1. Introduction

In the interests of safety it is imperative that any member of Horsham Newfs who drives the boat is experienced and competent to do so having had appropriate training. Full members of Horsham Newfs are encouraged to become boat handlers but strict qualification rules must apply when petrol engines and training at sea are involved. The qualified driver list will only be updated following unanimous agreement at a Horsham Newfs committee meeting.

2. Qualified Drivers

The following individuals are currently qualified to drive Horsham Newfs boats at sea:-
Kevin Mercer
Georgia Leybourne
Keith Leybourne
Nick Hawkins
Steve Mallet
Under no circumstances is anyone who is not a member of Horsham Newfs permitted to drive the boat unless known by more than one member to have the necessary qualifications and experience.

3. Checklist for New Drivers

Members of Horsham Newfs who are interested in becoming qualified boat handlers should register with the Horsham Newfs chairman so that training sessions can be organised. The following checklist is intended as a guideline for anyone wishing to become a boat handler:-

1. The individual must have achieved the standard of the National Powerboat Certificate, Level 2 or equivalent. The onus is on the individual to obtain this qualification. This teaches boat handling skills but does not provide the necessary skills and experience required to competently handle a boat during a Horsham Newfs sea training session.
   
2. Horsham Newfs will organise training days for those who have completed step 1. Boat handlers will complete manoeuvring exercises with a small engine (4hp) before progressing to the larger (30hp) engine. Basic exercises to be completed are listed in section 4. The training day will be conducted at sea involving at least two fully qualified drivers who must agree that the individual has the aptitude to move to step 3.
   
3. The individual will handle the boat at five separate training sessions and complete at least five hours of overall driving time. An existing qualified driver must be in the boat to provide assistance if required. This will enable the individual to gain experience and other members of the group to observe and assess whether they are competent at boat handling.
   
4. All boat drivers must be able to re-enter the boat in open sea without assistance.
   
5. Individual names will be submitted to Horsham Newfs committee meeting for discussion and subsequent approval.

4. Horsham Newfs Boat Handling Training Day

The following areas will be covered at Horsham Newfs Boat Handling days:-

1. Launching
   
2. Pre-training session checks
3. Turning
4. Stopping
5. Reversing
6. Holding boat steady
7. Turning in a tight spot
8. Owners leaving boat
9. Dogs leaving boat
10. Man overboard
11. Safety boat techniques / rescue
12. Re-entering the boat in open sea without assistance
13. Towing other boats
14. Consideration for others
15. Loading boat on trailer

5. Summary

Horsham Newfs do encourage all members who are interested in boat handling but the above must be strictly enforced in order to prevent serious accidents. All members of the group must be confident that those handling the boats are competent to do so. Everybody wants to enjoy themselves and be able to assist with driving of boats but the responsibility and experience required to do so safely should not be underestimated. The qualified boat handlers will do everything possible to assist and train new drivers.

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