Education > Australian Canoeing Award Scheme > Award Scheme > Award Definitions > Sea

Sea Leader (Club award)

The holder of this award has been assessed and is qualified to lead groups of sea skills paddlers in sea kayaks at sea defined as outside of estuaries, embayments or other sheltering reefs or islands in moderate conditions:

Conditions below Fresh (17 knots) as defined by the Beaufort Scale and used by the Bureau of meteorology
Assessed in minimum winds of 11-16 knots
Areas of exposed coastline that is simple, not involving overfalls, tidal races, difficult landings or open crossings may be included
- Distances of up to 4 nautical miles from the nearest shore
- Breaking (overtopping) waves (sea) up to 1m
- Surf to 1 m.

Skill component

Demonstrate the ability to manage a group of Sea Skills paddlers on a sea trip of greater than three hours:

Manage the launch and landing in surf to 1 metre of a group of Sea Skills paddlers
Manage a group of Sea Skills paddlers in fresh conditions at sea
Manage multiple rescues in fresh conditions at sea
Manage tows in fresh conditions in fresh conditions at sea
Demonstrate re-enter and roll in fresh conditions at sea.

Knowledge component

Demonstrate knowledge of

Australian Canoeing

AC’s role, membership structure, your rights and responsibilities
Safety Guidelines, Minimal impact Guidelines, Risk Management Policy, Incident reporting requirements

Hazard identification and risk management program for a sea trip (incl expeditions)
Interpret weather for a sea trip
Licensing, permits and other legal and behavioral laws and requirements
Operate communications systems and equipment.

Experience component

Produce a verified log showing over the previous two years at least: Three trips of at least three hours in a coastal environment as group assistant leader One self contained overnight trip in a sea environment of at least 25 km distance.