Senior Pilot Reptile (aka Tom Linthicum) piloting our Angel Island club swim.
Welcome to the Pilots Corner! This section of the SERC website is dedicated to the Club’s motorized boat piloting program. It contains information for pilots, prospective pilots and swim/race directors.
The Fleet
The Club currently has six motorized support boats, which we refer to as our zodiacs or RIBs/RHIBs (rigid-hulled inflatable boats).
Levels of Pilot Certification
Pilots are responsible for the safety and well-being of their swimmers. It’s a big undertaking, and we have designed our pilot program such that pilots are given responsibility commensurate with their level of training and experience.
We have five levels of pilot certification:
- Accompanying Pilot
- Pilot
- Lead Pilot
- Senior Pilot
- Assessing Pilot
The details of each level are in the Pilot Policy.
We also have a Pilot Committee that oversees the piloting program.
Finding a Pilot
Use the email addresses below to contact our pilots. When reaching out, please choose the correct distribution list based on your need (e.g., Accompany Pilots can’t go outside of the Gate and only Lead Pilots can lead a Club swim).
| Email Address | Description |
| [email protected] | All pilots regardless of certification level |
| [email protected] | Pilots, Lead Pilots and Senior Pilots |
| [email protected] | Both Lead Pilots and Senior Pilots |
| [email protected] | Just the Senior Pilots |
| [email protected] | The members of the Pilot Committee |
| [email protected] | Just the Assessing Pilots |
Becoming a Pilot
SERC conducts a piloting class roughly two times a year. Look for announcements of the class posted to the club mailing lists. For a preview or review of class materials, see the Pilot Training Class Handout.
Before you take the class, you can go out as a co-pilot with an existing pilot for club swims, sunriser swims, or the Sunday Drivers events. This will give you a chance to practice driving the boat (conditions permitting) and learn from a current pilot. Anyone can co-pilot, but make sure to check with a pilot before signing up to be in their boat.
Don’t wait for the class. Jump right in!
Radio Reimbursement Policy
Once certified as a pilot at any level, pilots are eligible for a $50 reimbursement towards the purchase of a personal radio. To receive the reimbursement, send a copy of the receipt along with the Check Request Form to the SERC office (either in the mailbox, or as an attachment to [email protected]).
Working with Pilots
Remember that pilots are fellow Club members who are volunteering their time so you can have a fun, challenging and safe experience. Here are some ways to help support your pilots:
- At the completion of the swim, come down to the end of the dock and help get the boats out of the water, cleaned up and put away. The pilots can’t do this by themselves.
- Listen to, and cooperate with your pilots. Pay close attention to instructions at swim briefings as well as during the course of the swim. There’s often a lot going on, instructions from pilots are made in the best interest of the entire swim. Questions are great before or after a swim, not during.