Watersports & Tourism Industry Training and Certification

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Duration:

Tuition: Minimum of 16 Hours / 2.5 Days

Assessment: Minimum of 4 hours / 0.5 days

Course Type: 

Practical and Theory (Approx. 90% Practical)

Qualification to be obtained:

CMSA Paddlesport Guide - Basic

Validity:

Valid for 3 years

Who is it for?

This entry level course is ideal for those guiding short tours with paddle craft, in sheltered waters, and seeking approval from their Maritime Administration for authority to operate.

What is Sheltered Water?

- Areas of open water (e.g., small enclosed bays, enclosed harbours, defined beaches with easy landing points throughout) where paddlers are no more than 200 metres offshore;

- Offshore Wind strength should not exceed Beaufort Force 3;

- Onshore Wind strength should not exceed Beaufort Force 4; and

- The environment may be subject to slow-moving tidal flow (less than 0.5 knots) but will not include tide races, overfalls, or surf zones greater than 0.5 metres (trough to crest height).

Course Philosophy:

This course and it’s supporting framework is built upon a philosophy that distinguishes the role of a "Guide" from that of a pure "Instructor." While instructional ability is a core component, the qualification prioritises a holistic approach to competence, recognising that a guide's primary responsibility is the facilitation of a complete experience, from ensuring safety and managing group dynamics to fostering an appreciation for the marine environment.

The core philosophy of this scheme posits that the CMSA Paddlesports Guide (Basic) is a professional facilitator of safe, enjoyable, and environmentally conscious coastal experiences. This qualification moves beyond a simple checklist of technical skills to cultivate and assess a candidate's judgement, leadership acumen, and pedagogical ability within a dynamic setting. The emphasis is on proactive leadership—anticipating challenges and managing risk—rather than reactively responding to incidents. This approach ensures that clients are not only kept safe but are also provided with a memorable and enriching adventure.

What is Sheltered Water?

- Areas of open water (e.g., small enclosed bays, enclosed harbours, defined beaches with easy landing points throughout) where paddlers are no more than 200 metres offshore;

- Offshore Wind strength should not exceed Beaufort Force 3;

- Onshore Wind strength should not exceed Beaufort Force 4; and

- The environment may be subject to slow-moving tidal flow (less than 0.5 knots) but will not include tide races, overfalls, or surf zones greater than 0.5 metres (trough to crest height).

What is covered?

The training and assessment for the Paddlesports Guide (Basic) qualification are structured around four pillars of competence:

Safety Leadership: The guide must be a proactive manager of safety. This involves conducting continuous risk assessments, understanding and implementing effective safety frameworks, and positioning themselves within the group to pre-empt and manage potential hazards. Sound judgement is the cornerstone of this competency.

Instructional Ability: The guide must be able to deliver engaging and effective taster sessions and skill-building activities. This includes the ability to build rapport, communicate clearly, and use a variety of teaching methods, such as games and mini-journeys, to inspire confidence and facilitate learning in beginners.

Group & Experience Management: The guide is responsible for the overall quality of the client's experience. This requires creating a positive and inclusive group dynamic, managing diverse personalities and ability levels, and ensuring the session is delivered in an enjoyable, safe, and rewarding manner.

Environmental Stewardship: The guide serves as a custodian of the coastal environment. This involves modelling and educating clients on minimal impact practices, such as "Leave No Trace," and demonstrating a tangible respect for marine ecosystems and wildlife.

Available Endorsements:

- Sit-on-top kayak;

- Kayak;

- Canoe; and

- Stand-up-paddle board

Candidates may seek endorsement for all, providing they posses the personal paddling ability, rescue ability and guiding ability.

Course Pre-requisites: 

- Attending course only: 16 Years Old ; OR

- Upon successful completion of the course, to guide: 18 Years Old; 

- CMSA Marine/Aquatic First Aid - Basic, STCW Elementary First Aid (other aquatic first aid courses considered on request);

- Must be competent and posses good paddling skill on the craft for which they seek to be endorsed; and

- Completed the Paddlesport Guide - Basic: Pre Course Study.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Available on request

Course Syllabus:

Available on request

Assessment Type: 

Assessment on final day - candidates are required to safely and effectively guide a short tour, with users on a craft/crafts of which they wish to be endorsed for.

Revalidation (every 3 years):

- Submit evidence of having completed 30 Days of Guiding;

- Valid Marine / Aquatic First Aid Certificate; and 

- Pass a 1/2 Day Practical Assessment - the same as that done on Day 3 of the course.

Direct Entry Assessment Available: 

Yes - If the candidate holds an in-date Paddlesports Instructor or Guide from an approved National Governing Body (NGB). 

Cost:

450.00 USD per candidate, public course + 50.00 USD Certification Fee.

2,700.00 USD, private course +50.00 USD Certification Fee.

Revalidation Assessments charged at 100.00 USD per candidate + 50.00 USD Certification Fee.

Discount available on group bookings of 5 or more persons, contact for more information.

Terms and Conditions apply to all courses.

Duration:

8 Hours / 1 Day

Course Type: 

Practical and Theory (Approx. 75% Practical)

Who is it for?

Anyone operating in a marine and aquatic environment, for work or leisure, and seeking to improve their knowledge and ability in the event of an emergency.

Course Description: 

Gain the confidence and skills to respond effectively to emergencies in and around the water. This intensive, one-day course is specifically designed for watersports enthusiasts, guides, instructors, beachgoers, boaters, and anyone who spends time near the coast, lakes, or rivers. The training focuses on the critical actions required in an aquatic environment, with a strong emphasis on Basic Life Support (BLS) and the specific international protocols for managing a drowning casualty. You will also learn through practical, hands-on scenarios how to recognise and treat the most common injuries and ailments encountered in a beach and watersports setting, from jellyfish stings and weaver fish injuries to hypothermia and sunstroke. Leave with the knowledge and ability to provide immediate, life-saving care until professional help arrives. 

No prior first aid experience is necessary.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1.Assess an Incident: 

- Safely assess an incident scene and conduct a primary survey of a casualty according to current Resuscitation Council guidelines.

2.Demonstrate Basic Life Support (BLS):

- Effectively manage an unconscious casualty, including placing them in the recovery position.

- Demonstrate high-quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for an adult.

- Demonstrate the safe and prompt use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

3.Apply the Drowning Protocol:

- Explain the key physiological stages of the drowning process.

- Apply the specific treatment protocol for a non-fatal drowning victim and a casualty in cardiac arrest due to drowning, prioritising rescue breaths.

4.Manage Water-Related Conditions:

- Understand the Cold Water Shock and it's effects

- Recognise and provide initial treatment for sunstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration.

- Recognise and provide initial treatment for hypothermia

5.Treat common beach and watersports injuries:

- Effectively manage a choking casualty.

- Control severe bleeding and 

- Manage traumatic injuries such as fractures and sprains; and

- Provide first aid for common marine life injuries, including stings from jellyfish and puncture wounds from weaver fish.

6. Effect a basic rescue from the water:

- Understand and apply the principles of "shout, throw, reach, go"

- Can combine the learning of the above learning points to manage a casualty recovered from the water and requiring treatment

Course Learning Outcomes:

Available on request

Course Syllabus:

Available on request

Assessment Type: 

Continuous Assessment.

Cost:

250.00 USD per candidate, public course.

1500.00 USD, private course.

Discount available on group bookings of 5 or more persons, contact for more information.

Terms and Conditions apply to all courses.