Commercial Use Authorization Stipulations

2024 Park Specific Stipulations - Kenai Fjords National Park

P.O. Box 1727 - Seward, AK 99664 - 907-422-0500 phone

Air Taxi
Charter Boats (includes motorized boat tours and marine water taxis)
Group Transportation
Guided Backpacking
Guided Bicycle Tours (roadways only)
Guided Dog Sled Tours
Guided Hiking (includes walking tours of the Exit Glacier Area)
Guided Kayaking (day and overnight)
Guided Mountaineering (includes glacial travel, ice climbing, ice hiking and any activity requiring technical equipment for ascending or descending slopes)
Guided Paddleboarding (day and overnight)
Guided Photography (this category applies to trips organized or sold specifically for photography, generally led by a professional photographer. It is understood that incidental photography occurs during all commercial activities.)
Guided Skiing / Snowshoeing
Snowcoach Tours (roadways only)
Snowmachine Tours (roadways only)


The following specific provisions (in addition to the National and Regional Conditions of the Authorization), are applicable to those commercial activities and areas authorized through a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). Certain approved activities carry activity specific stipulations in addition to these general stipulations. It is the responsibility of the operator to be familiar with and comply with all stipulations applicable to their permitted activity. Activity specific stipulations are included below.

1. Use of snowmachines for commercial activities is prohibited without the express written authorization of the Superintendent.

2. Group Size Limits

  1. All backcountry trips (this includes the Harding Icefield Trail, Harding Icefield, and all coastal areas of the park) are limited to a maximum group size of 14 people, including guides and assistants. All commercial groups shall maintain a minimum of 500 feet between each other.
  2. Commercial groups larger than 14 should arrange to split up and arrange drop-offs and pick-ups by air or water taxi in such a manner as to prevent more than 14 people on any one beach or other discrete location at one time, except in exigent circumstances or at the following locations:

i) Main kayak drop off beach, Northwestern Fjord
ii) Beach adjacent to the Holgate Public Use Cabin
iii) Any other location approved by the Superintendent in advance and in writing

  1. If more than 14 people are dropped together by air or water taxi, they must make all reasonable efforts to immediately separate into two or more groups smaller than 14 people each and must set up camp at a minimum of 500 feet from each other.
  2. If more than 14 people are picked up together by air or water taxi, they must make all reasonable efforts to minimize the time that combined groups are together at the pickup location, while still allowing adequate time to meet transportation provider schedule, break down equipment, etc.
  3. Group Transportation CUA holders with groups of 14 or more may not advertise or direct clients to Park programming that is open to the public. The holder must arrange for private NPS programming or provide their own services unless approved by the park in advance.

3. Nightly Stay Limits in Heavily Used Areas (Revised 03/16/2013)

  1. In Aialik Bay, Harris Bay and Northwestern Lagoon, commercial groups may not spend more than 2 nights at any location in order to protect opportunities for other groups to use the campsites and food lockers. This requirement does not apply if weather and sea conditions make travel dangerous or in the event of exigent circumstances (e.g. illness of trip member or damage to camping or kayak equipment which makes travel unsafe).
  2. All clients, permittees, guides and other employees must vacate the site and all supplies and equipment must be removed from the campsite / food locker for at least 24 hours to satisfy the requirement of 3 (a) above.
  3. Overnight stays at the Pederson Lagoon Easement site and all other coastal easements are limited to one night only, pursuant to the easement site regulations. Easements are marked by signs and are found on commonly used Trails Illustrated maps of the park. Further location information available upon request.
  4. Any site used for commercial activity must be returned to its natural state after use. Alteration involving the movement of rocks, driftwood, or other natural objects to create objects, including but not limited to tables, chairs, benches, shelters, fire rings, caches or tent frames, must be returned to its previous condition prior to departure.
  5. Campfires along the coast shall be built in the intertidal zone whenever possible. Fire rings of stones or other materials must be dismantled before leaving the site. Ashes must be dispersed, preferably in the ocean. Any burnt food or garbage must be packed out of the park as garbage. A fire pan is strongly encouraged to facilitate this process.

4. Leave No Trace (LNT) Requirements and NPS Waste Management Policies

  1. Guides are responsible for ensuring that all members of the trip follow LNT guidelines (https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles) and adhere to all regulations and policies for waste management and sanitation, backcountry travel, and camping.
  2. Garbage may not be burned or buried. It must be removed from the park at the end of each trip.

