Flatwater Guide - SOT

Qualification Definition
The holder of this qualification has demonstrated the skills and knowledge to guide groups of novices on day based activities on SOTs on Flatwater areas such as lakes, dams, slow moving rivers, etc. An area should not be classified as Flatwater if any of the following apply: Rapids of any grade Surf (of any size) entry or exit An entrance structure to an estuary or embayment Affected by swell Documented tidal rips (see chart) Documented tidal current greater than 1 knot (see chart) Where the tide (rise or fall) removes a landing area or makes it unsuitable Distances greater than 400 metres from shore Fetch greater than 1 nautical mile The assessment can be conducted on single or double SOTs. If using a double SOT the candidate should be tested in both the bow and stern positions.
Skills
Prepare appropriate craft and equipment	Throughout assessment participants use appropriate equipment for the environment. This equipment promotes personal safety and is prepared in a way to not impede on safety
Secure craft for transport, secure equipment to craft	Participants transport craft to and from venue, method is safe for craft and participant. (or able to demonstrate method they would use) Equipment placed on or in craft is secured in a manner that does not impede safety and is accessible when required
Launch and land craft	Participant launches and lands craft in a safe repeatable manner without assistance
Perform paddle strokes	Demonstrate individual strokes to manoeuvre the craft: Forward and reverse paddle Forward and reverse sweeps Draw strokes (feathered and sculling) Stern rudder Bow rudder Stopping Support using back of blade For each stroke the minimum performance requirements are: Correct hand placement on paddle Sufficient wrist movement to enable correct blade placement Adequate paddle depth in water to achieve effective stroke Correct paddle blade angle throughout stroke Correct paddle entry and exit points with respect to craft and body position
Form into and disperse from a raft	A raft is formed in a timely manner (no wasted time) and promotes safety to all involved
Perform self and assisted rescues	Self rescue: Swim craft 50m in paddling gear Capsize and re-mount Paddle float re-board Assisted rescue (rescues are performed as rescuee and rescuer): Flip and hold Rescues are performed in a timely manner (no time wasted) and promotes safety to all involved and is deemed to work in all conditions
Accept a tow	Calm is maintained. Craft kept in a straight line while towed. Craft kept stable and balanced
Perform a tow	Demonstrate: Single tow Contact tow Tows are performed using quick release system that floats if disconnected. Tows are performed to promote safety to all.
Complete an activity	Activity plan/brief is followed to meet time management requirements and activity goals. Plan is adjusted if and when required
Rope work	Demonstrate: Bowline Double Fisherman's knot Round turn and two half hitches Clove hitch Highwayman's hitch Truckies hitch
Individual Situational Awareness	Participant is able to monitor personal wellbeing as well as environmental elements that may effect all participants
Apply paddle strokes	Demonstrate combinations of the above strokes to manoeuvre the craft effectively and efficiently
Group Situational Awareness	Group and environment are monitored to ensure activity remains safe and enjoyable for all participants. Monitoring may include: Fatigue Separation Sickness Engagement Tide Weather Other environmental influences
Knowledge
Knowledge level: Good
Knowledge and maintenance of craft	Knowledge of the features of the craft. Must include but not limited to: Construction Materials Design Flotation Water line Handling characteristics Grab handles Foot support Deck lines Storage/carrying methods Equipment stowage
Select and advise on appropriate equipment and clothing	Clothing and equipment is selected with consideration of sun sense and other environmental influences Throughout assessment participants use appropriate equipment for the environment and are monitored and reminded of appropriate precautions. This equipment is prepared in a way to not impede on safety
Store, operate and maintain appropriate safety and communication equipment	Equipment to include but not limited to: Lifejacket (level 50) Sufficient food and water Spare paddle Mobile phone VHF radio Tow line Satellite comms device Sling/rescue ladder Pea-less whistle PLB Safety knife First Aid kit Paddle float Able to show or explain simple repair kit and the purpose of contents
Navigational aids	Knowledge of but not limited to: Latitude and Longitude/Grid reference Measuring distance Scale Position fixing; e.g. dead reckoning, 3 point fix Transits Aiming off Grid North versus Magnetic North Contour lines Navigational markers: Lateral, cardinal and special markers Port and Starboard Tides: High, Low, Spring, Neap, Tidal range, Rule of twelves, Secondary ports Tidal flow arrows Paddling speed Land features such as Spur, Ridge, Saddle, Gully, Knoll, and Plateau Able to complete a Navigation sheet
