NEWS

Check-in frequently for the latest SKGABC news and events.

SKGABC News

• 2008 Spring Exchange - Victoria, BC
  The spring exchange will be held April 18-20th, 2008 in Victoria, BC.  The exchange will be hosted by Ocean River Sports. More info
  
  
• Class 4 Waters Endorsement
  The SKGABC has recently created a new endorsement that allows guides to work in class 4 waters. More info
  
  
• Sea Kayaking BC Study
  The SKGABC and Tourism BC teamed up with Malaspina to create an extensive study on the sea kayaking sector in BC. Please log into the members section to access the full report.
  
  
• 2008 Exam Dates
  Spring 2008 Level 2 and 3 exam dates are now posted. Please click here for dates and locations
  
  
• Risk Management Session.   At the Spring 2007
  Egmont exchange, David Lecovin presented a session on current issues in Risk Management and legal liability. Click here to download the notes from David's session. At the Spring 2008 exchange in Victoria, David Lecovin will present a follow-up session on Legal Liability and Risk Management.
  
  
• SKGABC Executive Elections 2007 and AGM - more info here
  
  
• The Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC is now able to take credit card and debit payments for membership and exams through Paypal.  Once you fill out the form here you will be directed to the secure Paypal website where you can make payments to SKGABC.
  
  
• Uclulet Provincial Court finds a non-SKGABC sea kayaking company guilty of operating without a permit in the Broken Group Islands
  Click here for more details.
  
  
• SKGABC Certified Guides Page now on the website
  A listing of guides who have asked to have their name, certification level and date of certification is now on the SKGABC website. You can view the pages here. If you have been certified by the SKGABC and would like to have your name and certification level listed on the website please contact info@skgabc.com
  
  
• SKGABC Members Page
  The SKGABC has a new members only section on our website. Access to this page is restricted to members of the SKGABC. All members in good standing of the SKGABC will receive login information via email March 3, 2006
  
  
• Changes to the SKGABC Guide Certification Levels
  The SKGABC has made several changes to our certification levels. Level One Guide certification replaces Day Guide. Assistant Overnight Guide certification replaces Assistant Guide Certification. Level Two Guide certification is a new level. Level Three Guide certification replaces Full Guide certification. More Information.
  
  
• Cetus Research & Conservation Society
  Cetus Research & Conservation Society has new contact information for their marine education and monitoring programs - Straitwatch and the Robson Bight Marine Warden Program. Please update your address book with the this information
  
  
• Are you an Employee or Independent Contractor?
  A recent presentation to the SKGABC by the Rulings Division of the Federal Government's Canada Revenue Agency indicated that in almost all circumstances, guides are employees. Get a ruling and get paid correctly - More information
  
  
• If you hire people to work for your guiding company – whether they work full-time, part-time or on a casual or contract basis – you’re required to register with the Workers’ Compensation Board. More information ...
  
  
• The SKGABC Logo Usage Guidelines are now available. More information...

If you have a question about the SKGABC, please contact us!

Be Whale Wise
Marine Wildlife Guidelines for Boaters, Paddlers and Viewers (Revised 2006)

Guidelines:

1. BE CAUTIOUS and COURTEOUS:  approach areas of known or suspected marine wildlife activity with extreme caution. Look in all directions before planning your approach or departure.
2. SLOW DOWN: reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 400 metres/yards of the nearest whale.  Avoid abrupt course changes.
3. KEEP CLEAR of the whales’ path.  If whales are approaching you, cautiously move out of the way.
4. DO NOT APPROACH whales from the front or from behind. Always approach and depart whales from the side, moving in a direction parallel to the direction of the whales.
5. DO NOT APPROACH or position your vessel closer than 100 metres/yards to any whale.
6. If your vessel is not in compliance with the 100 metres/yards approach guideline (#5), place engine in neutral and allow whales to pass.
7. STAY on the OFFSHORE side of the whales when they are traveling close to shore.
8. LIMIT your viewing time to a recommended maximum of 30 minutes.  This will minimize the cumulative impact of many vessels and give consideration to other viewers.
9. DO NOT swim with, touch or feed marine wildlife.

Bow and stern-riding porpoises and dolphins:

1. DO NOT drive through groups of porpoises or dolphins to encourage bow or stern-riding.
2. Should dolphins or porpoises choose to ride the bow wave of your vessel, avoid sudden course changes.  Hold course and speed or reduce speed gradually.

Seals, sea lions and birds on land:

1. BE CAUTOUS AND QUIET when around haul-outs and bird colonies, especially during breeding, nesting and pupping seasons (generally May to September).
2. REDUCE SPEED, minimize wake, wash and noise, and then slowly pass without stopping.
3. AVOID approaching closer than 100metres/yards to any marine mammals or birds.
4. PAY ATTENTION and move away, slowly and cautiously, at the first sign of disturbance or agitation.
5. DO NOT disturb, move, feed or touch any marine wildlife, including seal pups.  If you are concerned about a potentially sick or stranded animal, contact your local stranding network where available.

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