Requirements June 1954 until September 1961

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

(a) In a straight line for a quarter of a mile*, stop, make a pivot turn, and return to starting place. (b) Back water in a straight line 220 yards. Make a turn under way, still backing water and return to the starting point.

(Feather after each stroke. Pin rowlocks must not be used.)

2. Demonstrate how to launch and land as follows:

(a) Launch and land a rowboat properly from and to shore. (b) Bring rowboat alongside pier, properly assist a passenger into it, row 50 feet, stop, pivot, come back to pier, and assist passenger safely from the boat. (c) Moor a rowboat using (1) clove hitch, (2) two half hitches, (3) a bowline.

3. Alone or with one other person, turn a swamped rowboat right side up, get in, and paddle it for 10 yards with your hands or an oar. Tell why you should hang on or get in a swamped boat.

4. Alone in a rowboat, shove off from shore or pier; approach a swimmer and maneuver boat so that the swimmer may hold on to the stern while he is being towed ashore.

5. Identify and describe:

a. Two or more the following types of boats: fisherman's dory, St. Lawrence skiff, Mississippi River John boat, ship's longboat, punt, and dinghy;

(b) carvel and clinker type of planking;

(c) two of the following types of rowlocks: tholepin, bow rowlock, ring rowlock, open top rowlock. Give one or more reasons why pin type rowlocks are not recommended.

6. Explain the advantages gained by feathering oars while rowing and answer any two of the following questions: (a) How would you handle a rowboat if caught in a sudden storm or high wind? (b) How would you calculate the number of persons who may safely be carried in any given life boat under oars, using a U.S. Steamship Inspection formula? (c) What lights are required on a rowboat at night, both with and without outboard motor? (d) How would you haul out and stow away a rowboat which is not to be used during the winter, and how would you prepare it for use in the spring?

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* If a quarter-mile straight course is not available, shorter courses may be used. The Scout will then row back and forth in a straight line until a quarter mile has been covered.

+ A Second Class Scout must first qualify for First Class Scoutcraft Requirement 5 (see page 113).

5.  GO SWIMMING

SWIMMING*--Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim. Jump feet first into water over your head in depth. Swim 50 yards. During the swim, stop, make a sharp turn, level off and resume swimming.