Cheers All,
Might as well finish my thoughts as for the Med-A2 Vs A3 difference and the qualifcations for guides in BC.
Essentially the A3 course is the basic Marine Emergency Duties and the A2 was designed with a pool component which includes the care, operation and use with practice of Immersion Suits as well as life rafts. Each is suited for diffent coastal requirements NC2, NC1, Unlimited etc...as well as boat description (i.e., vessel over min length requires life rafts, survival suites).
Since few of the guides in BC are required to carry either immersion suites (survival) or life rafts, the requirement for guides to have the A2 course makes no sense.
Initially Nanaimo TC requested that Invictus Charters take the A2 course but, when it was pointed out the futility of the requirement as to the regulations, and after some lengthy telephone conversations between Nanaimo TC and Victoria TC, it was determined that MED A3 was sufficent.
It would be professional if everyone in TC was to take a weekend, figure out exactly what is required and then post those standards in PLAIN ENGLISH for all to see - then hold to that standard. The moving target that each guide faces with respect to who they are, who they know, where they live, the TC Inspector - not to mention the phase of the moon - makes trying to comply with regulations almost impossible.
Thank you for your patience.
Fishing Guide
www.invictuscharters.com
BC Outdoors Pro Staff
www.fishingvancouverisland.org