1 Adventure Activities Licensing Background The Adventure Activities Licensing Scheme 1996 was developed under the Activity Centres (Young Persons’ Safety) Act 1995 in GB. It does not apply to Northern Ireland Activity Tourism Forum

2 The scheme ensures that those who provide certain adventure activities to young people under 18, will have their safety management systems inspected. Adventure Activities Licensing Activity Tourism Forum

3 In GB it is a legal requirement to have a license for: CLIMBINGWATERSPORTSTREKKINGCAVING Rock climbing Abseiling Ice climbing Gorge walking Ghyll scrambling Sea level traversing Canoeing Kayaking Dragon boating Wave skiing White-water rafting Improvised rafting Sailing Sailboarding Windsurfing Hillwalking Mountaineering Fell running Orienteering Pony trekking Off Road Cycling Off-piste skiing Caving Pot-holing Mine exploration Adventure Activities Licensing Activity Tourism Forum

4 Adventure Activities Licensing The situation in Northern Ireland Licensing does not extend to N. Ireland Minister for DCAL had some concerns about this and tasked Sport NI to manage the investigation into options for a scheme in NI. Adventure Activity Associates (AAA) Ltd were awarded the contract to do this. Activity Tourism Forum

5 Adventure Activities Licensing A steering group representing the outdoor industry was formed to provide guidance. AAA ltd carried out a consultation with stakeholders between Jan – June 07. AAA ltd also looked at existing accreditation schemes. Activity Tourism Forum

6 Adventure Activities Licensing AAA ltd have written a report of their findings which has been approved by the Council of Sport NI and is currently being presented to the Minister at DCAL. The report recommends a robust Non Statutory scheme. The report will be available once it has ministerial approval. Activity Tourism Forum

7 Adventure Activities Licensing A model was devised by AAA’s Ltd as to how this could be managed. Managing Forum Supervising Body Existing scheme Direct accreditation Existing scheme Providers Activity Tourism Forum

8 Adventure Activities Licensing Activity Tourism Forum Laissez Faire Voluntary compliance with Code of Practice Annual statutory inspection of “everything” AALA style (Statutory) Inspection to CC at appropriate intervals Inspection to Core Criteria on voluntary enrolment LOW COST / CREDIBILITY >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> HIGH COST / CREDIBILITY Annual Inspection of Core Criteria

9 Adventure Activities Licensing Activity Tourism Forum

10 CORE CRITERIA Staff are competent Risks are identified and appropriately managed Access to appropriate technical advice exists Agreed operational procedures are implemented, regularly reviewed and responsive to changing events and circumstances Internal and external communication is effective Provision reflects the needs of targeted client groups and individuals Safety critical equipment, facilities and services are fit for purpose Adventure Activities Licensing Activity Tourism Forum