QUALIFICATION POSSIBILITIES:

Depending on your existing skill base and how well you perform throughout the course you may be eligible for Paddle Australia qualifications, VET certifications OR both (if you want them).

How do I choose which qualifications are best for me?

• It is highly recommended that any professional paddling guide has a Paddle Australia qualification and membership. This means you are aligned with the National Peak Body, are required to log your experience to renew your qualification every 3 years, and are kept abreast of any updates in your field of expertise. 

• If you are wanting or working towards higher level qualifications (such as a Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership or Guiding), the sea kayaking VET units count towards your course, fulfilling those higher outcomes.

• Depending on where you are working as a sea kayak guide in Australia, some employers want you to have the Paddle Australia qualification and others prefer the VET units. Check with your employer as to which one they require. 

• Both the Paddle Australia and the VET units come with an additional financial cost (on top of the course fee). Here is the breakdown of those EXTRA costs if you are successful in achieving a qualification:

  • Paddle Australia - Registration Fee for your qualification = $180 (this must be renewed every 3 years including fulfilling the PA Log Book requirements for your qualification)

  • VET Units = $180 for all the units attached to your sea kayaking qualification. There is no ongoing fees but every 5 years the units are updated and if you have not done any paddling in that period, prospective employers will request that you update your qualification. A log book is a great way to show an employer your currency.