GUIDES: Certification

Certification, training, mentorship and more... for SKGABC guides.

SKGABC News

• *NEW* 2010 Fall Exam Dates: Level Two and Three exam dates posted More...
  

• *NEW* 2010 Fall Exchanges: Porteau Cove / Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak More...
  

• *NEW* 2010 Annual General Meeting: November 3rd, 2010, Nanaimo, BC More...
  

• 2010 Spring Exam Dates: Level Two and Three exam dates posted here
  

• 2010 Spring Guides Exchange: Salt Spring Island, BC. Hosted by Island Excapades Click Here for more details Attend for the chance to win a Werner Performance Core Paddle!
  

• 2009 AGM: 10:30am, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo BC, Nov 4th, 2009. Click Here for more details
  AGM Minutes and Reports Posted in the Members Section.

• 2009 Fall Exchange - Gabriola Island, BC
  The fall exchange was held Sept 25-27, 2009 on Gabriola Island, BC. The exchange was hosted by Gabriola Sea Kayaking, Baja Kayak Adventures, Wildheart Adventures, and Jim's Kayaking.Photo's now posted
  
  
• Technical Guides Manual
  The SKGABC has produced a manual for guides of every level. For more information Click Here
  
  
• 2009 Fall Exam Dates
  Fall 2009 Level 2 and 3 exam dates are now posted. Please click here for dates and locations
  
  
• 2009 Spring Exchange - Quadra Island, BC
  The spring exchange was held May 1st to 3rd, 2009 in Quadra Island, BC. The exchange was hosted by Discovery Island Lodge and Spirit of the West. Photo's and More Info
  
  
• 2008 Fall Exchange - Ucluelet, BC
  The fall exchange will be held October 3-5th, 2008 in Ucluelet, BC.  The exchange will be hosted by Majestic Ocean Kayaking and Rainforest Kayak Adventures. More info
  
  
• 2008 AGM:  10:30am in Nanaimo, October 19, 2008 - Click here for more details
  
  
• Class 4 Waters Endorsement
  The SKGABC has recently created a new endorsement that allows guides to work in class 4 waters. More info
  
  
• Sea Kayaking BC Study
  The SKGABC and Tourism BC teamed up with Malaspina to create an extensive study on the sea kayaking sector in BC. Please log into the members section to access the full report.
  
  

For older news, please click here

If you have a question about the SKGABC, please contact us!

SKGABC Technical Guides Manual. More Info...

GUIDE REQUIREMENTS
(Amended  Fall 2009)

• See the SKGABC approved guide training courses
• 10 Steps to Level Three Guide Certification with the SKGABC

Level One Guide:

1. Must be 19 years of age.
   
   
2. Must be a member in good standing of the SKGABC.
   (Membership info : Renew Now : Contact Us)

3. Required to log at least 10 commercial sea kayak guiding days prior to leading day trips.
   
   
4. Maintain current certification in a 16 hour (two day) Basic First Aid Course or equivalent. Note: Guides Operating within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site are required to hold Wilderness First Aid certification.
   
   
5. Maintain current certification of CPR (level C).
   
   
6. Possess a Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) for VHF radio.
   
   
7. Maintain a log documenting sea kayak guiding experience and submit copies to the SKGABC on a yearly basis. Logs must be submitted using the SKGABC log form.
   
   
8. Pass a SKGABC Level One Course and Exam
   
   
9. Must participate in a SKGABC Guides’ Exchange within three years of your Level One Guide Course and Exam and continue to participate in a SKGABC Guides’ Exchange at least once every three years thereafter.
   
   
10. Submit copies of current certification documentation to the SKGABC as required.
    (Contact Us)
    

Assistant Overnight Guide:

1. Must be 19 years of age.
   
   
2. Must be a member in good standing of the SKGABC.
   (Membership info : Renew Now : Contact Us)

3. Required to log at least 10 commercial sea kayak guiding days prior to leading day trips.
   
   
4. Maintain current certification in a 40 hour (five day) Wilderness First Aid Course or equivalent. Note: Guides Operating within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site are required to hold Wilderness First Aid certification.
   
