Event Duty Officer

Overview

There should always be a designated person in charge whose primary role is to maintain an overview of all adventurous activity occurring at that event and to manage safe operation within the operating guidelines.

At all times, regardless of the experience and qualifications of other people present, the Event Duty Officer (EDO) has the final responsibility and authority to make safety decisions with respect to adventurous activities.

Qualification and experience

Typically a multi-award holder qualified in across more than one water-based discipline with a higher level qualification suitable for the management of several instructors and groups, for example RYA Senior Instructor.

Experience in managing instructors, delegating tasks and maintaining safety oversight 

Prior to the session

Latest forecast

Awareness of equipment that is available for use including any maintenance issues

If possible, contact with ops manager/lead volunteer to determine particular requirements, specific requests, aims/goals

DIscuss plan/limits with CC duty manager.

Gather radios

At beginning of session:

Decide upon go/ no go, any limits to operating area or  limits to numbers on the water. Inform activity volunteers.

Confirm allocation of roles

Briefing of volunteers as required

Ensure awareness of qualifications and sign-offs for volunteers present

Give out radios

Discuss available craft and provide guidance on what will be allowed/suitable for activity

During session

Keep record of number of people, craft on water, what they are doing and where they are

Maintain eye on conditions, adjust and inform as necessary

It is likely that the EDO may be asked to 

Assist with deploying participants and equipment

React to breakages or find missing equipment

Problem solve

Suggest alternative activities

Provide coaching tips for volunteer activity leaders

None of these should take the EDO’s focus away from their primary role as safety lead. If possible, the EDO should delegate these tasks to other volunteers. In some circumstances they might temporarily ask a suitably qualified volunteer to watch over safety but this should be done in a formal way ensuring that the stand-in has a full brief giving overview of current situation. If circumstances are such that the EDO cannot maintain an overwatch of safety, then they should consider restructuring the activities or bringing the session to a halt.

At end of session

Determine when session is to finish and communicate

Ensure all people are safely off the water

Ensure all craft and equipment has been returned

Notes?

Ensure defects reported and identified