Interpret weather	Able to gain appropriate Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) weather forecasts (e.g. from MetEye) and warnings, and interpret how weather can influence and affect a paddling location. Knowledge of, but not limited to: Winds Beaufort Scale Funnelling Fetch Effects of wind on paddling; windward, leeward Tidal currents Precipitation Sources of extended marine weather forecasts Telling signs of bad weather approaching
Plan an activity	Plan is developed to meet the activity goals and is appropriate for group, location and time limitation. Plan allows for all capabilities within the group and contains contingency plans for equipment failure and emergency evacuation
Minimal environmental impact	Follows PA Minimal Impact Guidelines
Maintain a log book	Understands the purpose and contents of a log book Knowledge and use of PA's Paddle Log app
Prepare a Float Plan	Understands the purpose and contents of a Float Plan Knowledge and use of PA's Paddle Prep app
Selection of launching and landing sites	Understands the issues when selecting an appropriate launching and landing site to be safe for the group
PA's role, membership structure, your rights and responsibilities	Understands PA's membership, structure and rights and responsibilities as a registered PA leader
PA's relevant guidelines and policies	Has knowledge of the safe conduct of recreational paddling as described in PA's Safety Guidelines
Hazard identification and risk management	Able to identify risks and causal factors for a Flatwater activity and also able to identify management strategies to mitigate any risks. Risks may include: Separation Drowning Sunburn Hypothermia Hyperthermia
Licensing, permits, legal matters	Able to give examples of any Licensing, Permits and other legal and behavioural laws and requirements that may be required for an activity
Communication
Group participants: Novice paddlers
Establish and maintain an effective communication system within a group	Participant establishes a safe working system. Maintain group within communication distance. Communication is limited to Verbal, Whistle, Visual. Communicate in a positive manner within a paddling group to help establish and maintain an enjoyable, safe experience for all group members Deliver directions in a clear and concise manner
Conduct briefing	Brief must include but not limited to: Purpose and duration of activity Expected conditions Lifejacket fitting Appropriate clothing worn Correct posture Setting up the craft Launching and landing Strokes as required Limits Actions in the event of an emergency On water signals Capsize drill Warm up Group movement requirements Communication Foreseeable risks Participant experience Brief is clear and concise, attention of the group is gained. Recollection could be tested.
Conduct debriefing	A debrief is conducted to suit the activity and group. Constructive feedback is provided
Experience
On water activities to be carried out in a variety of locations and conditions
Minimum log book requirement	In the previous three years: Five Flatwater activities of a minimum of three hours duration Three Flatwater activities of at least three hours duration as an observer under training or as an assistant Guide Three Flatwater activities of at least three hours duration as lead Guide
Leadership
Group participants: Novice paddlers
Manage the launching and landing of a group	Launch and landing promotes safety to all involved
Manage a group	Group is managed in a safe manner to meet activity goal; assistance and direction given if and when needed. Route is managed to promote safety to group
Manage multiple capsizes and emergencies	Rescues are managed to promote safety to all in group
Manage tows	Roles of the group is determined Good communication maintained Tows are managed to promote safety to all
Assessment Tasks
The following tasks should be completed prior to final assessment. Links to these tasks are made available by clicking the View Resources button adjacent to your course enrolment on the Paddle Education site.
Project	Plan a paddling activity with a group of six novices in a location of your choice where your role is to plan the route and manage the group while on water. You are the Leader for all aspects of the activity but have an assistant with this qualification. The location must fit within the qualification definition above. Prepare: A hazard identification and risk management program for the activity A detailed navigation plan for the activity including main route, stops and contingencies An equipment list for the activity, taking into consideration sun sense and hypothermia precautions, and including equipment for group communication and rescue. A basic contingency plan in the event of environmental, human or equipment failure A list of permits and licenses for the activity A briefing in point form to be delivered prior to departure, to include route, group spacing, actions in the event of sickness, group split, capsize or other emergency. Look at the Bureau of Meteorology site and choose a forecast for the location that will have an impact on your activity. Analyze how the forecast conditions will affect your activity and outline any changes or precautions you might take
Quiz	Relevant knowledge quiz(zes) completed by participant and results viewed