I’ve passed my BCU 3 Star; how do I get into Coaching:

Now you have your BCU 3 Star, you can attend a BCU Trainee Level 2 Coaching course. These courses are run at Area level, or may be attended at a local Watersports Centre.

The last Trainee Level 2 Coach Courses will run in June 2007.  After this point, the new BCU UKCC Level 2 Course will take effect.  Those who are Trainees, have until December 2008 to qualify as full level 2 Coaches. 

The pre-requisites for attending a BCU Trainee Level 2 Coaching course are:

• Aged 16 or older.

• BCU 3 Star skills award (in the correct discipline).

• Canoe Safety Test certificate (available as Kayak or Open Canoe).

• Recognised 4 hours first aid certificate (see list).

• Comprehensive membership of the BCU.

• Stamped BCU C1 Coach registration form.

Once you have passed your BCU Trainee Level 2 Coach you may:

• Take out 8 people on the water (in Kayaks) or 6 people (in Open Canoes).

• Operate on very sheltered water only.

• Issue BCU 1 Star award pass slips.

• Be awarded the Sea Cadets SCC Grade 3 award if over 18 or the SCC Grade 4 award if under 18 (on application to ASO-Paddlesport).

• Trainee Level 2 Coaches aged under 18 must be supervised by an adult BCU Coach.

The next step?

Once you have practiced Coaching at your Unit, you can attend an assessment. This must be carried out within three years of achieving your Trainee status. 

You need to:

• Be 18 years of age or older.

• Log Coaching hours totalling at least 20 (this is a minimum; it’s highly recommended to have more than 20).

• In date BCU Comprehensive membership.

• In date first aid certificate (see list).

• In date CST certificate

• Stamped BCU C1 BCU registration form.

Once you have passed your BCU Level 2 Coach you may:

• Take out 8 people on the water (in Kayaks) or 6 people (in Open Canoes).

• Operate on sheltered and very sheltered water.

• Issue BCU 2 Star award pass slips.

• Be awarded the Sea Cadets SCC Grade 2 award (on application to ASO-Paddlesport).

If you want to do an assessment; speak to your ASO-Paddlesport to arrange a course. Assessment courses are schedules as candidates become available.