The aim of the qualification of Tour Leader is to ascertain the suitability of candidates to lead a group (participants at A-Certificate training level) on the sea. This should be carried out under difficult conditions on tidal waters.   Trip Leaders are empowered to conduct RSTs (regional safety training) independently, and without supervision.

The B-course is conducted over two weekends and takes place on tidal waters. It is to be led by Instructors of the Salzwasser Union; Instructors under training may support course leaders in the running of such a course.   B-courses have the character of a tour. Each participant is to pay a course fee of 75 Euros to the Salzwasser Union.   Incidental costs of course leaders are to be paid from the course fee. Campground fees and local tourist taxes are to be paid by the participants themselves. The minimum number of participants on a B-course is four; the maximum number of participants is not to exceed seven.

Participants must be members of the Salzwasser Union.   Participants with physical disabilities should consult the course staff beforehand. Swimming in canoeing clothing forms part of these physical conditions. The sea kayak and its related equipment must correspond to the safety standards as laid down by the Salzwasser Union in its Sea Kayak Handbook  “(Seekajakhandbuch).”   Candidates must have at a minimum of one years experience following successful completion of an A-course. Furthermore, candidates must have assisted on at least one A course (A-Assistant). The course and examination covers all aspects covered in the “Seekajakhandbuch.” Candidates should have undergone at least three tours of several days duration in different sea-areas. A first aid training certificate (16 hours), which may not be older than two years is to be presented to the course leader. The DLRG Life Saver Certificate, in bronze, is also a pre-requisite.

During B-course training, a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of sea kayaking sport will be imparted, including:

• Paddle techniques relevant to wave and wind conditions (including surf)
• Self rescue methods
• Safety and rescue techniques (with loaded kayaks)
• Simulation of an emergency situation
• Navigation
• Navigation marks and lights
• Rule of the road
• Meteorology and wave formation
• Tides
• Planning and execution of a group tour
• Planning and execution of a RST
• Health, First Aid
• Nature conservancy and ecology (knowledge and interpretation of access and exclusion regulations)
• Culture and history of the tour area

Each participant is to prepare a presentation on one of the core themes of training. A second task is the preparation of a comprehensive tour planning portfolio, for a tour lasting over three days, and which bears relation to the planned B-course-tour. During preparation for this second tour, a number of questions and/or problems relating to tour preparation will be set that are to be answered in written form.

During the B-course, a range of practical and theoretical problems covering the subjects listed in paragraphs 6.1 to 6.7 will be covered. Each participant will take charge of the group, and be required to cover a task within a time limit. Problem solving is an integral element of this test.

• Correct sitting position
• Sense of balance
• Edging and leaning
• Launching and landing with paddle support (paddle under water surface)
• Basic forward and reverse paddling
• Sweep strokes from and towards the rear
• Low and high support strokes whilst stationary
• Low and high support whilst on the move
• Different methods and strokes to move the kayak laterally
• Stern rudder
• Bow rudder
• Emergency stop
• Landings in surf

• Reading nautical charts
• Maintain a given course
• Taking a fix (transit intersect)
• Orientation using navigation marks and beacons
• Use of bearings to ascertain position, course, drift and to offset deviation from planned course
• Knowledge of the magnetic variation

• Tour planning including allowance for weather
• Distance and break planning
• Tour planning including keeping to exclusion zone rules, etc
• Paddling alongside a sea lane and crossing sea lanes with a group
• Planning and establishing escape routes
• Tour strategy for the group

• Organization and planning
• Scheduling

• Partner rescue methods (parallel entry, V-entry, etc, - in each case with baling out)´
• Eskimo rescue, swimming with the boat in a capsized position
• All in rescue
• Eskimo roll (right and left side) in moving water
• Re-entry and roll in moving water and to be ready to paddle on (within 3 minutes)

• Solo-tow (1: 1-tow)
• V-tow (2: 1-tow)
• Nose-tow (Push and Pull)
• Raft-tow (1: 2 - and/or 2: 2-tow)

• Preparation of a group on the difficulties that can be expected on a tour
• Treatment of a hypothermic patient
• Treatment of typical sea kayak sport injury
• Rescue of an unconscious sea kayaker
• Simulation of a emergency situation
• Repair of a sea kayak at sea

The theory part (homework and short written work during the course) and the practical test parts are exclusive to each other and two Instructors of the Salzwasser Union are required as assessors. The practical test elements should take place in moderately severe wave and wind conditions (approximate wind force: Beaufort 4). At zero wind, no practical examination can be undertaken. This part of the test (in particular the Eskimo rolling and the re-entry and roll) can be postponed until a later date.   With difficult conditions, the examiners can allow some leeway in testing. If a test part (theory and/or practice) is not successfully executed, then that particular part can be examined again at a later date. The evaluation as to whether a B-course has been successfully completed is a decision that rests solely with the examiners. The successful participation is confirmed with the issue of the appropriate certificate. Successful candidates are expected to fully integrate themselves within the B/C Certificate holder group. The qualification Tour Leader will become null and void if, within a period of two years, no tour and/or no training event offered by the Salzwasser Union has been participated in.