|
Level
1 Kayak Proficiency Award
· General Aims
· Requirements
· Assessment
· Guidelines
Level 1 Sea Proficiency
Syllabus
1.00 General aims of the Level 1 Sea Proficiency Award
The Level 1 Sea Proficiency Award aims to encourage and foster participation
in canoeing and to enable participants to:
1.01 perform fundamental kayaking skills.
1.02 understand and explain fundamental canoeing safety rules.
2.00 Requirements for the Level 1 Sea Proficiency Award
To obtain the Level 1 Sea Proficiency Award participants must successfully
demonstrate the following techniques and skills:
2.01 an understanding of the Basic Safety Rules of canoeing.
2.02 an ability to Enter and Exit a kayak.
2.03 Forward Paddle, Reverse Paddle, and Stop.
2.04 an ability to turn while stationary using Forward Sweep Stroke,
Reverse Sweep Stroke and a combination of Forward and Reverse Sweep Strokes.
2.05 Capsize Drill.
3.00 Assessment for the Level
1 Sea Proficiency Award
3.01 There is no formal assessment for the Level 1 Sea Proficiency
Award, however, a participant must be able to demonstrate the required skills
in the presence of a registered Irish Canoe Union Instructor before being
awarded the Certificate.
3.02 All strokes must be demonstrated on both sides.
3.03 The Level 1 Sea Proficiency Award is not compulsory nor a pre
requisite for any subsequent Irish Canoe Union awards.
3.04 The level 1 Sea proficiency Award should be assessed in non-tidal
sheltered waters appropriate to the ability of the participants.
Level 1 Sea Proficiency Award
Guidelines
Safety Rules of Canoeing
1. You must be able to swim.
2. Always wear a buoyancy aid and ensure that there is adequate kayak buoyancy.
3. Never canoe alone.
Entry and Exit
Entry and exit with or without the use of a paddle is acceptable.
Forward Paddling
Veering is allowed for but the participant must be able to maintain reasonable
forward direction for at least 25 metres.
Reverse Paddling
Veering is allowed for but the participant must be able to maintain reasonable
direction in reverse for at least 15 metres.
Stopping
The participant should demonstrate an ability to stop when travelling forward
and in reverse.
Forward and Reverse Sweep Stroke
There should be an efficient use of the paddle in turning the kayak.
Capsize Drill
The capsize and exit from the kayak, to be carried out in water of sufficient
depth adjacent to the shore/bank. The use of a spraydeck is optional.
Level
2 Kayak Proficiency Award
· General Aims
· Requirements prior to assessment
· Assessment
· Guidelines
Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Syllabus
1.00 General aims of the Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award
The Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award aims to enable participants to
1.01 kayak safely and competently on flat water and calm seas as a
member of a group.
1.02 assist in basic rescues.
1.03 foster further participation in canoeing
2.00 Requirements for the Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award
To obtain the Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award, a participant must successfully
demonstrate the following techniques and skills
2.01 an understanding of the Basic Safety Rules of canoeing.
2.02 an ability to Enter and Exit a kayak correctly.
2.03 Forward Paddle, Reverse Paddle, and Stop.
2.04 An ability to turn while stationary using Forward Sweep Stroke,
Reverse Sweep Stroke and a combination of Forward and Reverse Sweep Strokes.
2.05 Simple Draw Stroke.
2.06 Low Brace.
2.07 Low Brace Turn.
2.08 Edging while the kayak is moving.
2.09 Capsize Drill.
2.10 An ability to assist in an Assisted X Rescue.
2.11 Lower Body Rotation.
3.00 Assessment for the Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award
3.01 During an assessment all techniques and skills must be performed
to an assessor's satisfaction in order to achieve this award.
3.02 No part of an assessment may be taken in a swimming pool. All
assessment criteria must be demonstrated outdoors on flat water (i.e. water
of Grade I difficulty).
