Ocean Paddling Certification Programme

To develop the range of basic strokes and manoeuvres for novices.

Enables one to paddle coastal waters with a buddy with necessary safety equipment

Steersperson: Qualified Steersperson

Exhibits fundamental command & control and of an outrigger canoe

Prerequisite: Complete ocean paddling competency online theory quiz & SCF 1 Star certified of any discipline

Demonstrates the ability to:

- Swim 200m & tread water for 5min in open waters with or without PFD

- Execute forward, backward, hold, draw and brace strokes

- Able to paddle competently for more than 6km

- Conduct and recover from capsize under 15sec

- Rig / derig craft (incl ruddr if applicable) without assistance

- Conduct equipment safety check

Prerequisite: Complete ocean paddling competency online theory quiz & SCF 1 Star certified of any discipline

Demonstrates the ability to:

- Swim 200m & tread water for 5min in open waters with or without PFD

- Conduct, lead and recover from capsize under 4min

- Conduct equipment safety check

- Assisting a paddler (not injuried, but need assistance to re-enter canoe) to re-enter the canoe in deep water

- Steer a figure 8 course between 2 buoys (demonstrate poke, pry, and post, and steer in a smooth course, i.e. hold a steady course, smooth turns around the buoy).

* Activity recommended to be recorded and stored on Strava for ease of audit

To introduce more advanced of manoeuvres and full range of dynamic skills to intermediate paddlers. This award confirms candidate as a competent paddler with a comprehensive repertoire of basic strokes and a general risk awareness of the sport and the opportunities it offers.

Enables one to paddle offshore (crossing fairways & channels) with a buddy or alone if necessary with the necessary safety equipment

Steersperson: Session Leader

- Manage a session by exhibiting sound leadership and risk awareness to lead a small fleet of less than six 6-person outrigger canoes helmed by Qualified Steersperson

Prerequisite: 2 Star SCF Ocean Paddling Single Person Craft certified

Demonstrates the ability to:

- Swim 200m & tread water for 5min in open waters without PFD

- Able to paddle competently for more than 12km

- Highly recommended to have successfully completed the PPDCL theory test. This is because the Paddler will be crossing channels and fairways in the presence of powered vessels who are all observing the same maritime rules

Prerequisite: 2 Star SCF Ocean Steersperson certified

Demonstrates the ability to:

- Swim 200m & tread water for 5min in open waters without PFD

- Steer a figure 8 course between 2 buoys of approximately 12m (the length of a 6 man canoe) apart (to demonstrate instructing crew to carry out actions to assist the canoe make as small a turning radius as possible)

- The rationale for 12m is because the FSB opening at Palawan or other Jetty infrastructure are approximately the same distance or smaller

- Demonstrate setting up an emergency rig on the outrigger and on the spreader while canoe is afloat

- Demonstrate setting up a tow for another OC6 and towing the OC6

- Highly recommended to have successfully completed the PPDCL theory test. This is because the Steersperson will be responsible for other people's lives, crossing channels and fairways in the presence of powered vessels who are all observing the same maritime rules

- Highly recommended to have successfully completed the CPR and AED usage course

* Activity recommended to be recorded and stored on Strava for ease of audit

It confirms the candidate's competence to journey on technically demanding water requiring judgment and refinement of basic strokes, skills and awareness. As well as their competency on route planning and risk assessment

Enables one to plan and navigate paddling offshore (crossing fairways & channels) in technical conditions with a buddy or alone if necessary with the required safety equipment

Steersperson: Advanced Session Leader

- Exhibit sound leadership and risk awareness to manage and organize a small fleet of less than 12 crafts, consisting of various types of crafts [Surfskis, 1 to 6 men outrigger canoes, Stand Up Paddleboards, Prone paddleboards etc]

Prerequisite: 3 Star SCF Ocean Paddling Single Person Craft certified

Demonstrates the ability to:

- Swim 500m & tread water for 5min in open waters without PFD

- Able to paddle competently for more than 18km

- Capsize and remount under 5 seconds in technical conditions which is defined as waves at least 30cm in height and wind speeds of more than 15 km/h. This is an essential skill should the Paddler capsizes in the channels or fairways or close to rocks or FSBs.

- Highly recommended to have successfully completed the PPDCL theory test. This is because the Paddler will be crossing channels and fairways in the presence of powered vessels who are all observing the same maritime rules

Prerequisite: 3 Star SCF Ocean Steersperson certified

Demonstrates the ability to:

- Swim 500m & tread water for 5min in open waters without PFD

- Organize and complete a capsize drill under 2 minutes in technical conditions which is defined as waves at least 30cm in height and wind speeds of more than 15 km/h. This is an essential skill should the Paddler capsizes in the channels or fairways or close to rocks or FSBs.

- Paddle a 3.5km loop in a V1 under 35min [6km/h] for male and 45min [4.67km/h] for female

- Highly recommended to have successfully completed the PPDCL theory test. This is because the Paddler will be crossing channels and fairways in the presence of powered vessels who are all observing the same maritime rules

- Highly recommended to have successfully completed the CPR and AED usage course

It confirms the candidate’s competence at an advanced level to journey on the most demanding conditions, requiring the highest levels of judgement and technical skills.

Steersperson: Expert Session Leader

- Exhibit sound leadership and risk awareness to manage and organize a large fleet of any size consisting of various types of crafts [Surfskis, 1 to 6 men outrigger canoes, Stand Up Paddleboards, Prone paddleboards etc]

Prerequisite: 4 Star SCF Ocean Paddling Single Person Craft certificate and paddled in at least 3 different countries overseeas in open water environments

Demonstrates the ability to:

- Paddle competently in highly technical conditions, defined as waves at least 1m in height and wind speeds of more than 15 km/h

- Highly recommended to have successfully completed the PPDCL theory test. This is because the Paddler will be crossing channels and fairways in the presence of powered vessels who are all observing the same maritime rules

Prerequisite: 4 Star SCF Ocean Steersperson certified, and steered in at least 3 different countries overseeas in open water environments

*A valid PPCDL is highly recommended

*Standard First Aid certified is highly recommended