• Duties of the coxswain. – Responsible for control of the boat and actions of the crew. – Supervises the loading, lashing, and distribution of equipment. – Maintains the course and speed of the boat.¬ – Gives all commands. • Paddler #2 (Long Count) is responsible for setting the pace. • Paddler #1 is the Observer, stowing and using the bow line unless another observer is assigned. f. Embarkation and Debarkation Procedures. (1) When launching, the crew will maintain a firm grip on the boat until they are inside it: similarly, when beaching or debarking, they hold on to the boat until it is completely out of the water. Loading and unloading is done using the bow as the entrance and exit point. (2) Keep a low center of mass when entering and exiting the boat to avoid capsizing. Maintain 3 points of contact at all times. (3) The long count is a method of loading and unloading by which the boat crew embarks or debarks individually over the bow of the boat. It is used at river banks, on loading ramps, and when deep water prohibits the use of the short count method. (4) The short count is a method of loading or unloading by which the boat crew embarks or debarks in pairs over the sides of boat while the boat is in the water. It is used in shallow water allowing the boat to be quickly carried out of the water. The short count method of organization is primarily used during surf operations. (5) Beaching the boat is a method of debarking the entire crew at once into shallow water and quickly carrying the boat out of the water. Figure 13-1. BOAT POSITIONS Figure 13-2. CREW POSITIONS, LONG COUNT AND SHORT COUNT