3.03 It may not be feasible for a junior or disabled person to assist
fully in rescues - such candidates should, however, have a full understanding
of the correct sequence of each of the required rescues and have some role
to fulfil in the completion of these rescues.
3.04 A spraydeck must be worn throughout an assessment.
3.05 All strokes should be demonstrated in relevant situations i.e.
use of a simple draw stroke to manoeuvre the kayak to the bank. Strokes should
be demonstrated on both sides of the kayak.
3.05 The Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award is not a compulsory pre-requisite
for any subsequent Irish Canoe Union awards.
3.07 All required assessment rescues to be kept until the end of an
assessment.
3.08 No age restriction applies to this award.
Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award Assessment Guidelines
· The Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award
can only be assessed by a currently registered who holds, at minimum, an Irish
Canoe Union Level 2 Kayak Instructor qualification
· The assessment will be carried out
with a maximum of six candidates to one assessor; however, a ratio of 4:1
is preferable.
· Generally guidelines will be given, should a candidate fail an assessment,
as to the areas that they need to improve on.
Safety
Rules of Canoeing
1. You must be able to swim.
2. Always wear a buoyancy aid and ensure that there is adequate kayak buoyancy.
3. Never canoe alone.
Entry and Exit
Can be carried out with or without the use of paddles, depending on what is
most appropriate to the situation.
Forward Paddling
Some directional instability is allowed for. This should not include complete
loss of forward movement or continuous veering from side to side, aiming for
a point/gap as a task.
Reverse Paddling
Some directional instability is allowed for. This should not include complete
loss of reverse movement or continuous veering from side to side. A wider
stroke than that used for forward paddling is permissible.
Stopping
Stopping should occur in a straight line allowing some leeway, but not
veering from side to side. Ability to stop should be demonstrated while paddling
forward and in reverse.
Forward Sweep Stroke
There should be full arm extension. The sweep should be initiated at the front
of the kayak and continued to stern with trunk rotation evident.
Reverse Sweep Stroke
Trunk rotation to place paddle in the water at stern should be evident. There
should be continuous sweep to the front of the kayak as the trunk unwinds.
There should be full arm extension throughout.
Draw Stroke
The paddle should remain in the water throughout. Some slight bow or stern
swing is acceptable. An ability to maintain the paddle shaft vertical, should
be evident. Some body rotation towards the paddling side should be evident.
Low Brace Support
The kayak must be sufficiently tilted for water to reach the spraydeck. A
good push down with the elbows above paddle and associated knee lift and lower
body rotation should be evident.
Low Brace Turn
The kayak should be moved at an acceptable speed and a turn induced by applying
a sweep on the opposite side, followed by edging into the turn, the back of
the blade on the surface of the water for support on the turning side and
at a suitable angle/feather.
Capsize Drill
While wearing a spraydeck, and followed by a 10 metre swim towing the kayak
and paddle to the bank, then emptying the kayak correctly. The paddle should
be retained.
Lower Body Rotation
A demonstration of the use of the lower body in controlling the kayak, for
example the initial stages of an Eskimo Rescue.
Level 3 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Award
General Aims
Course Outline
Requirements prior to Assessment
Assessment
Recommended Equipment List
Guidelines
Level 3 Sea Proficiency Syllabus
1.00 General aims of the Level 3 Sea Proficiency Award
The Level 3 Sea Proficiency Award aims to enable participants to
1.01 kayak safely and competently on the sea as a member of a group
being led.
1.02 be capable paddle competently in following winds, head winds and
beams winds of up to force three.
1.03 assist in rescues.
1.04 have an understanding of the importance of weather as a factor
in kayaking on the sea.
2.00 Requirements for the Level 3 Sea Proficiency Award
Prior to assessment for the Level 3 Sea Proficiency Award a participant must
have successfully obtained the Level 2 Sea Proficiency Award. During assessment,
a participant must successfully explain and demonstrate the following techniques
and skills at a proficiency level higher than that required for the Level
2 Sea Proficiency Award
Strokes
2.01 Forward Paddle, Reverse Paddle, and Emergency Stop.
2.02 Forward Sweep Strokes, Reverse Sweep Strokes and a combination
of Forward and Reverse Sweep Strokes.
