The "scull" portion means that the rower uses two oars, one on each side of the boat; this contrasts with sweep rowing in which each rower has one oar and rows on only one side.

All other boats progress to the repechage round, which offers a second chance to qualify for the semi-finals.

Unsuccessful boats from the repechage must proceed to final C, which determines places 13–18.

The best three boats in each of the two semi-finals qualify for final A, which determines places 1–6 (including the medals).

Unsuccessful boats from semi-finals A/B go forward to final B, which determines places 7–12.