The competition comprised heats, semifinals, and a final round. The top boats from each heat advances to the "A" final, and the remaining boats advance to the semifinals. The top two boats in each semifinal and the next overall best boat advanced to the "A" final, and competed for medals. A placing "B" final was held for the other semifinalists.
First boat progresses to A final and the remaining boats are qualified for the semifinals. The fastest three boats in each semifinal qualify for the 'A' final. The remaining boats in each semifinal qualify for the 'B' final.