2.03 Draw Stroke
2.04 Sculling Draw
2.05 Sculling for Support
2.06 Low Brace
2.07 High Brace
2.08 Low Brace Turn
2.09 Stern Rudder
2.10 Bow Rudder
Techniques
2.11 Entry and Exit
2.12 Edging
2.13 paddling in a following wind, beam winds and head winds
2.14 Record and interpret a marine weather forecast
2.15 paddling into, bracing and turning in small surf. ( 1 Foot)
2.16 Read a tide table to ascertain the time of high-water.
2.17 Capsize Drill in deep water, getting back into kayak with assistance.
Rescues
2.18 Assisted X Rescue and an X Rescue
2.19 Eskimo Rescue
Theory
2.20 Safety Rules
2.21 an understanding of the staying with your boat in the event of
a capsize at sea.
2.22 an understanding of the effects of the wind on the sea with particular
reference to the danger of offshore winds. The candidate should show an understanding
of what is meant by a lee shore. dumping surf, riptides and tide races.
2.23 an understanding of good control (i.e. responding to various signals
and commands)
2.24 Environment
recognises several of the significant flora and fauna in the seashore environment
.
3.00 Applying to attend an Level 3 Sea Proficiency Assessment
Before applying to attend a Level 3 Sea Proficiency Assessment, a candidate
must
3.01 have obtained a Level 2 Sea Proficiency Award
3.02 at the time of assessment, is a member of the Irish Canoe Union
either as an individual member or as a member of an affiliated club.
3.03 be at least 12 years of age.
4.00 Assessment for the Level 3 Sea Proficiency Award
4.01 During assessment candidates must demonstrate all techniques/skills
at a proficiency level higher than that required for the Level 2 Sea Proficiency
Award. All techniques, skills and rescues must be performed to an assessor's
satisfaction in order to achieve this award.
4.02 No part of an assessment may be taken in a swimming pool. All
assessment criteria must be demonstrated outdoors on non-tidal waters in winds
up to a limit of force three.
4.03 It is recommended that the Level 3 Sea Proficiency Award be assessed
by an instructor other than the instructor who has run the training course
leading to the assessment.
4.04 The Level 3 Sea Proficiency Award can only be assessed by an Irish
Canoe Union Instructor currently registered with the Irish Canoe Union
4.05 The assessment to be carried out with a maximum of four candidates
to one assessor, however, a ratio of 3:1 is preferable.
4.06 All strokes should be demonstrated in relevant situations i.e.
low brace against a small breaking wave at a beach, and demonstrated on both
sides of the kayak.
4.07 Guidelines will be given in writing should a candidate fail the
assessment as to the areas that they need to improve on.
4.08 It is expected that the assessment will form part of ongoing training
towards the Level 4 Sea Proficiency, or to improve a candidate's proficiency
skills.
4.09 Generally all required assessment rescues will be kept until the
end of an assessment.
Level 3 Sea Proficiency Award Guidelines
Strokes
Entry and Exit
Can be carried out with or without the use of paddles, depending on what is
most appropriate to the situation.
Forward Paddling
The correct seating position, good truck rotation, correct width of paddle
grip, sufficient power to paddle against the current while the keeping the
kayak straight.
Reverse Paddling
The correct seating position, good truck rotation, correct width of paddle
grip, sufficient power to paddle against the current while keeping the kayak
straight.
Emergency Stop
Using forward and reverse paddling, stopping should be evident within 4 strokes.
Forward and Reverse Sweep Strokes
Candidates should demonstrate effective use of Sweep Strokes on slightly choppy
seas.
Draw Stroke
Paddle near vertical, blade well covered, kayak moving in a straight line
sideways for at least 5 metres. Top hand pushing while the lower hand is pulling.
