Who is responsible for steering, and what are the lane rules during a race?

The rowers are responsible for their own steering. A coxswain's primary functions are, at a minimum, to steer the boat and to provide instruction and encouragement to the crew (rule 2.4). Each crew has a lane reserved for its own use and must remain completely within that lane, including its oars or sculls, throughout the race. A crew that leaves its lane does so at its own risk, and if it impedes or interferes with an opponent or gains any advantage by doing so, it may be penalized (rule 10.9). The Race Umpire alone decides whether a crew is in its lane or interfering (rule 10.10). Coaching through electric, electronic or other technical or mechanical devices from outside the boat during a race is prohibited (rule 10.11).