MINUTES OF MEETING OF

Maine Association of Sea Kayaking
Guides and Instructors

On November 7, 2001 – Freeport, Maine

Casco Conference Room

6:30 pm Pizza, Welcome, Introductions. The membership extended a special thank you to LL Beans for the use of the meeting room.

• Follow-up on Guide licensing - 2002 discussion at last meeting. How can MASKGI contribute to a streamlined examination process? Natalie outlined the changes involved: switching the order of the written and oral exam. The oral would be first; and for Sea Kayak guides, passing both exams would qualify people to lead overnight sea kayak trips. Two unresolved issues were discussed: 1-Getting experience — Currently 3 years of sea kayak experience is required to take the exam. The ambiguity of the 3 years created a discussion on: internships, defining experience, trainees, and what makes a good guide. It generally felt that the state should have 2 levels of guides. The following group will be chaired by Tom Berg and will address defining this issue, and reporting back at the next meeting. They are: Ring Marine, Mark, Julie (LL), Greg Shute, and John. 2-Advising the state on the development of a curriculum guide for studying to be a guide was another issue discussed. The state is interested in MASKGI input and the following individuals volunteered to work on the topic: Natalie (chair), Karen Francoeur, Bob Maron, Ron W.
• MASKGI's on-line Public Island Use Registry System: Why isn't it working? After general discussion on how to make the system work, Greg Shute suggested we continue to use the system as it is, and increase member awareness of the system.

• Greg Shute led a discussion on interactions between Guides and Schooner Captains. It was observed that each side had a different set of needs and perspectives and a dialogue between them will benefit MASKGI. Greg Shute will coordinate such a meeting, and inform members who wish to attend.
• Is MASKGI prepared to handle an emergency? The Emergency Response Plan Committee (Bob Stanley, Karen Franceour and Al Johnson) will lead a discussion of risk management protocols at our next meeting.
• Announcements and updates from everyone
• MASKGI is interested in determining the number of guides working in the State of Maine. The information will be collected in the member renewal process.
• Natalie gave a brief update of the meeting held at the Office of Tourism regarding the five year marketing plan