The blade must remain in the water throughout. Good body rotation towards
the paddling side should be evident.
Sculling Draw
Paddle off vertical, blade covered, kayak moving in a straight line sideways
for at least 5 metres. Top hand pushing while the lower hand is pulling with
an efficient blade angle. Long strokes while the kayak remains level.
Sculling for Support
Performed sitting upright with the kayak at a precarious angle. The paddle
should be kept low with good solid sweeps and confident committal to paddle.
Low Brace Support
The kayak must be sufficiently tilted for water to reach the spraydeck. A
good push down with the elbows above paddle and associated knee lift and hip
rotation should be evident.
High Brace Support
The water must reach the paddlers armpit, with good push down. Associated
knee lift and hip rotation should be evident. Paddle shaft no higher than
chin level and arms flexed. Must be demonstrated both stationary and in small
surf as appropriate.
Low Brace Turn
The Low Brace Turn should be demonstrated in small breaking waves (1 Foot)
or in a slightly choppy sea as the conditions allows.
Edging
Demonstrate as a skill that assists in the turning of the kayak.
Stern Rudder
Performed while on the move, a push pull action should be exhibited as well
as good truck rotation.
Bow Rudder
In the Bow Rudder the paddler should show excellent posture and the kayak
should turn effectively.
Techniques
Paddling in head, beam and following winds.
Candidates must demonstrate that they can control their kayak in wind conditions
up to force 3.
Capsize Drill
Must be demonstrated on Grade II water while wearing a spray deck and
include a 10 metre swim towing the kayak and paddle to the bank, followed
by emptying the kayak correctly.
Rescues
Candidates must act as rescuer and rescuee.
Eskimo Rescue
A confident capsize and banging of the hull with the rescuer moving in from
a distance of 5 metres. A first time recovery must follow but two attempts
are allowed. Rescuer should approach from the front, or back, of rescuee to
lessen the risk to rescuees hand. Paddle or Bow Presentation method may be
used.
Weather Forecast
A candidate should be able to record that section of the Marine Forecast that
is relevant to their geographical area. They should be able to describe what
conditions are to be expected on the sea in Forces of wind from 1 to 5.
Surf Conditions
This aspect of the assessment involves a candidate demonstrating that they
can control their kayak in sea conditions where there are small waves. If
there is no surf present on the day of assessment, sea conditions in up to
Force 3 winds will suffice. On no account should candidates by asked to paddle,
as part of the assessment to paddle, in surf conditions with waves of greater
than one foot.
High Tide
The candidate must simply demonstrate that they can ascertain what time high
water is at the nearest standard port. They may use newspaper, almanac or
local tide guide to get this information. The candidate is not expected to
be familiar with secondary ports or how to work out tidal streams etc.
Capsize Drill in Deep Water
This aspect must be demonstrated both as a rescuee and rescuer
Level 4 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Award 2002
General Aims
Course Outline
Requirements prior to Assessment
Assessment
Recommended Equipment List
Guidelines
Level 4 Sea Proficiency Syllabus
1.00 General aims of the Level
4 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Award
The Level 4 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Award aims to ensure that successful
candidates have sufficient skill and knowledge to undertake sea journeys with
safety in moderate sea conditions.
2.00 Course Outline
The course should cover all practical and theoretical elements of the syllabus.
The course may take the format of a weekend course or a number of individual
days of instruction. Attendance at a course is strongly recommended before
a candidate presents for assessment. While attendance at a course is normally
necessary. exemptions to that rule are accepted based on the candidate's presentation
of an extensive range of logged sea trips. Before assessment the candidates
must present their logged trips.
(See details of qualifying trips in Guidelines)
3.00 Requirements for the Level 4 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Award
To obtain the Level 4 Sea Kayaking
Proficiency Award a participant must successfully explain and/or demonstrate
the following techniques and skills. It is recommended that the practical
skills and rescues are assessed in moderate sea conditions state
Moderate Sea Conditions Definition
It is important for the integrity of the Level 4 Sea Proficiency Award that
the techniques and skills outlined below be assessed in disturbed sea conditions.
