TS 13050

TS 13050 is a occupational standard for the sea kayak guide and instructor profession. Because sea kayaking takes place in coastal and open-water conditions, the standard is centered not only on paddling technique, but also on guiding participants, delivering instruction, reading environmental conditions, and managing the activity in an organised way.

Technical scope of the occupation

The scope of this standard covers the sea kayak guide and instructor role. In general professional terms, such a role combines route planning, group management, basic navigation, equipment use, and the ability to adapt to changing water conditions. Compared with rivers or sheltered waters, the sea environment calls for a different level of awareness because waves, currents, wind, and visibility can all vary.

Qualification and assessment focus

The standard refers to classification, qualifications, and evaluation for the guide and instructor role. This indicates that the occupation is being defined in terms of its level and the knowledge, skills, and behaviours expected from the person performing it. In general technical context, sea kayak guiding requires clear communication, early recognition of risks, and the ability to adapt instruction to the group and to field conditions.

The reference sources include foundational publications on sea kayak touring and sea kayaking. That points to a professional standard that treats the activity as both a technical paddling discipline and a teaching and guiding practice.

• Sea kayak activities are assessed with both coastal and open-water conditions in mind.
• The guide-and-instructor role includes group direction and safety awareness as well as technical skill.
• The standard focuses on defining the occupation, its classification, and its evaluation framework.