5. Food Storage - Designated Areas and Methods

  1. Definition: A bear resistant container (BRC) means an item constructed to prevent access by a bear. BRC’s include-

i) Items approved by the Department of Interior and Agriculture’s Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee http://www.igbconline.org/html/container.html
ii) Park provided metal food lockers at some coastal campsites; and
iii) Any additional items approved in writing by the Superintendent.

  1. Food, food containers, garbage and harvested fish must be stored in a BRC or secured-

i) Within a hard sided building;
ii) Within lockable and hard sided section of a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft; or
iii) By suspending at least 10 feet above the ground and 4 feet horizontally from a post, tree trunk, or other object on a wire or branch which will not support a bear’s weight.

  1. At the Exit Glacier Campground all food preparation, cooking and eating must be done in the campground cooking shelter. No food items shall be taken to, consumed, or stored at the individual campsites.
  2. This regulation does not apply:

i) On the Harding Icefield when surrounded by snow or ice for at least 1 mile in all directions, unless directed to do otherwise by park staff due to recent bear or other wildlife activity;
ii) To food that is being transported, consumed or prepared for consumption; and
iii) To clean dishes and cooking equipment which are free of food odors.

6. Bear/Human Interaction
Any encounters with bears, including but not limited to situations where human food was obtained and / or bear spray or firearms were used, must be reported to a park employee as soon as practical. If an employee cannot be contacted in the field, the incident must be reported to park headquarters in Seward immediately when the group leaves the field. This report may be made in person, by phone, fax, or email.


7. Human Waste
All solid human waste from participants of activities authorized under this CUA will be managed in accordance with current NPS Regulations found in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations and in Superintendent’s Compendium:

  1. Within the Exit Glacier area and all other areas of the park, including the coast and within one mile of the edge of the Harding Icefield, all human waste and toilet paper must be carried out in a container such as Reststop II or Cleanwaste which is approved for disposal in a landfill.
  2. On the Harding Icefield more than one mile from the edge of the icefield, solid human waste and toilet paper must be deposited in biodegradable bags and deposited in a crevasse at least one mile from the edge of the icefield or packed out in a container such as Reststop II or Cleanwaste which is approved for disposal in a landfill.
  3. All other glaciated areas of the park – Human waste must be deposited in a deep crevasse or carried out in a Restop II, Cleanwaste, or similar container and disposed of in a landfill. Tissue paper and sanitary items must be packed out or burned when fire hazard is low.
  4. Coastal Public Use cabins and beaches – Restop II, Cleanwaste, or similar containers must be used and carried out for disposal in a landfill. Tissue paper and sanitary items should be packed out or burned when fire hazard is low.

8. Communication

  1. Groups traveling in the coastal backcountry must carry at least one VHF radio capable of sending and receiving on Marine channel 16.
  2. FRS or GMARS radios are recommended to maintain communication between CUA holders.
  3. Satellite phones are also highly recommended.

9. All CUA holders and employees operating within the park must have current First Aid and CPR certifications. The CUA holder must provide certificate copies upon NPS request.

10. Search and Rescue Guidelines

  1. In certain instances, guides and team members may become involved with search and rescue operations involving other teams and/or the NPS. Before engaging in search and rescue events that do not directly involve their team, guides must ensure the safety and well-being of their clients.
  2. Guides will not be paid for search and rescue operations initiated by themselves or others.

11. Cultural and Archeological Resource Protection

  1. Groups shall not enter any adit or other mine opening on coastal mining claims either active or inactive.
  2. Archeological and historic resources are protected by federal law. In the event that the permittee, their employees, or their clients encounter materials thought to be associated with a cultural site, the site location shall be recorded and Park will be notified.

12. Permitees, guides and other employees are responsible for knowing the location of private holdings, native corporation lands, and public use easements along the coast of the park, and abiding by all applicable laws relating to same. In particular, guides should note that the Port Graham Corporation requires a use permit for entry upon their lands for any period of time and any purpose. Use of that land without permit constitutes trespass.

13. All equipment and supplies, including but not limited to tents, tarps, tools, fuel, food, kayaks, rafts, canoes, and garbage must be removed from each campsite upon departure. Departure will be defined as leaving the site with the intent of not occupying the site overnight within the next 24 hours.

14. Temporary storage or "caching" of equipment or supplies must be approved in advance and in writing by the Superintendent. This includes leaving food or other materials in a park provided Bear Resistant Container (bear box) unattended for one or more nights.

15. Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield

  1. Commercial groups camping within the Exit Glacier area must either use public toilets or pack out all solid human wastes and toilet paper in an approved container such as the Restop II or Cleanwaste Bag which is approved for disposal in a landfill.
  2. Groups camping at the Exit Glacier Campground may not occupy more than 4 sites per night. Sites are limited to 2 tents per site and 6 people per site.
  3. Any permittee conducting guided ice hiking on Exit Glacier will permit Kenai Fjords staff to accompany the group for monitoring purposes upon the request by Kenai Fjords National Park. Any accompanying NPS staff members will not be included in the 14 person group size limit for permitted activities.
  4. All members of commercial groups on the Harding Icefield Trail must stay on the established trail in the alpine tundra zone. Shortcutting of switchbacks is prohibited.
  5. Campfires are prohibited in the Exit Glacier area except in a steel fire ring provided at the developed campground and in the picnic area. Along the coast, fires shall be built in the intertidal zone whenever possible. Fire rings of stones or other materials must be dismantled before leaving the site. Ashes must be dispersed, preferably in the ocean. Any burnt food or garbage must be packed out of the park as garbage. A fire pan is strongly encouraged to facilitate this process.

16. Neither permittees nor their employees shall rent or reserve a Public Use Cabin for commercial purposes. Permittees and/or employees shall not act as agents or representatives for clients renting or reserving Public Use Cabins.

17. Commercial groups shall not utilize Public Use Cabins, porches, decks or associated toilets, unless a member of the group has rented the cabin and has a valid Special Use Permit for same. No individual or group shall camp within 500 feet of a Public Use Cabin.

18. Bicycles are not permitted for commercial purposes except on the Exit Glacier Road, campground parking lot and in the main parking area.

19. Permittees shall, upon request, provide names and current addresses of all current owners, employees, agents, and / or representatives of the company.

20. Commercial groups in motorized or non-motorized vessels inside the boundaries of Kenai Fjords National Park are required to adhere to Marine Mammal Viewing Guidelines, published by the National Marine Fisheries Service, as a condition of this permit. The current guidelines are summarized as follows:

  1. Remain at least 100 yards (length of a football field) from whales, dolphins, porpoises, and from seals and sea lions that are on land, rock, or ice.
  2. Use extra caution when viewing seals and sea lions that are on land, 100 yards may not be sufficient distance to prevent harassment.
  3. If a whale approaches within 100 yards of your vessel, put your engine in neutral and allow the whale to pass. d) Offering food, discarding fish, fish waste, or any other food item to a marine mammal is prohibited.
  4. Handling pups, touching, or swimming with the animals is prohibited. f) If you need to move around a whale, do it from behind the whale.
  5. Vessels that wish to position themselves to allow whales to pass the vessel should do so in a manner that stays fully clear of the whale's path. Whales may surface in unpredictable locations.
  6. Breaching and flipper slapping whales may endanger people and/or vessels. Feeding humpback whales often emit sub- surface bubbles before rising to feed at the surface. Stay clear of these light green bubble patches.
  7. Emitting periodic noise may help whales know your location and avoid whale and boat collisions. For example, if your engine is not running, occasionally tap the side of the boat with a hard object.
  8. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises are more likely to be disturbed when more than one boat is near them. Avoid approaching the animals when another vessel is near. Do not encircle the animals or trap them between the shore or another boat and your boat.
  9. Always leave whales, dolphins, and porpoises an "escape route."
  10. When several vessels are in an area, communication between vessel operators will ensure that you do not cause disturbance.
  11. Limit your time with any individual or group of marine mammals to less than one half hour.
  12. Your vessel may not be the only vessel in the day that approaches the same animal(s), please be aware that cumulative impact may also occur.
  13. Vessels traveling in a predictable manner appear to be less disturbing to animals. The departure from a viewing area has as much potential to disturb animals as the approach.
  14. Pursuit of marine mammals is prohibited by law.
  15. Never attempt to herd, chase, or separate groups of marine mammals or females from their young.
  16. Avoid excessive speed or sudden changes in speed or direction in the vicinity of whales.
  17. Assume that your action is a disturbance and cautiously leave the vicinity if you observe any of the following behaviors:

i) Aggressive behavior by many animals towards the disturbance; or movement by many away from the disturbance
ii) Herd movement towards the water
iii) Hurried entry into the water by many animals
iv) Increased interactions with other animals
v) Increased vocalizations
vi) Several individuals raising their heads simultaneously

21. Engaging in a commercial activity other than that specifically permitted for is prohibited.

22. CUA holders authorized to use motorized vehicles must display their business name and CUA number on the dashboard of each vehicle parked in the Exit Glacier Developed Area. The business name and CUA number must match the holder’s current CUA permit (Form 10-115).

