I.S.K.G.A. Scotland: Incident Management Course
Includes BCAB Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue award.
Friday 16th – Monday 19th October 2026 · Based at Kinloch Campsite, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye. Four days of the International Sea Kayak Guide Alliance's renowned incident management training, developing skills, strategies and tactics for sea kayak safety and rescue in challenging conditions.
Build the judgment and practical skills to manage real incidents in dynamic coastal environments.
This course blends incident prevention with a structured response framework.
You’ll refine SAFER paddling drills, practise surf zone and rock garden safety and rescue, and leave with a clear approach you can apply on any coastline.
01.
Incident Prevention Mindset
ISKGA training prioritizes the identification of potential hazards before they escalate. We teach participants to maintain a high level of situational awareness, ensuring safety through careful planning and active risk assessment during every phase of a journey.
02.
Structured Response Framework
When incidents occur, the ISKGA framework provides a clear, scalable response structure. Using industry-standard protocols, we empower leaders to coordinate rescues effectively while maintaining group control under psychological and environmental pressure.
Who this course is for
Developing Sea Kayak Leaders
Ideal for paddlers working towards leadership awards who want structured, scenario-based training in sea kayak safety and rescue.
Committed Coastal Paddlers
For sea kayakers with experience in Sea State 3 who want to build confidence in dynamic water rescues, surf and rock gardens.
Guide-Standard Skills
Align your practice with ISKGA standards while developing the judgement, strategies and tactics needed to manage incidents under pressure.
4 Days of Real-World Problem Solving
A crisis at sea is rarely caused by one big mistake. It’s usually a chain of small events. Across four intensive days, you will learn how to break that chain.
We don't just practice rescues; we focus heavily on recognition and avoidance—spotting the subtle signs of trouble before a capsize even happens. When things do go sideways, you will have a logical, repeatable thought process that keeps you calm and effective under pressure.
The 4-Day Progression
We don't throw you straight into the deep end. We build your confidence systematically across different coastal playgrounds:
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Day 1 : Foundations - Towing systems, deep-water rescues, self rescues
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Day 2: Process: Tuning your group management, SAFER management process.
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Day 3: Rock Gardens - Real world scenario training in rocky areas, gullys and tight spaces.
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4: Surf - Real world scenario training in surf zones
Each day begins at 09:00am and will finish by 06:00pm.
All paddlers will be eligible for the BCAB Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue Award. Paddlers who meet the required standard may also be assessed for the BCAB Coastal Sea Kayak Award
Course Structure & Focus
4 Days of Training
Duration & Ratio
Friday 16th – Monday 19th October 2026 · Around 8 hours of coaching per day with a maximum 1:8 coach-to-participant ratio.
Location & Lodging
Based at Kinloch Campsite in Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye. The fee covers the course only; participants arrange their own accommodation nearby. Kinloch campsite is a great option, there are other options close by.
£400 per person
Course Fee
£400 for the four-day course (accommodation not included). Participants arrange their own accommodation near Kinloch Campsite, Dunvegan.
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A clear incident management framework you can apply on any coastal trip
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More confidence making decisions under pressure as a leader or team member
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Practical experience handling realistic scenarios in dynamic coastal environments
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A clearer sense of your own strengths, so you can make safer choices on the water.
What you will leave with
All paddlers on this course should :
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Have experience kayaking in moderate conditions: Force 4 winds and 1 metre of awell.
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Able to perform basic rescues and support others on the water
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Confident with day trips in moderate conditions as part of a group
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Most importantly, be excited to learn and develop!
Your skills
Testimonial
Janek is an excellent instructor and consummate professional, he was clear in instructions, demonstrated and then assessed. Inspiring confidence, increasing knowledge of aspects of kayaking covered and importantly it was fun.
Testimonial
Janeks professional attitude and style of instruction and demonstration inspires confidence and improvement.
Ready to Book Your Place?
To book, please complete the online form and we’ll confirm your place and next steps. You can view the kit list for this course HERE.
If you have any questions about suitability, kit or logistics, email Janek at marakayaks@gmail.com.
Testimonial
Janek is highly professional competent and inspiring. He listens and coaches gently with insight. Can’t think of a better coach.