Frequently Asked Questions

Scroll down to see the answers to frequently asked questions.

Still confused? Contact us.

Are any courses from other training providers equivalent to the ones you offer?

We recognize some courses taught by other training providers as equivalent to the courses we teach.

What federal or provincial legislation dictates training for high risk environments?

Federal legislation like Bill C-45 and provincial WorkSafe guidelines are relevant when considering what type of training should be delivered for employees who work in high risk environments like swiftwater, surface ice, confined space, or with technical rope systems.

What makes Raven Rescue different from other training providers?

We believe training should be tailored to the specific needs of each client. We approach a course for emergency personnel in an entirely different manner than one for resource managers or outdoor guides.

How does my organization host a course?

We can come to you—at 10% OFF! Information on organizing a custom course on dates that work best for you, and in the location of your choice.

How do I prepare for a swiftwater course?

Detailed answers to common questions about swiftwater courses.

How do I prepare for a boat handling course?

Detailed answers to common questions about boat handling courses.

How do I prepare for a rope course?

Detailed answers to common questions about technical rope courses.

How do I prepare for an ice rescue course?

Detailed answers to common questions about ice rescue courses.

What are “Training Levels”?

There are three training levels that are recognized around the world by the technical rescue training industry. The level you need to cover off your “due diligence” requirements, or responsibility for proper training, depends on the degree of exposure you have to a particular hazard, such as moving water, surface ice or elevation. We add a fourth level called “Recreation” for those that want some basic skills to help them play more safely in high risk environments.

How are Raven Rescue courses NFPA compliant?

NFPA compliance is the degree to which the skills and knowledge taught are in keeping with the standards for technical rescues established by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).

What are the NFPA 1670 and 1006 Standards?

What is NFPA 1670: Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents?

Does Raven Rescue have a waiver and medical form that can be filled out ahead of course time?

Yes, Raven Rescue has a waiver and medical form that you can print, fill out, and bring to your course.

What is “low angle” versus “high angle” rope rescue?

Rope rescue operations are frequently defined in terms of the type and steepness of the terrain they are to be performed on.

What rope skills are useful to know?

To be ready for a course that includes rope skills (okay, just about all of them include rope skills) it helps to be conversant with basic knots, bends and hitches. This is particularly useful for our the intense five-day Technical Rope Rescue course, but is equally applicable to our TRR-Operations course and our Advanced Swiftwater course.

Instructor Certification Process

We offer two types of instructor certifications depending on whether you want to teach members of your own department, or you want to be able to teach members of the public. Both are rigourous processes that set the standard for technical rescue instructor certification in Canada.