STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

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

 II.     Understand the effects river currents, eddies, and irregular waves have on the maneuverability of a vessel.

 III.    Identify river hazards.

 IV.     Explain how river rapids are formed and identify the intensity of rapids using the standard I-VI river classification system.

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

 VI.     Understand and demonstrate basic river rescue and emergency procedures.

 VII.    Recall and employ minimal impact techniques for river corridors.

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

 IX.     Operate a commercial type whitewater craft on an appropriate section of river normally used for commercial whitewater rafting.

 X       Repeat from memory an appropriate river safety orientation for passengers engaging in whitewater sports.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Equipment

         A.      Introduction to the uses, designs construction and repair of: rafts, paddles, 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

         C.      Safety and efficiency considerations

         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.      Types of rapids

         D.      International Rapid Rating Scale

 IV.     River Reading Responsibilities for River Guides

         A.      Customer Safety

         B.      Scouting techniques

         C.      Selecting a course

         D.      Private and public property considerations

 V.      Maneuvering the Raft in Whitewater

         A.      Strokes for customers

         B.      Strokes for guides

         C.      Experiencing total boat control

         D.      Using currents and features

         E.      Ferrying, eddy turns, peelouts, right and left turns

 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 Outfitter equipment

         D.      Passenger riding and positioning in the boat

         E.      Passenger ¿what to do¿ 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.    Safety Talk to Customers

         A.      River commands

         B.      Power vs weight and balance

         C.      Getting the most from your crew

 VIII.   On-river Organization of the Trip

         A.      Paddle signals

         B.      Spacing of the rafts

         C.      Responsibilities of the lead and sweep boats

         D.      River etiquette (among the outfitters)

         E.      Guide and passenger behaviors at the put-in, on the river, at the take-out

 IX.     Trip Leader Responsibilities

         A.      State requirements

         B.      Timing issues

         C.      Evacuation protocols

 X       Emergency Procedures/River Rescue

         A.      Rescue philosophy

         B.      Decision making

         C.      Incident command and scene organization

         D.      Proper use of rescue 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 considerations