starting place.*

2. (a) Launch and land a rowboat properly from and to shore.

(b) Bring rowboat alongside pier, properly assist a passenger into boat, row fifty feet, pivot, come back to pier and assist passenger safely and properly from boat.*

(c) Make rowboat fast to pier properly, using clove hitch, two-half hitches, and bowline.

3. Alone in a rowboat, shove off from shore or pier; approach swimmer simulating distress, and maneuver boat in such manner that swimmer may grasp and hold stern of boat while being towed ashore.

4. Sketch roughly: (a) Two of the following types of boat selected by his Counselor: Fisherman's Dory, St. Lawrence Skiff, Mississippi River John Boat, Ship's Long Boat, Punt, and Dinghy.

(b) Two of the following types of rowlock selected by his Counselor and give reason why pin rowlock is not desirable; tholepin, box rowlock, ring rowlock, open top rowlock.

5. Be generally familiar with rowing and rowboats and be able to explain clearly (in presence of Counselor and others if possible), how he would handle a rowboat if caught in a sudden storm or high wind; the value of feathering oars; how to calculate number of persons who may safely be carried in any given life boat under oars; using U.S. Steamship Inspection formula; what lights are required on a rowboat at night, with and without outboard motor; how to put rowboat up for winter and prepare it for use in spring.

* Note: Oars used must not be over 7½ feet long, and must be properly feathered on recovery after each stroke. Pin type rowlock may not be used. If a quarter mile straight-away is not available, shorter course may be used, Scout rowing back and forth in a straight line until a quarter mile has been traversed.