Sport fishing employs an estimated 2,000 guides in British Columbia, although until recently there was no program that validated professionalism within the guiding community. That is why people like Owen Bird are so enthusiastic about the new Tidal Angling Guide Certification.
Owen Bird is director of best standards and practices for the Sport Fishing Institute of BC (SFI), and he believes that in addition to direct benefits to the industry as a whole, the province’s new Tidal Angling Guide (TAG) program will assure fishing enthusiasts that they are hiring the best saltwater guides in North America. “The program is the culmination of three years of hard work between the SFI and go2, and it was worth the effort,” he says.
Bird thinks that one of the great strengths of the program is that it was industry developed. “Back in 2006, Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada suggested we take the lead in establishing best practices and standards,” he explains. “Considering we know the intricacies of our business better than anyone, we thought this was entirely appropriate.” TAG was developed in partnership with go2 as well as the Industry Training Authority, federal and provincial agencies, First Nations and sport fishing industry representatives.
The TAG program is voluntary and straightforward, allowing those already working in the sport fishing industry or planning to enter the sector to obtain a certificate of proficiency and professionalism. It will give anglers and tourists who are seeking the services of a charter-boat operator or fishing guide the confidence that they are hiring professionals who are fully trained in all aspects of passenger safety and customer service.
Why should you become TAG certified?
Apart from fostering best standards, there are many reasons why both newcomers to the industry and experienced guides should obtain TAG certification. “For example, sport fishing businesses with as few as one certified guide will be eligible to receive medical and dental coverage and acquire liability insurance at preferential rates,” says Bird. “For newcomers, TAG provides all the ingredients necessary to understand this multi-faceted industry. Plus, certified newcomers are far more desirable to potential sponsors and employers.”
Bird adds that one of the biggest benefits for established professionals is that TAG “provides formal and clear recognition for all their acquired expertise. It’s a good promotional tool that lends a certain prestige.”
How do you earn TAG certification?
Because the SFI and go2 are still working toward implementing a training program for new guides, the only way currently to become TAG certified is through the challenge process. “Right now, only experienced guides will be able to challenge successfully,” says Bird. “Their participation will enable us to build the program and give it momentum.”
To be eligible to challenge, candidates must prove they have at least 750 hours of guiding experience and possess the following certificates:
- Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP)
- Marine Emergency Duties (MED A3)
- Radio Operators Card (ROC-M)
- Marine Basic First Aid
What are the steps involved?
Candidates must fill out an application (forms are available on the go2 and Sport Fishing Institute websites) and then make arrangements with one of 10 qualified industry assessors located along the BC coast to meet, take a written exam and undergo an interview (a competency conversation) for an hour or two. The whole assessment process takes three to four hours.
For his part, Bird is confident that TAG will be a success. “It’s great for individuals and their businesses, it’s useful for fishing enthusiasts, and it will raise the bar in terms of knowledge and professional conduct,” he says. “So far, feedback I’m getting from colleagues has been positive, and we’re all looking forward to seeing how this will unfold.”