Candidates should be aware that certain skills cannot be tested if sea conditions
are flat. Aspects of the assessment may subsequently be deferred if conditions
are inappropriate
The candidate must demonstrate:
3.01 An ability to control a kayak in following and beam seas.
3.02 an ability to deal with breaking waves.
3.03 efficient forward and backward paddling, turning into and away
from the wind (360 degrees in both directions).
3.04 An ability to perform an Eskimo Rescue (Paddle Presentation).
3.05 an ability to perform an Eskimo Rescue
3.06 an ability to perform assisted landings on a variety of shores
3.07 an ability to perform a Draw Stroke | Low Brace Support | Stern
Rudder | Sculling Draw | Sweep Strokes | Low Brace Turn
3.08 An effective X Rescue of a capsized kayak.
3.09 effective method of towing another kayak. An assessment candidate
should be familiar with the Fan and Tandem Tow. The Towing System must be
accessible and have a quick release mechanism.
3.10 Transits. Transits are very important in Sea Kayaking. The candidates
should be able to explain and demonstrate the use of transits up ahead, laterally
and behind.
3.11 An ability to follow a compass bearing.
3.12 A basic knowledge of First Aid, to include the symptoms and treatment
of exposure and an awareness of the technique of artificial resuscitation.
It is recommended but not mandatory that the candidate attend a First Aid
course such as REC3
3.13 An introductory knowledge of the coastal environment.
Theory
The candidate should demonstrate a basic knowledge of the following:
3.14 Tidal Streams, causes and effects and how to predict them.
3.15 Weather Forecasting, obtaining and understanding forecasts.
3.16 Sea Kayaks, equipment and clothing.
3.17 Sea Kayaking Camping Procedures.
3.18 Sea Kayaking Safety Procedures.
3.19 Sea Charts and Ordnance Survey maps
3.20 The effects of wind on sea conditions.
3.21 Navigation while at sea, including feature recognition, self-location,
ability to route plan to alternate locations such as escape route
4.00 Format for the Level 4 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Assessment Award
4.01 On the day of an assessment there will be a short written assessment
followed by a sea trip.
4.02 The assessment trip will be of 3-4 hours duration and will include
a lunch break. The practical skills taught on the Level 4 Sea Proficiency
course will be assessed on this trip.
4.03 The assessment must be taken at sea under moderate conditions
(
4.04 Before setting off on the trip the candidate will be required
to produce a route summary for the day based on information gleaned from the
chart, tide tables, pilot and weather forecast. No conferring is allowed during
this trip planning and it is recommended that each candidate come independently
prepared with all the relevant necessary to plan a trip
4.05 using waterproof bag(s) each candidate must pack the following
in their
kayak:
Packed lunch Torch
Flask Tow and Deck Lines
Spare clothing Watch
First Aid Kit (to include, at a minimum, tape and something to dry out a kayak)
Repair Kit Compass
Emergency food/drink Bailer/Sponge
Bivvy Bag
Whistle
Flares (one red parachute flare and one red pinpoint flare)
Spare paddles (can be shared between candidates)
Charts (or copies of OS maps containing all relevant trip planning information)
Recommended Additional group equipment
Kisu
VHF
Mobile Phone
Strobe
4.06 All equipment must be packed and should be readily accessible.
Equipment must remain secure during rescues and spare clothing should be dry
at the end of the day. The candidate must be fully conversant with the use
of all equipment carried. The candidate must be fully conversant with the
use of all equipment carried. All equipment should be stored in a logical
fashion with emergency equipment secure and allowing easy access at all times.
