Coastal and Enclosed Sea Guide Assessment 29/04

COASTAL AND ENCLOSED SEA GUIDE ASSESSMENT

Saturday 29th April

The Coastal and Enclosed Sea Guide Award is for people seeking professional certification in coastal water paddling environments using sit-on-top craft.  The Australian Canoeing Award Scheme (ACAS) is the industry benchmark certification designed to meet the needs of the canoeing / kayaking guide industry for education, recreational and tourism sectors nationwide.

Coastal Guide Award Definition:

Holders of the Coastal Guide Award have demonstrated the ability to plan and conduct guided kayaking activities in sit on top kayaks in coastal conditions defined as:

• Estuaries, embayment’s and areas enclosed or partially enclosed by fringing reef or islands

• Areas of exposed coastline that are simple, not involving overfalls, tidal races, difficult landings or open crossings may be included

• Distances of up to 1 nautical mile offshore

• Conditions below Fresh (17 knots) as defined by the Beaufort Scale and used by the Bureau of Meteorology

Enclosed Sea Guide Award Definition:

Holders of the Enclosed Sea Guide Award are qualified to guide groups of novices on activity and day based programs in sea kayaks in enclosed waters defined as Bays and Harbours:

• Moderate conditions (forecast or 11 – 16 knots)

• Assessed in minimum winds of 11 – 16 knots

• Max 1.5 nautical miles from shore

• Breaking (overtopping) waves (sea) up to 0.5m

• No surf

Prerequisites:

Candidates for assessment should have achieved substantial paddling and guiding experience and qualifications suitable to meet assessment criteria for the Coastal or Enclosed Sea Guide qualification as defined in the ACAS evidence guidelines for the award prior to undertaking the assessment.

• ACAS Coastal or Enclosed Sea Guide Training or legitimate equivalent

• Proven paddling, guiding, instructional and rescue skills and experience

• Current First Aid and CPR certificates

• Meet all log book requirements

• Please Note:

  • this is a guide assessment, it is not a training curse

  • assessors will not provide any training or instruction

Assessment:

• This is a full day assessment from approximately 8:00am to 4:00pm

• All components of the assessment have to be completed within six weeks of the assessment date

• Candidates must be prepared to put their skills and knowledge into practice and need to come prepared for all aspects of the assessment

• Complete a written exam to demonstrate knowledge of: correct paddling technique and guide abilities, navigation, weather interpretation, ACAS structure, lesson planning, risk management and safety

• In field assessment includes: paddling equipment scrutiny and set up, ability to brief & instruct paddling skills, group management and communication, ability to provide safety briefings, ability to perform efficient rescues and tows

• Current First Aid and CPR qualifications (when all paperwork is submitted to Australian Canoeing for registration)

• Log book requirements:

  • logbooks should be clear, concise and verifiable by a third party

  • for assessment you will need to produce a verified logbook showing over the previous two years at least:

  • for Coastal Guide Award

    • A minimum of six coastal trips where each trip is of at least three hours’ duration in the type of craft for which you are being assessed

    • Plus a minimum of three guided coastal activities where each activity is of at least three hours’ duration as an assistant guide or an observer under training in the type of craft for which you are being assessed

    • Plus two guided coastal activities where each activity is of at least three hours’ duration as a lead guide under observation of a qualified guide

    • This is in addition to the time spent on the water during your training and assessment

  • For Enclosed Sea Guide Award

    • A minimum of six enclosed sea environment trips where each trip is of at least three hours’ duration in the type of craft for which you are being assessed

    • Two different overnight enclosed sea kayak trips

    • Plus a minimum of six guided enclosed sea activities where each activity is of at least three hours’ duration as an assistant guide or an observer under training in the type of craft for which you are being assessed ( must be in two different locations)

    • Plus two guided enclosed sea activities where each activity is of at least six hours’ duration as a lead guide under observation of a qualified guide

    • This is in addition to the time spent on the water during your training and assessment

• Complete a written ‘Assessment Project’

• Please note: 

  • a candidate is not registered as a Coastal or Enclosed Sea Guide until all components of the assessment and registration process are completed and the appropriate fee for registration is paid

  • attendance and participation in a course is not a guarantee to successful assessment

Course Cost:

• From $215  (with own craft & equipment) per person

• Initial course cost is based on the course taking place within 50km drive of Queensland Canoeing Headquarters

  • if the course takes place more than 50km from QC HQ an additional fee will be charged per person

• Craft & paddle hire available @ $30 per day

  • each participant must provide their own personal and rescue equipment

• Course fee does not include Australian Canoeing Award Registration Fee

• Please note:  Courses need to meet minimum registration numbers to run on advertised dates.  If sufficient numbers are not registered one week before the program, alternative arrangements will be made with registered participants.

Course Location/s:

• Queensland Canoeing has a number of venues it uses

• The location of the course will be determined from the location of the course participants, which will determine the final cost of the course and if an additional fee is payable

• Other course locations are available for private groups by negotiation

Paddle Craft:

The Coastal Guide Award is for sit-on-top craft.  The Enclosed Sea Guide Award is for sea kayaks.
The craft you use must be sea worthy, well maintained and have minimum necessary safety equipment and buoyancy that should be used by coastal and enclosed sea guides such as (but not limited to):

• Bilge pump

• Paddle float

• Tow system

• Paddle leash

• Split paddles

Equipment:

• It is expected that participants will supply their own equipment including boat, life jacket, paddle, safety and rescue equipment; however, Queensland Canoeing can provide any or all of this equipment for an additional cost

  • please indicate your requirements on the booking form

• Any personal equipment will require a safety check prior to commencement to determine its suitability for the paddling activity

• Paddle clothing, including enclosed footwear needs to be suitable to get wet and swim in, be sun-smart and appropriate for the conditions

• Please also bring a towel, change of clothing and water bottle

For Enquiries contact:

Steven Rowland, Education and Recreation Officer;
On 07 3899 1667 or by email to qc.education@canoe.org.au