The purpose of the Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking Trip Leader (Level 4: OWCKTL) training is to prepare individuals who intend to lead other paddlers, either recreationally or professionally, in open water and moderate conditions in coastal environments (oceans, bays, large lakes, wide rivers, etc.). The emphasis of the training is on leadership.
The Level 4: OWCKTL training exposes an individual to the technical, trip planning, group management and leadership skills required to lead other paddlers in Level 4: OWCKTL conditions. While this is not a teaching award, an Level 4: OWCKTL should also be able to provide basic tips to paddlers, as appropriate, to help them to paddle safely through the environment. This training course is intended to be followed by an assessment course.
Two days (16 hours) minimum
The selected venue should provide access to open water and at least three of the four conditions within the following ranges, with constant access to safe landing and within 2 nm from shore:
Conditions do not need to be simultaneously present and areas of escape from conditions must be available. The training venue shall provide a variety of leadership environments such as regions with boat traffic, surf zones, tidal races, and rocky headlands.
5 Participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 10 : 2.
For additional details, see SEIC Policy Manual Chapter 6.