It is not appropriate that the retrieval of emergency equipment should require
assistance
Level 4 Sea Proficiency Award Guidelines
Guidelines for Qualifying Trips
On- the -sea trips that the candidate undertakes no unnecessary risks should
be taken and all the necessary planning and preparations should be seen to
have been taken. It is recommended that the candidates seek to gain his/her
experience in a measured way and not attempt trips they haven't the experience
for.
Details of four qualifying sea trips must be submitted along with an application
for assessment. To the Canoe Union office. At least one of the qualifying
sea trips must be on the Atlantic coastline. The candidate must show active
participation in navigation and planning of trips. Qualifying trips should
of at least three hours paddling duration and should include a lunch stop.
The candidate should seek to include trips in a logbook that include the following
categories
Coastal trips with simple tidal considerations it being necessary to identify
which way the tide is running in order to plan the trip to take advantage
of tides
Coastal trips with a crux i.e. a trip where you wish to be at a specific
location at a specific time to benefit from predicted tidal conditions.
Open crossings where knowledge of tidal streams is necessary.
In planning the above experience it is advised that initially the candidate
make use of the many sea meets and that they paddle with more experienced
paddlers until sufficiently competent /confident to begin logging their own
trips. Sea Paddlers of varying experience seek Level 4 Sea Proficiency training
and it is not always safe or appropriate that trainees immediately seek to
paddle without competent leaders. It is necessary to seek the advice of the
course organiser on this issue.
Level 5 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Award 2004
General Aims
Course Outline
Applying to attend a Course
Applying to attend an Assessment
Assessment
Recommended Equipment List
Guidelines
Level 5 Sea Proficiency
Syllabus
1.00 General aims of the Level 5 Sea Kayaking Proficiency Award
The purpose of the
Level 5 Sea Proficiency course and assessment is to encourage, train and qualify
sea kayakers wishing to lead others on advanced sea journeys.
The course also aims to provide the candidates with the necessary skills and
knowledge to help develop sea kayaking and help promote awareness of safety
procedures with the groups they lead.
2.00 Course Outline
The course for the Level 5 Sea Proficiency may be held on one or two weekends.
Training on a Level 5 Sea Proficiency Training course prior to assessment
is necessary.
3.00 Previous Experience
3.01 On presenting themselves for assessment the candidate must show
in their log book, evidence of having completed six quality canoeing trips
(see notes on qualifying trips) in a variety of locations with no more than
two on the East coast of Ireland. In addition, one other trip with at least
one hour in darkness must be shown, this can take place in any section of
the coast.
3.02 In addition to 3.01 have recorded in a Level 5 Sea Proficiency
Logbook following the completion of Level 5 Sea Proficiency Training Programme
at least 6 sea trips of a minimum of 20 hours duration on the water under
the supervision of a Level 4 Sea Kayak Instructor.
3.03 The candidate must have an advanced first aid certificate such
as the REC 3 or an equivalent.
It is expected that the candidate make safety a priority in the planning of
the sea trips and that the candidate seeks to increase their experience by
a measured approach. Proper attention to preparation and safety should be
in evidence in the candidate's log.
Given that the advanced paddler will, in the course of their sea kayaking,
be paddling and leading others with sea kayaks it is essential that the assessment
be undertaken in a sea kayak.
Notes on qualifying trips
On the logged or additional trips, evidence of having been exposed to the
following should be shown:
Open crossing of at least 7 miles, 3 miles of which should be one mile from
the coast
Navigation in poor visibility
Wind of at least Force 4
Tidal Streams of at least 2 knots
Exposure to no landing zones
Overfalls and clapotis
One of the trips should include an overnight reached by carrying all the
equipment in the canoes, this camp should preferably be an island.
4.00 Format for the Level 5 Sea Proficiency
Award
4.01 The candidate will pack the kayak with suitable equipment for
an overnight camp in preparation for a two-day journey. The assessment will
be carried out with kayaks thus loaded and may include an overnight camp.
The candidate must be prepared for the paddling to continue into darkness,
and must be able to navigate their kayak in hours of darkness.