   
5. Maintain current certification of CPR (Level C).
   
   
6. Possess a Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) for VHF Radio.
   
   
7. Maintain a log documenting sea kayak guiding experience and submit copies to the SKGABC on a yearly basis. Logs must be submitted using the SKGABC log form.
   
   
8. Pass a SKGABC Assistant Overnight Guide Course and Exam
   
   
9. Must participate in a SKGABC Guides’ Exchange within three years of your Assistant Overnight Guide Course and Exam and continue to participate in a SKGABC Guides’ Exchange at least once every three years thereafter.
   
   
10. Submit copies of current certification documentation to the SKGABC as required.
    (Contact Us)
    

Level Two Guide:

1. Must be 19 years of age.
   
   
2. Must be a member in good standing of the SKGABC.
   (Membership info : Renew Now : Contact Us)

3. Meet all the requirements of an Assistant Overnight Guide.
   
   
4. Required to log at least 30 commercial sea kayak guiding days as an Assistant Overnight Guide.
   
   
5. Maintain current certification in a 40 hour (five day) Wilderness First Aid Course or equivalent. Level Two guides leading in remote areas (i.e. more than 12 hours from medical assistance) need to maintain current certification in an 80 hour (ten day) Advanced Wilderness First Aid Course or equivalent. Occupational First Aid Level III will be recognized for Level Two Guides who have taken an Advanced Wilderness First Aid Course previously.Note: Guides Operating within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site are required to hold Wilderness First Aid certification.
   
   
6. Maintain current certification of CPR (level C).
   
   
7. Possess a Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) for VHF radio.
   
   
8. Maintain a log documenting sea kayak guiding experience and submit copies to the SKGABC on a yearly basis. Logs must be submitted using the SKGABC log form.
   
   
9. Pass a SKGABC Level Two Exam.
   
   
10. Must participate in a SKGABC Guides’ Exchange within three years of your Level Two Guide Exam and continue to participate in a SKGABC Guides’ Exchange at least once every three years thereafter.
    
    
11. Submit copies of current certification documentation to the SKGABC as required.
    (Contact Us)
    

Level Three Guide:

1. Must be 19 years of age.
   
   
2. Must be a member in good standing of the SKGABC.
   (Membership info : Renew Now : Contact Us)

3. Meet all the requirements of a Level Two Guide.
   
   
4. Required to log at least 50 commercial sea kayak guiding days as a Level Two Guide on overnight trips (20 of the 80 total days logged must be in Class 3 waters. In lieu of the 20 commercial days in Class 3 waters, must have 30 personal overnight Class 3 days for a total of 110 days.) or 80 commercial sea kayak guiding days as an Assistant Overnight Guide on overnight trips (20 of the 80 days must be in Class 3 waters. In lieu of the 20 commercial days in Class 3 waters, must have 30 personal overnight Class 3 days for a total of 110 days.)
   
   
5. Maintain current certification in an 80 hour (ten day) Advanced Wilderness First Aid Course or equivalent. Occupational First Aid Level III will be recognized for Level Three Guides who have taken an Advanced Wilderness First Aid Course previously.Note: Guides Operating within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site are required to hold Wilderness First Aid certification.

6. Maintain current certification of CPR (level C).
   
   
7. Possess a Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) for VHF radio.
   
   
8. Maintain a log documenting sea kayak guiding experience and submit copies to the SKGABC on a yearly basis. Logs must be submitted using the SKGABC log form.
   
   
9. Pass a SKGABC Level Three Exam.
   
   
10. Must participate in a leadership role in a SKGABC Guides’ Exchange within three years of your Level Three Guide Exam and continue to participate in a leadership role in a SKGABC Guides’ Exchange at least once every three years thereafter.
    