23. A $100 Management Fee is due at the time of application for all Kenai Fjords NP CUA holders authorized to operate in 2024. Effective January 1, 2025, Kenai Fjords NP CUA holders will be assessed a per person Monitoring Fee. The Monitoring Fee of $6.00 per person, per day (excludes guides) is due on or before November 15th annually along with Activity Reporting as specified in the Interior Region 11 CUA Conditions.

End of Kenai Fjords NP Stipulations Applicable to All Commercial Use Authorizations

Activity Specific Stipulations

The following stipulations apply to commercial mountaineering in Kenai Fjords National Park in addition to the general park stipulations. It is the responsibility of the operator to be familiar with and comply with all stipulations applicable to their permitted activity. 

Annual Reports and Documentation 
The CUA holder will submit the following reports and documentation, in addition to all other documentation / reporting requirements specified by applicable law or policy:

Pre-Season:
1.    Schedule of climbs and proposed rate schedule. Due prior to advertisement.
2.    Business brochures and advertising. Due prior to distribution.
3.    Employee roster of staff operating within the park.
a)    List of employees, with documentation demonstrating that they meet the same standards and requirements as the CUA holder. 
b)    “Guide Roster” shall include certifications of individual guides. Due 30 days prior to operations.
4.    Updates should be sent in to the KEFJ Chief Ranger’s office and the park’s Concessions Management Specialist upon hiring additional staff.

Post‐Season: 
1.    Further to Interior Region 11 Reporting Condition #15, for each overnight trip in the backcountry, the trip leader must document, in the Visitor Use Reporting system (VURn), the route and campsites used. Campsites must be documented by entering GPS coordinates in the location notes field on the VURn activity report. 

Before The Trip:
1.    Employee Briefings and Orientations 
The CUA holder will provide employee orientation and training on park regulations, requirements, and policies. The CUA holder is responsible for all actions of their employees while conducting business under the CUA. Upon NPS request, the CUA holder will provide written documentation of training certifications and orientation.
2.    Approved Air Taxis 
All trips that will use an aircraft for transportation into and out of the park will hire air taxis that currently hold a CUA for such activities with Kenai Fjords National Park. Please consult the Kenai Fjords Chief Ranger for a current list of permitted air taxis.
3.    Routes
Any CUA holder accessing Exit Glacier from the Harding Icefield trail must use an access route identified by Kenai Fjords National Park. Each CUA holder must schedule a pre‐season field meeting with Park staff to confirm the access to Exit Glacier and strategies to minimize their impacts on vegetation while accessing Exit Glacier. CUA holder must notify Park staff when snow conditions necessitate changes in access. Any deviation from the designated access route must be approved by the KEFJ Chief Ranger prior to use. The contact numbers for scheduling the preseason meeting are (907) 422‐0500. 
4.    Equipment
a)    Minimum equipment requirements for each client should consist of crampons, harness, trekking poles, and helmet. Equipment must conform with industry acceptable standards and be in good working order.
b)    Minimum emergency equipment to be carried by each guide must be sufficient to initiate evacuation and stabilization.