4.02 Flares must be easily accessible and the candidate must be conversant
with the procedures for firing them.
4.03 The candidate must demonstrate an ability to keep a compass course
on open water and make good a course across a tide stream using transits.
He/she must demonstrate an ability to take bearings on known features.
4.04 Candidates must demonstrate an ability to plan from a chart an
alternative route to a safe landing whilst afloat on a journey, in the event
of a change in weather or emergency, taking into consideration the tide stream.
4.05 The candidate must demonstrate an ability to effect successful
landings and launchings in a variety of situations. The ability to handle
their kayak competently in 1-2 metres of surf including the full range of
turning manoeuvres and rolling must be demonstrated in either breaking waves,
tide races or overfalls.
The following skills must be demonstrated in an area of choppy water
as these are the conditions in which they are most likely to be needed:
4.06 Capsize and exit from a kayak followed by a successful solo re
entry and retreat to calmer water to bail out. Rafted assistance may be given
to empty out the kayak.
4.07 Demonstrate an Eskimo Roll after capsizing to the left and to
the right.
4.08 Tow a capsized casualty and kayak from an area of disturbed water
into a calmer area for a rescue.
4.09 Show sufficient leadership skills under a variety of situations.
Whilst afloat a candidate must demonstrate their ability to cope
with problems of the following kind:
4.10 Repairing a holed kayak
4.11 Towing an incapacitated person. (Dislocated shoulder)
4.12 Safely landing an injured paddler
4.13 Demonstrate an approved method of resuscitation
4.14 Produce spare paddles
4.15 Produce whistle, emergency food, and bivvy bag or preferably group
shelter
4.17 They must be prepared to deal with likely emergency situations
or incidents.
4.18 Produce flares that are easily accessible.
5.00 Theory
Answer questions on the following:
5.01 Repairs and maintenance of sea kayaks
5.02 General knowledge of sea kayaking, its history, kayak design and
equipment.
5.03 Sea conditions and the effects of wind, particularly on: Shelving
Bottoms, Lee Shore, Rips, Overfalls, Tide Races. In addition the causes of
tides and tidal streams, how to allow for them, and the cause and effect of
clapotis.
5.04 Weather forecasting from observation of cloud formation e.g. recognising
approaching fronts and line squalls, and the means of obtaining and understanding
weather forecasts.
5.05 Group Leadership and Control.
5.06 Estuary Canoeing to include buoyage, understanding of chart symbols,
light and sound signals, particular dangers such as moorings, moorings in
tide ways, and movement of shipping.
5.07 The Irish coastline and marine environment.
6.00 Chartwork
6.01 Plan an advanced sea journey using an unfamiliar chart, pilot
tide stream atlas, and tide tables.
6.02 A weather forecast will be given which may take the form of a
shipping forecast.
6.03 The prepared journey should be summarised to a form whereby it
may be simply explained to a group as instructions for a day's paddle. Instructions
should include the following information:
Estimated paddling speed, compass bearings, and times estimated allowances
made for wind.
Tidal considerations.
Places of interest (scenic or seascape).
Transits for gauging progress.
Departure and estimated time of arrival.
Sound and light signals in the area.
Information for shore contact.
7.00 Presentation
7.01
As part of the assessment candidates will be given a presentation topic at
least one week in advance, and will have to prepare a 10 minute lecture on
this topic and answer any relevant questions those present.
Level 5 Sea Proficiency Award Guidelines
It is necessary to hold the Level 4 Sea Proficiency Certificate before applying
for assessment.
All trips must be logged and sent to the Training Officer at least three
weeks prior to the assessment.
First Aid Certificates must also be sent to the Training Officer at least
three weeks prior to the assessment.
The assessment should take place in a location where sea conditions are
likely to be moderate i.e. choppy. All personal skills must be assessed under
these conditions. If the conditions do not present themselves on the day reference
may be made to logged experience. If possible an area with some tidal interest
should be chosen.
New site
New websitenn<td><
|