Qualifications - the new rules
ACP17 (the Air Cadet Publication that sets out the rules for adventure training in the
ATC) was amended in April 2002, bringing some important changes in the staff
qualifications required before regional approval can be granted for adventure training activities
Walking (in mountain and upland areas)
From 1 April 2002 leaders of activities in mountain areas must have completed
ML assessment. Leaders who have completed ML training but not assessment
may be
permitted - for a limited time - to lead activities in wi1ld country,
provided that they registered with the Wing Adventure Training Officer (WATTO)
before April 2002, and were then assessed as being "competent through experience"
(CTE) before 1st April 2003
The CTE register is a temporary measure to allow experienced staff to
continue running activities for a limited period. i.e. until they complete their
assessment or retire from the Corps
WATTOs are required to review the register every April. To retain CTE status,
instructors must provide logbook evidence that they have been active during the year,
and must show a valid first aid certificate
Walking (in lowland areas)
Staff who have completed WGL or BELA assessment or the ML training course
are permitted to lead activities in "lowland" areas without having to
register for CTE
Climbing
To
run single pitch climbing and abseiling activities - including climbing walls,
the person in charge must have
completed SPA assessment
Canoeing and Kayaking
For Canoeing and Kayaking, nothing has changed: leaders must have the appropriate BCU qualification to run the
activity
Mountain biking
There is no universally accepted mountain biking qualification yet, but the
situation is developing. As far as ACP17 is concerned, the leader must have the
walking qualification appropriate to the terrain (e.g. ML in the mountains), and
"expertise in mountain biking". One of our senior instructors has
already attended a bike leaders course, and we are reviewing its relevance to
our activities
First Aid
It is emphasised that every assessed qualification, whether ML, WGL, SPA or
BCU, is only valid while the holder has a current first aid certificate.
Certificates must be renewed every three years
At present the ATC does not provide first aid training to a level that would
meet the requirements of any national qualification, so award holders are
personally responsible for keeping their first aid qualification up to date
However, there are some exciting new plans to introduce training for a
nationally recognised first aid qualification into the ATC syllabus over
the next year or two, so watch this space for more details as they become
available
Note that these notes describe the
approach adopted by Herts and Bucks Wing, under the policy promulgated by HQ Central & East Region. Bear in mind that
policies and implementations may
differ in other Regions and Wings, and contact your Wing or
Regional Adventure
Training Technical Officer to confirm the current situation in your own
area
