NZRA Grade 4/5 Raft Guide Endorsement
Assesses the competency of a raft guide at the Grade 4/5 level.
Enrolment fee
$750.00
Assessment units
11
Assessment Units
You will be assessed on the following competency areas.
1. River & Industry Knowledge
Verbal assessment at Grade 4/5 standard.
Water catchment & weather for trip section
How is flow info accessed, and what are min/max cut-offs?
River section info (entry, exit, hazards, consents)
Emergency exits and first aid protocols
Comms equipment and blind spots
Process of logging intentions
Role of WorkSafe/auditing, accident/incident reporting
NZRA's role and scope of this Guide Award
Role of an Auditor
2. Trip Prep & Equipment Management
Pre-trip preparation at Grade 4/5 standard.
Participate in pre-trip guide meeting (health forms, weather/flow check, SMS limits)
Gear selection (Rescue Equipment, Guide Equipment, Client Equipment)
Trailer Loading (Safely Loaded, Secured)
3. Trip Briefing & Client Screening
Client briefing and screening at Grade 4/5 standard.
Clear client/guide introductions
Outline Trip
Set Expectations
Checks Clients needs/abilities
Client gear adjustment - checking for correct fit and continuously assessed throughout river tour
Risk/Hazard disclosure
4. Safety Briefing
Safety brief at Grade 4/5 standard.
Foot Entrapments
Swim Positioning (positive/defensive)
Throw bagging
Flip Potential and actions
River signals
Swimmer Recovery (T-Grip Rescue, lapel rescue)
Specific River Hazards
5. Client Training
Client training at Grade 4/5 standard.
Client Positioning
Rafting Skills (holding paddle, commands, strokes, weight shift)
Practices, checks for understanding, and gives feedback
6. Guiding Skills
On-water guiding at Grade 4/5 standard.
Guide paddle strokes
Ferry glides (forward/backwards)
Catching eddies and emergency stops
Rapid lines
Raft control (with and without crews)
Crew commands (High-sides & Low-sides, clarity and timing of calls)
Client Safety (Timing of Hold On's Get Downs)
Wrap avoidance / dislodging stuck raft
Technical manoeuvring
Maintain spacing/order
Communicate with other guides (Whistles, Signals, Talking)
Placement of raft for rescue
7. Hazard Management
Hazard management at Grade 4/5 standard including scouting and cover strategies.
Identify river hazards & risk
Explain line choice
Scout rapids
Plan boat order/spacing
Manage Cover Strategies - rolling cover, truck & trailer, land-based and boat orders
Portage if needed - Safely managing customers, guides and equipment through a portage scenario with clear communication
8. Professionalism
Professional conduct at Grade 4/5 standard.
Demonstrated courteous/professional conduct
Cultural and social awareness
Environmental care
River etiquette
Effective group communication: clear timing, group position, language, concise info
Demonstration and checking understanding
9. Post Trip
Post-trip procedures at Grade 4/5 standard.
Rounding trip off with clients
Equipment check/storage
Lost/damaged gear report
Explain/demo raft maintenance/repair
Join debrief
Report incidents/hazards as per SOPs
Reflect on feedback
10. Raft Flip Management
Client Safety during flip
Communication with clients and the guide crew
Re-right of raft
Clean up of raft flip
Assisting with other flipped raft
16. Emergency Management
Emergency management at Grade 4/5 standard.
Emergency management competency - explain and/or demonstrate management of an emergency scenario