Rowing Commands

Question 1

STAND BY THE OARS

Answer 1

Lift oars off thwarts, place blades flat on the forward gunwales,
push oars forward until handle is over the respective thwar

Question 2

UP OARS

Answer 2

Lift oars to the vertical position. Trim blades fore-and-aft with
handles resting on footings

Question 3

LET FALL OR PART OARS

Answer 3

Let the oars fall into rowlocks using the crook of the outboard arm
to control the oars. Trim oars horizontally with the blades
trimmed fore-and-aft. Given when the boat is clear of the ship’s
side or berth

Question 4

GIVE WAY

Answer 4

The blades of oars are moved forward and dipped about half way
into water and stroke started. At end of stroke, the blades are
feathered fore-and-aft and pushed forward, and another stroke is
made.

Question 5

OARS

Answer 5

Complete the stroke, stop rowing, and bring the oars horizontal at
right angles to the keel with the blades held flat

Question 6

BACK WATER

Answer 6

Row in astern motion

Question 7

HOLD WATER

Answer 7

Complete the stroke, stop rowing, dip blade about half way into
water and hold water to stop the way on the boat

Question 8

STERN ALL

Answer 8

When rowing in ahead motion, complete the stroke, then
commence to back water, gradually increasing the depth of
immersion of the blades

Question 9

WAY ENOUGH

Answer 9

When rowing in ahead motion, complete the stroke, raise oars
with crook of elbow to about 30, swing blade forward, and place
oars in the boat

Question 10

IN BOWS

Answer 10

The bowmen complete the stroke, swing their oars forward and
boat the oars, then stand by with a boathook to receive the sea
painter or boat rope or to fend-off

Question 11

BOAT THE OARS

Answer 11

From “Oars” or of from “Toss Oars” positions, place the oars in the
boat with blades forward

Question 12

OUT OARS

Answer 12

Place the oars in rowlocks directly from the boated position or
from the “Stand by the Oars” position. Given when the boat is
clear of the ship’s side or berth

Question 13

STAND BY TO GIVE WAY

Answer 13

Term used in racing. The blades are pushed to forward position
and slightly dipped ready for an instant start

Question 14

GIVE WAY PORT, BACK WATER
STARBOARD AND/OR GIVE WAY
STARBOARD,BACK WATER PORT

Answer 14

These orders are given to turn the boat without making way ahead
or astern. They will result in turning the boat with slight headway
in the desired direction

Question 15

TRAIL OARS

Answer 15

The trim blades of the oars are brought alongside the boat and left
trailing in the water in single banked boats fitted with swivel
rowlocks

Question 16

TOSS OARS

Answer 16

Complete the stroke, come to “Oars” position, raise the oars
smartly to the vertical, rest handles on the footing and trim blades
fore-and-aft