    
11. Submit copies of current certification documentation to the SKGABC as required.
    (Contact Us)
    

Class Four Waters Endorsement

1. Click for more information on the SKGABC Class Four Waters Endorsement.
   
   

Guide Trainer:

1. Must be 19 years of age.
   
   
2. Must be a member in good standing of the SKGABC.
   (Membership info : Renew Now : Contact Us)

3. Meet all the requirements of a Level Three Guide.
   
   
4. Required to log an additional 200 commercial sea kayak guiding days including 40 commercial sea kayak guiding days in Class 3 waters.
   
   
5. Required to log 21 days assisting on SKGABC endorsed guide training courses (including 7 days assisting on overnight courses).
   
   
6. Maintain current certification in an 80 hour (ten day) Advanced Wilderness First Aid Course or equivalent. Occupational First Aid Level III will be recognized for Level Three Guides who have taken an Advanced Wilderness First Aid Course previously. Note: Guides Operating within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site are required to hold Wilderness First Aid certification.
   
   
7. Maintain current certification of CPR (level C).
   
   
8. Possess a Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) for VHF radio.
   
   
9. Maintain a log documenting sea kayak guiding experience and submit copies to the SKGABC on a yearly basis. Logs must be submitted using the SKGABC log form.
   
   
10. Application is made to the SKGABC Certification Committee for recognition as a Guide Trainer. A cover letter and resume with two letters of reference is required.
    
    
11. Must participate in a leadership role in a SKGABC Guides’ Exchange at least once every three years.
    
    
12. Submit copies of current certification documentation to the SKGABC as required.
    (Contact Us)
    

Examiner:

1. Must be 19 years of age.
   
   
2. Must be a member in good standing of the SKGABC.
   (Membership info : Renew Now : Contact Us)

3. Meet all the requirements of a Level Three Guide.
   
   
4. Required to log an additional 300 commercial sea kayak guiding days including 60 commercial sea kayak guiding days in Class 3 waters.
   
   
5. Must assist on 2 Level Two Guide exams and be recommended by the examiners prior to becoming an Examiner for Level Two Guide exams.
   
   
6. Must assist on 2 Level Three Guide exams and be recommended by the examiners prior to becoming an Examiner for Level Three Guide exams.
   
   
7. Maintain current certification in an 80 hour (ten day) Advanced Wilderness First Aid Course or equivalent. Occupational First Aid Level III will be recognized for Level Three Guides who have taken an Advanced Wilderness First Aid Course previously.Note: Guides Operating within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site are required to hold Wilderness First Aid certification.
   
   
8. Maintain current certification of CPR (level C).
   
   
9. Possess a Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) for VHF radio.
   
   
10. Maintain a log documenting sea kayak guiding experience and submit copies to the SKGABC on a yearly basis. Logs must be submitted using the SKGABC log form.
    
    
11. Application is made to the SKGABC Certification Committee for recognition as an Examiner. A cover letter and resume with three letters of reference is required.
    
    
12. Must be recommended by 2 Examiners or 2 Executive Members or one of each.
    
    
13. Must participate in a leadership role in a SKGABC Guides’ Exchange at least once every three years.
    
    
14. Must be a member of the Examiners Committee.
    
    
15. Submit copies of current certification documentation to the SKGABC as required.
    (Contact Us)
    

*ALL GUIDES MUST BE MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING* Guides are expected to match their abilities with the difficulties and potential dangers of managing each particular group through a proposed trip. Rules and regulations do not replace vigilance and good judgment.  

*Note:  The Certification Approval Committee appointed by the Board of Directors may consider special applications for certification of individuals of undisputed competence, or by reciprocal arrangements with other sea kayak associations.

The training requirement for a level one guide above may be substituted with proof of a Paddle Canada Level One Instructor certificate.  The Assistant Overnight Guide training course may be substituted with proof of a Level 2 Instructor certificate from Paddle Canada.

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