Guide licensing

Thanks again for all your efforts
Thanks the questions on this thread inspired me - tried writing the article to capture a lot of the questions guests seem to ask (or should ask) when they are booking. Really trying to encourage the consumer to give more thought and attention to first having a good idea of what experience they really want, then researching the guide or lodge operator to make sure what is offered is a best match for meeting their expectations. One important element is getting a guide that has all the safety training, certifications and insurance. Also good to dig deeper to understand what is offered - price/value is important.

Little things like having fish processing and packaging included - if the difference in price between one operator and next is $100/day, then the one offering full processing is worth every penny ( Vac Pac - $3.00/pound x 50 lbs of fish = $150).
 
One important element is getting a guide that has all the safety training, certifications and insurance. Also good to dig deeper to understand what is offered - price/value is important.
Problem is most clients look at price (we all do looking for the best deal ) and go with that, I get all the time well this guy is only $$$ why are you more expensive then him . I reply well I have a bigger nicer boat. with stand up bathroom, heated cabin,running hot water and room to move... to most that doesnt matter the want cheap...im ok with that as thats the client I really dont want .
 
Let's face it guides need to make an income to support their business
but $1200 a day is more than most can afford.
That's why there are unqualified operators as they see an opportunity.
I know boats cost money and don't run on air, I have one.
 
Some people would be, and were thrilled to go out in a 14' Lund for $40 an hour, four hour minimum (80's prices). Weather permitting. Of course that was back before everyone was trying to sue each other and guides didn't need downriggers and all the electronics.
 
The problem there is that the consumer does not know what they are looking at, or what is required. I have a Fishing Master class 3 certification, what does that mean? And no one likes a rat Jon.
I think like most trades the public may not understand what the qualification actually means, but they quickly notice the key part like Fishing Master, maybe not class 3 certification. I’m pretty sure everyone would understand basic things like Transport Canada Certified and for sure Insured. Face It when we go to a Doctor, Lawyer etc. who knows what all the post nominal letters mean.😃 If the Industry adopts a strategy of always listing qualifications the public will become more educated and notice when there is no list. Just a thought.
 
I think like most trades the public may not understand what the qualification actually means, but they quickly notice the key part like Fishing Master, maybe not class 3 certification. I’m pretty sure everyone would understand basic things like Transport Canada Certified and for sure Insured. Face It when we go to a Doctor, Lawyer etc. who knows what all the post nominal letters mean.😃 If the Industry adopts a strategy of always listing qualifications the public will become more educated and notice when there is no list. Just a thought.
Platforms like Craigslist, Facebook, Air BNB and Trip Advisor should be held accountable and not allow unlicensed vendors to advertise. I see a lot of ads for day charters and harbour cruises from guys with shiny new Cutwaters. They have reviews and ratings as well, which to most consumers, is evidence enough of a legitimate business.
 
There are so many professions that are regulated that people cheat the system. I dont see guiding be any different. Take a field like engineering. Many of us spend money to go to college and universities. When we get out guess what? Tons of companies hiring guys with zero credentials working as designers. Super frustrating but you get what you pay for.

I think we might be missing point here. The guide licensing has more to do with DFO wanting data than anything. Some of you need to be in boardroom with other user groups screaming that recreational operators are not up to par with commercial.

As I said though above this guide licensing is just a conversation right now. It isn't even one to being worked on yet. So why worry?
 
Would it not help if DFO had enough gumption to publish a quarterly list of licensed charter operators.
Gov agencies are very reluctant to assume any possible liability...that list from a legal standpoint could make them a fishing charter agent. By way of ...we are recommending these guys on our list. .
 
Gov agencies are very reluctant to assume any possible liability...that list from a legal standpoint could make them a fishing charter agent. By way of ...we are recommending these guys on our list. .

The one way to manage liability is to run an rfp process for approved vendors (guides). That places a tight box around the agreed upon contract terms and conditions for Service Providers (guides in this case). Anyone not on the mso list of providers, or anyone caught in violation of the ts and cs, is liable.

You will narrow the scope of enforcement required, and anyone delivering "shadow guide" services will be easily identified.
 
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There are so many professions that are regulated that people cheat the system. I dont see guiding be any different. Take a field like engineering. Many of us spend money to go to college and universities. When we get out guess what? Tons of companies hiring guys with zero credentials working as designers. Super frustrating but you get what you pay for.

I think we might be missing point here. The guide licensing has more to do with DFO wanting data than anything. Some of you need to be in boardroom with other user groups screaming that recreational operators are not up to par with commercial.

As I said though above this guide licensing is just a conversation right now. It isn't even one to being worked on yet. So why worry?
Is guiding not considered professional? If you require additional qualifications to call yourself a guide it should be treated as such?
 
The guiding associations could put out a list of recommended venders, maybe they already do not sure

As far as licensing I doubt will see that especially if they have to amend the act to make it happen.
 
Gov agencies are very reluctant to assume any possible liability...that list from a legal standpoint could make them a fishing charter agent. By way of ...we are recommending these guys on our list. .
But don’t they do that by defining licensing requirements now. Government is just reluctant🤣
 
Problem is, the Gov't won't "work harder", they'll just hire more people. Don't need more government.
 
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