You’ll be working on docks 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 on the Boston side of the Charles River between the Eliot Bridge (just upstream from Cambridge Boat Club) and Northeastern University’s boathouse, beyond the Event’s finish line. Dock assignments will be communicated during check-in at Dock 4.
Each dock is labeled with signage to indicate the dock number and the racer entrance and exit corridors, if any. In this somewhat outdated Course Map, one of the options is the FALS area, where you will be working. The FALS Docks locations remain the same in 2026.
With crowds, anticipate a 20-minute walk between dock 1 and dock 6.
Note: Docks close to the start line for singles and doubles launching are known as SADL, and are operated by the SADL Committee. Dock 2 is privately operated.
Bring a government-issued photo ID. You will NEED it to register as a volunteer and pick up your official HOCR volunteer premium garment.
Wear comfortable, warm layers of clothing. Check the weather forecast before you leave your house. You will be standing and walking for much of your shift, and it will all be outdoors. We do not have any covered shelter at FALS. Be prepared for the possibility of cold, wind, rain and mud. Please bring waterproof footwear, clothing that you think will keep you comfortable throughout your shift, gloves and possibly hand warmers. Do not wear flip-flops! We will also ask you to wear your volunteer premium on top of your other layers.
Bring any snacks and drinks and medication you’ll need to get through your shift. We do not know about the availability of water in the FALS area, as it changes every year. Lunch will be served to all volunteers after the morning shift, before the afternoon shift, and during the Friday shift.
Bring your cell phone. We may need to contact you, or you may need to contact us throughout the weekend, or you may need to call 911 in the event of an emergency.
Leave your valuables at home. While there are trees and fences to leave bags and bicycles next to during the shift, FALS Ops is NOT able to provide secure storage.
Bring a friendly and patient attitude. You will be interacting with a number of competitors and spectators during your shift. You are the human face of the Regatta for them. Please be kind and patient, but firm and logical with the people you meet. Sometimes the people you will be interacting with may be frantic or frustrated but don’t let it change your attitude. If you would like help with a question or problem, please contact one of the FALS Ops co-chairs and we will help you resolve the issue. You’ll see us walking between the docks throughout your shift. Each dockmaster and flow launchmaster will have a radio and can get us there in seconds to help you out.
Please pick up your volunteer premium before your shift. You are required to have a government-issued photo ID to pick up your premium and to sign your volunteer waiver! The Volunteer committee and premiums are at the volunteer tent located near Parking Lot 2 at the Finish Area Launch Site (FALS) off Soldiers Field Road. The tent is open from 6AM – 5PM on Friday, 6AM – 5PM on Saturday and 6AM – 12PM on Sunday. Look for the “Volunteer” signs in the area. Try-ons for sizing of your premium are usually not permitted. NOTE: last year they ran out of certain sizes so we suggest you pick up your premium as early as possible (even on a day before your shift).
Be on time. Be prepared for delays. Mandatory training sessions will take place 30 minutes before each shift, and we will be checking names and issuing name tags. It is very important that volunteers be on time for training and that you have your volunteer premium with you. The meeting point for the beginning of all shifts and for training is our dedicated tent near Dock 4. The precise location of the tent is near the First Aid Tent near Christian Herter Community Garden.
Shift arrival times are:
Friday Shifts:
Morning Shift, arrive no later than 6:30am
Midday Shift, arrive no later than 9:30am
Saturday and Sunday Shifts
Morning Shift, arrive no later than 6:30am
Afternoon Shift, arrive no later than 11:30am
Parking. Please review HOCR Parking for available lots. Please give yourself ample time to park, receive your premium, and check in for your shift. Depending on the day and time there can be typical Boston traffic in addition to lines to access lots and crowded walkways.
If you see an emergency situation:
Use Radio Channel 1 or call 911
Have the dockmaster or launchmaster inform the committee co-chairs by race radio of the emergency so we can head to the scene.
Please stay calm and be ready to provide the person who answers with:
the nature of the emergency
your location (Dock number)
your name
your phone number
DO NOT ADMINISTER FIRST AID unless you have been qualified to do so. If at all possible to do safely, have the person move off to the side so that launching and landing may proceed. If it is not possible, shut the dock down until directed otherwise by a FALS Ops co-chair.