STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Demonstrate the proper techniques for rigging and maneuvering a raft on a Class II/III river

 II.     Understand how river currents, eddies, and irregular waves effect maneuverability of a vessel

 III.    Identify river hazards

 IV.     Know and demonstrate the steps for scouting and running rapids

 V.      Understand and demonstrate basic river rescue and emergency procedures

 VI.     Identify and demonstrate the proper fitting, wearing, and use of personal flotation devices

 VII.    Operate a commercial-type whitewater craft rigged for fly fishing on an appropriate section of river normally used for commercial float fishing

 VIII.   Recite appropriate river safety orientation for passengers engaging in float fishing trips

 IX.     Demonstrate the ability to navigate the fly fishing craft to enhance the fly fishing experience

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Equipment

         A.      Introduction to the uses, design construction and repair of rafts, oars, personal flotation devices, helmets, throw ropes, repair kits, first aid kits

         B.      Outfitting the raft for whitewater

         C.      Proper clothing

         D.      Required group equipment for comfort and safety

 II.     Rigging the Raft

         A.      Raft rigging techniques for use in whitewater

         B.      Paddle boat vs. oar boat (basic differences)

         C.      Safety and efficiency regulations

         D.      Securing boats and equipment to vehicles and trailers

         E.      Proper knots and balancing the load

         F.      Loading and unloading the rafts from vehicles and trailers

         G.      De-rigging the load

 III.    Moving Water Features

         A.      Fundamentals of river currents

         B.      Volume, gradient, obstacles, waves, hazards

         C.      International Rapid Rating Scale

 IV.     River Reading Responsibilities for River Guides

         A.      Customer safety

         B.      Scouting techniques

         C.      Selecting a line for safety and maximum fishing opportunities

         D.      Private and public property

         E.      Setting up for casting opportunities

         F.      Locating best river fish locations.  High percentage fish location on rivers

 V.      Maneuvering the Raft in Whitewater

         A.      Strokes for guides in oar boats

         B.      Experiencing total boat control

         C.      Using currents and features

         D.      Ferrying, eddy turns, peel outs, right and left turns

         E.      When and where to anchor

 VI.     Orientation of the Guide to the Customer

         A.      Safety considerations of the guests in and out of the boat

         B.      Weather and river conditions vs. personal equipment and clothing

         C.      Proper use and fit of P.F.D.s

         D.      Passenger riding and positioning in the boat

         E.      Passenger emergency action plans in the event of an accident

         F.      Safety procedures for swimming a rapid and getting back into the boat

         G.      River corridor ethics

         H.      Sanitation, litter prevention, human waste disposal

 VII.    Trip Leader Responsibilities

         A.      State requirements

         B.      Logistics

         C.      Evacuation protocols

 VIII.   Introduction to Emergency Procedures/River Rescue

         A.      Rescue philosophy

         B.      Decision making

         C.      Incident emergency protocols

         D.      Proper use of rescue of equipment

         E.      Throw ropes, belaying, knots, mechanical advantages, boat tows

         F.      Contact rescues, swimming, wading

         G.      Line crossing

         H.      Entrapments

         I.      Low head dam rescue

         J.      Self-rescues

         K.      Hypothermia and first aid