During The Trip:
1.    Visitor Safety
The CUA holder will conduct all activities with safety as their highest priority.
2.    Group Size, Trip Quantity, Climber‐to‐Guide Ratios
a)    Trips shall be limited to two per activity, day, and location, for each CUA holder.
b)    Climber‐to‐guide ratios will be appropriate for the nature of the terrain and based on the course and climbing objectives. 
c)    Climber‐to‐guide ratios will not exceed five climbers to one guide for general ice hiking type trips and three climbers to one guide for ice climbing and any other trip requiring more advanced skills.
d)    Solo glacier travel is not permitted for clients.
e)    A client shall never be left unattended while engaged in mountaineering activities.
3.    Communication
Guides will carry a communication device capable of two‐way communication between each group in the field. This device should be capable of contacting local emergency services and/or an in town company representative.
4.    Glacier Travel
a)    Guides and clients shall utilize roped travel for snow covered glacier travel when the consequences of a fall could result in injury or death.
b)    Guides shall ensure adequate instruction on crampon walking/climbing technique prior to accessing the ice and additional instruction once on the ice.
c)    Unroped ski mountaineering is permissible after the lead guide has made a thorough assessment of the objective and deems it safe to do so.
5.    Emergency Response and Rescue Skills
a)    All guides shall have training in self‐rescue and evacuation skills. Guides shall be able to coordinate self and team rescues, including but not limited to crevasse extrication, raising and lowering operations, evacuation of ill and injured climbers, accident site management, triage skills, basic life support, and operating in and around aircraft.
b)    Annual submission of an Emergency Action Plan is required. This plan should identify contingency resources.
c)    At all times on the trip teams will carry equipment necessary to preserve life and limb in the event of an emergency.
d)    All guides shall be familiar with NPS search and rescue procedures.
e)    Incidents involving personal injury to clients or guides must be reported to the NPS within 24 hours following completion of the activity.
f)    Any accident involving a fatality or serious injury must be reported to the NPS immediately and by the most expeditious means available.
g)    If an emergency fixed wing aircraft pickup is requested from an air taxi pilot, either the guide or the pilot shall attempt to contact the NPS to inform us of the emergency as soon as possible.
h)    Instances in which a client or guide becomes separated from the rest of the group and cannot be located shall be reported to the NPS immediately.
6.    Accidents and Injuries
The CUA operator is responsible for notifying the Park of any incident that results in an injury requiring treatment. Please reference NPS emergency notifications protocol (attached to CUA) for contact numbers and procedures. The CUA holder and/or employee involved in the incident may be required to provide statement and/or reports related to NPS investigation and documentation procedures.
7.    Complaints
The CUA holder will send written complaints and/or negative evaluations regarding the CUA holder operations to the KEFJ Chief Ranger’s Office. The NPS will require a written response in a timely manner including any proposed remedies or administrative actions.

The following stipulations apply to commercial snowcoaches/ snowmachines in Kenai Fjords National Park in addition to the general park stipulations and applicable federal and state regulations. It is the responsibility of the operator to be familiar with and comply with all stipulations applicable to their permitted activity.

1.    The number of roundtrips is limited to no more than 4 scheduled round-trips per day without prior approval of the Superintendent. 
2.    The area of operation for snowcoaches is limited to the Exit Glacier Road and parking areas. The area of operation for snowmachines is limited to the Exit Glacier Road, parking areas, the Exit Creek Outwash and the route(s) designated by park superintendent for access to the outwash area.   
3.    The permittee must comply with all CUA reporting requirements.
4.    Trail grooming (use of a blade on the front of the machine) within the park is not permitted without advance permission of the Superintendent. Trail grooming that is towed behind the snowcoach is permitted.
5.    All passengers must be briefed on appropriate emergency procedures including exiting the vehicle, environmental conditions, and emergency communications.
6.    All passengers should be directed to appropriate parking areas.
7.    If moose or wildlife is on the road, the tour must stop at least 25 yards away and move the snowcoach or snowmachine as far as possible to the opposite side of the road.  When encountering wildlife on the roads, the guide must ensure that the wildlife moves off leisurely and prevent any chasing or activity that may cause a stampede. The guide and group must avoid any activity that adds to that stress endured by wildlife during the winter.
8.    All tours must leave the area if their activities cause noticeable disturbance to animals.  
9.    The permittee will furnish to the Park, copies of all brochures and advertising produced by the permittee.

