Sweep Development

All dragon boat activity approved by Dragon Boats NSW requires each watercraft to have a steerer otherwise known as a Sweep. These Sweeps must obtain DBNSW Sweep Accreditation prior to steering.

All accredited Sweeps are subject to the Sweep Accreditation and Safety Regulations. This document not only describes the structure of the accreditation system but also acts as a guide for dragon boat steerers and how to perform their role.

Sweep Accreditation and Safety Regulations (v5).pdf

Sweep Classification Levels

Sweep Guidelines

AusDBF Safety Handbook

Obtaining Accreditation

All trainee (novice) Sweeps must register with DBNSW and the Sweep Coordinators Group (SCG) when they begin regular, supervised sweep training. Trainees are required to provide details to DBNSW and the SCG in advance otherwise sweep assessment will not be considered. A flow chart of the Sweep Accreditation process can be found here.

Link to online sweep registration can be found at bottom below.

                                           TRAINEE REGISTRATION FORM

                                    SWEEP ACCREDITATION FLOW CHART

Assessment

Sweep assessments can be organised directly with a paddler's relevant sweep coordinator (see list below).

Things to be aware of prior to attending sweep assessment:

• Prior to your assessment you will also be required to complete and bring the Sweep Accreditation Questionnaire form to the assessment.
• A minimum of 16 paddlers is required to complete assessment. Applicants should arrange for their paddler friends and family to assist. Candidates will also be required to assist others by paddling when not being assessed.
• Sweep logs must be presented with 20 hours signed off BEFORE the assessment date.
• A written test will be undertaken on the day which will refer to the Sweep Accreditation and Safety Regulations and may include references to other sources i.e. DBNSW water safety guidlelines.

Sweep Coordinators

Each of the four state regions has at least one sweep coordinator who is responsible for assessing and accrediting dragon boat sweeps. These regional coordinators can be contacted directly about sweep accreditation and other sweep related enquiries.