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FIVE
STAR SEA TEST
CLOSED COCKPIT KAYAK
AIM
The purpose of this test is to ensure that the successful candidate
has sufficient knowledge and skill to lead others of adequate ability
on sea journeys, up to and including advanced level, with safety, in British
conditions. When used with the relevant coaching award it shows that the
candidate has sufficient expertise to coach and lead groups in more demanding
situations.
This award is intended for paddlers who journey on
the sea in areas where tidal races, headlands, open crossings, swell and
challenging coastlines may be encountered. The award should be accessible
to all those people who journey on the sea on a regular basis and should
not be seen as the preserve of a few
elite performers. It is envisaged that the average club member canoeing
regularly, should be able to obtain this award within three years of starting
to paddle regularly on the sea.
PRE-REQUISITES
Due to the nature of this test and its remit for leadership it
is necessary that candidates should show three days logged experience
of formal training in leadership, safety and rescue, prior to assessment.
Such experience may be gained on advertised courses, or from endorsement
by a level 5 coach.
The candidate will have documented a minimum of six journeys on the open
sea. These will have involved a variety of different conditions including:
A journey of a minimum distance of 20 nautical miles. (see journeying)
An open crossing of at least 5 nautical miles.
Navigation in poor visibility and darkness.
Winds reaching at least force 4.
Exposure to no landing zones.
Tide races and overfalls.
Camping from a kayak.
Tidal streams of at least 3 knots.
Paddling in swell and waves.
The candidate must already hold the BCU 4 Star test (or be recommended
for exemption by a current level 5 Sea Coach).
The candidate must hold an appropriate, and current, first aid award (
e.g.BCU Lifeguards Aquatic First Aid - 8 hour course). Any of the nationally
recognised standard first aid certificates, or any H&SE approved,
are acceptable provided they involve a minimum of 8 hours training and
include CPR and EAV.
ASSESSOR
An A5 Sea Assessors as per student ratio supported by an A4 Sea
assessor
SYLLABUS
Theory
Navigation; Weather; Equipment; Environment; History; First Aid
Practical
Show an efficient and effective forward paddling technique.
Demonstrate an ability to manoeuvre and control a kayak in a variety of
different situations.
Launch and land in a variety of situations.
Perform a range of rescues.
Roll in rough water
Be conversant with different methods of towing.
Show the ability to navigate on the water.
Exercise group control and show concern for the general welfare of other
group members.
Demonstrate the capability to handle a range of incidents.
Journeying
Have experience of a minimum of six journeys on the open sea. These will
have involved a variety of different conditions.
Two of the journeys must have taken place in a different sea area.
At least one journey must have involved an overnight camp or bivvy.
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Theory
As well as oral questions over the course of the assessment it
is envisaged that there will be two written examinations. The first will
take the form of a written paper which is sent out in advance and for
which the candidate will be able to utilise all the resources which are
at their disposal to answer the questions. The second will be a navigation
exercise, which will usually be undertaken on the first evening of the
assessment course. The candidate should have produced sufficient work
for the assessors to make a judgement as to their competence within two
hours.
Navigation
Plan a two day journey in an unfamiliar area which includes an
open crossing.
Weather
Know where to obtain relevant shipping and weather forecasts.
Understand the probable sequence of
weather which occurs during the passage of a depression.
Have an understanding of the following:
The formation of fog, onshore and offshore winds, the effect of relief,
line squalls.
The relationship between the pattern of isobars on a synoptic chart and
the probable resultant wind speed and direction.
Be able to relate physical signs to the actual forecast.
Equipment
Show an understanding of the variety of equipment which is available
including radio and navigation aids.
Environment
Candidates should be aware of the environmental factors that
affect the sea. These will include the effect of wind, tidal movement,
swell and physical factors. The candidate should also show a basic knowledge
of the wildlife which is likely to be encountered on the sea and be aware
of times and areas when special consideration should be given. The candidate
should show a personal responsibility for the environment.
History
Show a knowledge of past and present developments in the sport
of sea kayaking.
Coastguard
Have a knowledge of the role and responsibilities of the Coastguard
Service.
PRACTICAL
The assessment course will normally be run over a weekend or
similar time span. The first evening will be
spent on the navigation exercise and course administration, followed by
two days and a night undertaking a journey of the appropriate level. It
is anticipated that an overnight bivvy or camp will be involved.
Forward Paddling
The candidate should be able to demonstrate efficient and effective
forward paddling technique in different wind and sea conditions. This
should include a following sea and a beam wind.
Manoeuvre and Control
The candidate should show manoeuvring skills in relation to static
and moving objects and demonstrate good control in moving and broken water.
Where a rudder or skeg is fitted the candidate should demonstrate reasonable
control in the event of a failure.
Launching and Landing
The candidate should show the ability to launch and land themselves
and the members of their group in a variety of conditions. This may involve
beaches, rocky inlets, headlands and surf. They should also show the ability
to land an injured paddler.
Rescues
The candidate should have a good repertoire of rescues and be
able to adapt them to a range of conditions. It is expected that they
should be able to rescue a loaded sea kayak without assistance apart from
the casualty. In addition, the candidate should have a knowledge of a
variety of self rescues and be able to demonstrate one. This part of the
test should not take place in calm conditions but it is not necessary
to perform it in a tide race.
Rolling
Perform a roll in rough water.
Towing
The candidate should have a towing system and be aware of the
need for flexibility and be able to drop and pick up the tow with ease.
They should demonstrate single and multiple tows.
Navigation
The candidate must demonstrate the ability to keep a compass
course on open water and make good a course using transits. They should
be able to fix their position using a combination of bearings and transits.
The candidates should be able to navigate in poor visibility or the hours
of darkness. They should be able to plan alternative routes whilst afloat
which take into account wind and tidal conditions.
They should also be able to identify features from the chart and recognise
navigation marks.
Group Control
The candidate should exercise appropriate group control whilst
on the water. They should also be concerned for the comfort and welfare
of the party throughout the whole journey. The importance of effective
group control cannot be over-emphasised.
Incidents
The candidate should carry and have easily accessible suitable
means for summoning help in an emergency. They should have a first aid
kit and be familiar with the use of its contents. A repair kit should
also be carried. It should be possible to effect a repair on a kayak whilst
afloat as well as being able to deal with more substantial problems to
the equipment whilst ashore. The candidate should be equipped and prepared
to deal with any incidents which could occur during the course of the
journey.
Equipment
It is expected that by the time the candidate is ready for assessment
they will be aware of what equipment is required for undertaking a multi-day
journey. It is reasonable for people to make personal choices as regards
equipment but they should be prepared to justify those decisions. It is
not essential for candidates to present themselves for assessment in a
specialised sea kayak, but due to the fact that they may have to paddle
with people in those type of craft they should have some experience of
paddling a variety of sea kayaks including singles and doubles.
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