Boat & Equipment Scrutineering

Safety is paramount when considering an ocean passage in a rowing boat. The boat designs and equipment have been extensively developed over the past 10 years - to make rowing oceans viable to anyone that wants to undertake such a challenge.

There are basic requirements laid down by the maritime authorities of all the locations that ocean rowing boats leave from. A more detailed list of these requirements can be found within "Woodvale Products & Services - Port Clearances". We want as many people as possible to experience the unique and life changing adventure of rowing an ocean. However, the established safety standards should be observed and respected so that future rows aren't negatively affected by those less prepared.

As part of the race entry fee, there is a wideranging service offered to ocean rowers from the race organisers. Part of this service in pre-race scrutineering.

There is a comprehensive equipment list provided to all ocean rowing race entrants. This list is constantly maintained and amended based on authority requirements and from experience and feedback of ocean rowers. The list is comprehensive and covers medical equipment, basic boat equipment, safety equipment, communications and emergency proceedures covering a wide range of situations. The detail of liferaft requirements, grabbag contents and types of EPIRB devices. The scrutineering we provide is trusted by the various port authorities and is used as a benchmark for all ocean rowboats Worldwide.

Some people say that our safety equipment requirements are too strict - In the Atlantic Rowing Race 2005 - the weather told a different story - teams needed every bit of kit onboard their boats. People are successful in crossing oceans because of the support that they receive. The percentage of successful rows within a race structure is far higher than that of unsupported expeditions. The sport of ocean rowing is potentially dangerous - it is our job to minimise the risk of failure. Independent teams that follow the benchmark set by Woodvale Challenge have more chance of success than if they went completely alone.