OPERATION OF SNOWCOACHES 
1.    Snowcoach drivers must possess a valid state motor vehicle operator's license.
a)    Drivers must possess a Commercial Driver’s License if the vehicle is designed to carry 15 or more passengers (excluding the driver).
2.    All equipment must be well-maintained and in safe operating condition.
3.    Snowcoaches must have a capacity of at least 8 passengers. For snowcoaches carrying more than ten guests, it is suggested that the ratio of guests to staff not exceed 10 to one.
4.    Snowcoaches must be equipped with headlights and tail lights which will be on when the vehicle is in operation.
5.    Snowcoaches must be equipped with factory mufflers, or the equivalent, which are properly functioning and operating at all times.
6.    Snowcoaches must be equipped with cell phones, two-way radios, or satellite phones. The use of Service radio frequencies, except in emergencies, is not allowed. The reliability of cell phones and satellite phones may be intermittent due to insufficient coverage.
7.    Snowcoaches trailers, and transport vehicles must be clearly marked with a company logo or business name.
8.    Snowcoaches that are painted white or other light colors must have reflective tape on the vehicle exterior to ensure visibility.
9.    Snowcoaches must be equipped with a flashing amber light or strobe light on the rear or top of the vehicle to increase visibility. Drivers/guides will ensure that the light is kept free of snow. This may require stopping to check the light periodically.
10.    Three (3) bidirectional emergency reflective triangles must be carried to be set out in case the vehicle is disabled.
11.    Snowcoaches may haul up to eight (8) gallons of fuel externally outside their stock fuel tanks.
12.    Disabled snowcoaches must be removed from the Park as quickly as possible. 
13.    Snowcoaches are prohibited from being driven without rubber tracks on the mattracks, other than an EMERGENCY drive into a pullout or safe location.
14.    Idling a snowcoach is limited to 20 minutes at any one time. 
15.    The permittee must ensure that each client is safely equipped and properly clothed prior to the trip.
16.    The permittee is authorized to drop off snowcoach passengers without a guide so they may cross-country ski, snowshoe, and/or conduct photography. Appropriate arrangements must be made in the event passengers need to be picked up later in the day.
17.    All snowcoaches that stop on designated routes must pull over to the far side of the road (opposite any set ski or dogsled trail), using pullouts where available and accessible. Stopping snowcoaches in hazardous locations or where the view of the snowcoach might be obscured (such as on a curve) or operating so slowly as to interfere with the normal flow of traffic is prohibited.
18.    Drivers/guides must monitor snowmobiles approaching from the rear.
19.    Whenever possible, snowcoaches must pull over to allow snowmobiles to pass.
20.    Operation of a snowcoach in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons, property, or park resources is considered reckless operation and is prohibited.
21.    If seatbelts are provided in the snowcoach, all occupants (including small children) must be belted in.
22.    At a minimum, a 5 lb. type ABC fire extinguisher shall be carried in each snowcoach.
23.    First Aid Equipment and Training
a.    As a minimum, each snowcoach/ snowmachine group must carry a basic first-aid kit and suitable equipment to provide for the safety of visitors in the winter environment. 
b.    All guides must have at least current Standard First-Aid certification and have completed a CPR course with a current certificate.

The following stipulations apply to commercial kayaking and paddle boarding in Kenai Fjords National Park in addition to the general park stipulations. It is the responsibility of the operator to be familiar with and comply with all stipulations applicable to their permitted activity.

Annual Reports and Documentation
The CUA holder will submit the following reports and documentation, in addition to all other documentation / reporting requirements specified by applicable law or policy:

Pre-Season:

  1. Schedule of trips and proposed rate schedule. Due prior to advertisement, if applicable.

  2. Business brochures and advertising. Due prior to distribution.

  3. Employee roster of staff operating within the park.

    1. List of employees, with documentation demonstrating that they meet the same standards and requirements as the CUA holder.

    2. “Guide Roster” shall include certifications of individual guides. Due 30 days prior to operations.

    3. Updates should be sent in to the KEFJ Chief Ranger’s office and the park’s Concessions Management specialist upon hiring of additional staff.

Before the Trip:

  1. Equipment

    1. Minimum equipment for each client kayak touring should consist of life jacket, spray skirt, paddle float, bilge pump, safety whistle, and clothing appropriate for the weather and water. Minimum equipment for stand up paddle boarding should include life jacket, leash, and clothing appropriate for weather and water. Equipment should conform with USCG and industry acceptable standards and be in good working order.
    2. Minimum emergency equipment to be carried by each guide should be sufficient to initiate evacuation and stabilization.

During The Trip:

  1. Visitor Safety: The CUA holder will conduct all activities with safety as their highest priority.

  2. Group Size and Trip Quantity

    1. All Trips shall be limited to two per activity, day, and location, for each CUA holder.

    2. Client-to-guide ratios will be appropriate for the nature of the trip and based on the trip objectives. Client-to-guide ratios will not exceed six clients to one guide. Additional guides are permitted provided the total group size does not exceed 14 people.

  3. Emergency Response and Rescue Skills

    1. All guides shall have training in self-rescue and evacuation skills. Guides shall be able to coordinate self and client rescues.

    2. Annual submission of an Emergency Action Plan is required. This plan should identify contingency resources.

Last updated: April 2, 2024

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