Rules, Guideline & Safety

Rules Applicable to All DSUSA Boats

1. Only individuals that are at least 14 years old, have signed a DSUSA waiver, and are DSUSA members may use DSUSA boats and equipment unless otherwise authorized by the DSUSA Board. In addition, paddlers must be listed on a team/crew roster or have paid open practice fees to use DSUSA boats and equipment. Exception: New paddlers are permitted three team/crew or open  practices after submitting a signed waiver and prior to joining DSUSA.
2. Non-paddling passengers are not permitted on DSUSA boats unless otherwise authorized by the DSUSA Board.
3. Individuals are not permitted to operate or use DSUSA boats while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
4. All practices must be held close to the shore and in permitted areas, as outlined in the "Areas of Operation."
5. DSUSA boats must not be beached or docked away from the DSUSA slips within the RiverPlace Marina unless otherwise authorized by the DSUSA Board.
6. Red and green bow lights and a white stern light must be displayed on DSUSA boats used between sunset and sunrise and during any other period of limited visibility. Lights should be bright enough to be visible from at least 100 yards away.
7. In an emergency, remain with the boat. It is advised that at least one person on the boat carry a mobile phone in a waterproof case for making emergency calls. (Concussion Safety)
8. Contact 911, the US Coast Guard or the Multnomah County Sheriff's Department as soon as possible if anyone on a DSUSA boat is injured or possibly has hypothermia as the result of swamping, a capsize, or other incident. All such incidents must also be reported to the DragonSports Board by email or phone as soon as possible after the end of the practice during which the incident occurred.
9. To the extent not stated within these rules, state and federal laws and regulations (including, but not limited to, U.S. Coast Guard rules) governing boating and river navigation must be followed.

Rules Applicable to Dragon Boats

1. Individuals must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved, adjusted, and fastened, personal flotation device (PFD) at all times. Inflatable PFDs are not permitted unless otherwise authorized by the DSUSA Board.
2. A non-paddling tiller and caller must be in position during practice.
3. The caller is the captain (and decision-maker) during practice.
4. The caller must review basic safety rules with the paddlers at the beginning of each practice.
5. There must be at least eight experienced paddlers, and no more than twenty-two paddlers, aboard the dragon boat unless otherwise authorized by the DSUSA Board. The eight-paddler minimum applies during fair weather conditions and must be increased as weather and water conditions warrant, as outlined in the "Guidelines For Weather/Currents."
6. Paddlers must notify the caller of any physical conditions that may affect their ability to react or respond in an emergency. A caller may decline to seat paddlers who, in the caller's sole opinion, may not have the ability to perform the duties associated with paddling.
7. The caller and the tiller must be on the lookout for dangerous situations at all times, be aware of river hazards, and avoid hazardous places, as outlined in the "Guidelines For River Hazards."
8. If paddlers are changing positions on the boat during a practice, all other paddlers must obey the "brace the boat" command from the caller or tiller.
9. One extra paddle and PFD should be carried on board during practice.

Rules Applicable to Outrigger Canoes

1. Individuals must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved, adjusted, and fastened, personal flotation device (PFD) at all times unless otherwise authorized by the DSUSA Board. It is recommended that all individuals wear PFDs year-round; however, when the river water temperature exceeds 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 degrees Celsius), as reported by the USGS Willamette River Gauge at the Morrison Bridge, and at the discretion of the steersperson, paddlers may choose not to wear a PFD at their own risk. There must be a PFD on board for each paddler, regardless of whether or not it is worn. The DSUSA Board will notify all DSUSA-certified steerspersons when the water temperature exceeds 60 degrees and PFDs are optional (otherwise, they are required).
2. Only DSUSA-certified steerspersons are allowed to steer DSUSA canoes.
3. The steersperson is the captain (and decision-maker) during practice.
4. The steersperson must carry the DSUSA-provided safety kit at all times while on the water.
5. The steersperson must review capsize (huli) recovery procedures and basic safety rules with the crew before launching the canoe at each practice.
6. In addition to the steersperson, there must be at least four paddlers (three with prior paddling experience), and no more than six individuals total, aboard the canoe unless otherwise authorized by the DSUSA Board.
7. No more than two paddlers under the age of 18 are allowed on a canoe at any time unless otherwise authorized by the DSUSA Board.
8. Paddlers must notify the steersperson of any physical conditions that may affect their ability to react or respond in an emergency. A steersperson may decline to seat a paddler who, in the steersperson's sole opinion, may not have the ability to perform his/her designated tasks.
9. All paddlers must be on the lookout for dangerous situations at all times. The steersperson must also be aware of river hazards and avoid hazardous places, as outlined in the "Guidelines For River Hazards."
10. If paddlers are changing positions on the canoe during a practice, all other paddlers must lean left, regardless of whether this command is specifically given by the steersperson.