The BCU have 5 levels of coach, starting at level 1 coach, up to level 5. Coaching levels 1 through 4 relate to competence to be in charge of canoeing groups on increasingly difficult types of water as follows:
| LEVEL 1 | Very sheltered water (small lakes, quiet canals, suitable sections of slow moving rivers). |
| LEVEL 2 | Sheltered water (small lakes, slow moving rivers, quiet harbours, holiday beaches). |
| LEVEL 3 | Moderate Water (inland grade 2 rapids, coastline with easy landings, surf). |
| LEVEL 4 | Advanced Water (in excess of those defined above). |
The level 1 coach is intended for teachers and youth leaders for whom canoeing is not a main activity (e.g. scouting groups). A level 5 coaching qualification shows an extensive all round level of knowledge and ability, able to train others for advanced qualifications. A club canoeist can normally enter the coaching scheme at the level 2 coach, provided the prerequisites have been satisfied.
Before registering onto the BCU coaching scheme the applicant must have obtained the following awards for the respective coaching level.
| LEVEL 1 | BCU 2 Star Award, Canoeing Safety Test, First Aid Certificate |
| LEVEL 2 | BCU 3 Star Award, Canoeing Safety Test, First Aid Certificate |
| LEVEL 3 | Level 2 Coach Award, BCU 4 Star Award, Canoeing Safety Test, First Aid Certificate |
| LEVEL 4 | Level 3 Coach Award, BCU 5 Star Award, First Aid Certificate, Coaching Processes course |
| LEVEL 5 | Level 4 Coach Award, BCU 5 Star Award, BCU 4 Start award (alternative discipline), First Aid Certificate |
These qualifications establish that the applicant has achieved a certain standard within their respective canoeing discipline. The applicant must be at least 18 years of age when being assessed for coaching levels 1 to 4, or 21 years for level 5 coaches.
The first step in becoming a coach is registration. To register you must be a comprehensive member of the BCU. The registration processed commences with the applicant contacting the BCU via telephone, writing or by e-mail. The respective application form (C1) will then be sent to the applicant for the required coaching level. This must be fully completed by the applicant along with proof of the prerequisites for becoming a coach. The BCU will then confirm the details and return the C1 form with an approval stamp. A registration fee of £15 will be required when registering.
Once the applicant is in receipt of an approved C1 form, the applicant must attend an appropriate training weekend. The BCU yearbook lists dates of available training instructor weekends. A number of canoing centres provide the training weekends on demand, so it's often a good idea to phone around. After completion of the training weekend the applicant is a trainee instructor at the appropriate coaching level. During this time as a trainee instructor, the applicant must log a minimum number of hours training before being assessed.
| LEVEL 2 | Minimum 20 hours logged teaching. |
| LEVEL 3 | Minimum 30 hours logged teaching experience since level 2 assessment. |
Once the applicant is satisfied that they have obtained sufficient experience and logged at least the required minimum teaching hours necessary for the appropriate coaching level, then the applicant can be assessed. The assessment course for the full coaching award (level 2 or above) may be attended any time after the relevant training course. After successful assessment there is a further £15 registration fee to register as qualified coach at the following level.
For more information about the coaching scheme visit the BCU web page at http://www.bcu.org.uk or e-mail coaching@bcu.org.uk or telephone: 0115 982 1100.
The information listed here was accurate at time of publishing (10 Dec 2002).