NEWS

Check-in frequently for the latest SKGABC news and events.

SKGABC News

• January 15, 2012
  2012 Training Courses: Guide Training Courses to get you safely on the water! More...
  

• October 18, 2011
  2011 Annual General Meeting: Wednesday, November 9th, 2011, Nanaimo, BC. Minutes available in the Members Area More...
  

• October 15, 2011
  2011 Fall Exchange: September 30 - October 2, 2011 - Tofino, BC
  Photos now posted!
  

• Fall Guide Exams - 2011 Level Two and Three Exam dates now posted More...
  

• July 1, 2011
  Wolf Advisory: Vargas Island Park - Clayoquot Sound Due to wolf activity on Vargas Island this spring, BC Parks has issued a Wolf Advisory More...
  

• June 29, 2011
  Postal Disruption Over: Mail is moving again, but submission of documents and payments can still be made online! More...
  

• May 27, 2011
  2011 Spring Exam Dates: UPDATE: New L2 exam now posted!
  Level Two and Three exam dates posted More...
  

• May 3, 2011
  2011 Spring Exchange: Photos from this great event now posted!More...
  

• March 17, 2011
  Transport Canada Kayak Registration: UPDATE Interim suspension of Commercial Kayak Registration SUSPENDED. Read MORE
• Kayak Registration
• Vessel Requirements
• SKGABC Letter to Minister of Transport

• Dec 1, 2010
  Lightsation De-Staffing: SKGABC Presentation to Senate Committee of Fisheries and Oceans. Summary available here
  

• 2010 Fall Exchanges: Porteau Cove / Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak Photos NOW Posted!!!
  

• 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!
  

• Technical Guides Manual
  The SKGABC has produced a manual for guides of every level. For more information Click Here
  
  
• 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!

Be Whale Wise
Marine Wildlife Guidelines for Boaters, Paddlers and Viewers (Revised 2006)

Guidelines:

1. BE CAUTIOUS and COURTEOUS:  approach areas of known or suspected marine wildlife activity with extreme caution. Look in all directions before planning your approach or departure.
2. SLOW DOWN: reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 400 metres/yards of the nearest whale.  Avoid abrupt course changes.
3. KEEP CLEAR of the whales’ path.  If whales are approaching you, cautiously move out of the way.
4. DO NOT APPROACH whales from the front or from behind. Always approach and depart whales from the side, moving in a direction parallel to the direction of the whales.
5. DO NOT APPROACH or position your vessel closer than 100 metres/yards to any whale.
6. If your vessel is not in compliance with the 100 metres/yards approach guideline (#5), place engine in neutral and allow whales to pass.
7. STAY on the OFFSHORE side of the whales when they are traveling close to shore.
8. LIMIT your viewing time to a recommended maximum of 30 minutes.  This will minimize the cumulative impact of many vessels and give consideration to other viewers.
9. DO NOT swim with, touch or feed marine wildlife.

Bow and stern-riding porpoises and dolphins:

1. DO NOT drive through groups of porpoises or dolphins to encourage bow or stern-riding.
2. Should dolphins or porpoises choose to ride the bow wave of your vessel, avoid sudden course changes.  Hold course and speed or reduce speed gradually.

Seals, sea lions and birds on land:

1. BE CAUTOUS AND QUIET when around haul-outs and bird colonies, especially during breeding, nesting and pupping seasons (generally May to September).
2. REDUCE SPEED, minimize wake, wash and noise, and then slowly pass without stopping.
3. AVOID approaching closer than 100metres/yards to any marine mammals or birds.
4. PAY ATTENTION and move away, slowly and cautiously, at the first sign of disturbance or agitation.
5. DO NOT disturb, move, feed or touch any marine wildlife, including seal pups.  If you are concerned about a potentially sick or stranded animal, contact your local stranding network where available.

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