Rafting Outfitter Accreditation
The Rafting Operator Accreditation (ROA) is a credential issued by the International Rafting Federation (IRF) to rafting operators that offer rafting guided or instructional services. The purpose of the system is to provide a means of recognising operators that meet or exceed internationally accepted safety, environmental, and quality standards. The process consists of a period of self-evaluation against published standards, a peer-review by an expert committee, and a site-visit by a trained assessor.
Who is this for?
Guided Services: Companies or nonprofits that offer whitewater rafting day trips or expedition-based trips.
Instructional Services: Companies, schools, programs, or nonprofits that offer whitewater rafting instruction.
ROA helps operators ensure they have systems in place to:
Prevent and respond to accidents.
Deliver quality services to their participants.
Run a socially and environmentally responsible operation.
Once fully accredited, operators enjoy the following benefits:
Evidence that their operation has implemented internationally accepted standards.
Enhancement of their operation’s safety and quality through regular internal and external review.
Belonging to a network of IRF accredited operators that assists consumer choices.
Greater exposure via the IRF website and other IRF media outlets.
Reputation boost through the use of the ROA logo in marketing and promotional materials.
Access to resources on operator related subjects such as insurance, administration templates and processes, training, guide employment, etc.
How I can help you?
As a consultant, I guide rafting companies through the full process of obtaining International Rafting Federation (IRF) Rafting Outfitter Accreditation, ensuring they meet all required standards before formal assessment.
1. Initial Accreditation Readiness Review
I begin with a structured review of the outfitter’s current operations to assess readiness against IRF accreditation criteria, including:
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Safety management systems
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Guide qualifications and training records
- Operational procedures and trip planning
- Equipment standards and maintenance
- Emergency response and risk management
- Environmental and ethical practices
This step identifies gaps and prioritizes actions needed to meet IRF standards.
2. On-Site Visit and Operational Audit
I conduct a comprehensive site visit, observing real operational conditions rather than just documentation. During the visit, I:
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Inspect rafting equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintenance logs
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Observe trip preparation, briefings, and on-water practices
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Review base facilities, vehicle logistics, and storage systems
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Interview guides, safety kayakers, and management
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Assess compliance with IRF safety, training, and environmental guidelines
This provides a realistic, IRF-aligned evaluation of how the company operates in practice.
3. Compliance Check Against IRF Requirements
Following the site visit, I perform a detailed compliance check against IRF Outfitter Accreditation requirements, clearly identifying:
- Fully compliant areas
- Partial compliance or improvement areas
- Non-compliance issues that must be corrected before application
Each finding is mapped directly to IRF criteria to avoid ambiguity.
4. Action Plan and Corrective Support
I deliver a practical, step-by-step action plan to close any gaps, which may include:
- Updating safety and emergency procedures
- Improving guide training, assessments, or certification pathways
- Enhancing documentation and record-keeping
- Advising on equipment upgrades or replacement
- Aligning environmental and client care practices with IRF standards
I can also support implementation and staff briefings if required.
5. Application Preparation and Accreditation Support
Once the outfitter meets the requirements, I assist with:
- Preparing and organizing documentation for IRF submission
- Ensuring evidence aligns clearly with IRF expectations
- Pre-assessment checks to reduce the risk of delays or rejection
This significantly increases the likelihood of a smooth and successful accreditation process.
6. Ongoing Improvement and Re-Accreditation Support
Beyond initial accreditation, I can support:
- Continuous improvement systems
- Annual internal audits
- Preparation for re-accreditation or expansion to new rivers or trip types
Value to the Outfitter
By using a consultant-led site visit and compliance check, outfitters benefit from:
- Reduced accreditation risk
- Clear understanding of IRF expectations
- Improved safety and operational quality
- Stronger credibility with clients, partners, and authorities
What is the Process?
1. Self-Evaluation:
- The operator compares itself to the ROA standards and gathers evidence that demonstrates compliance to the standards.
2. Peer-Review:
- An expert committee assesses the operation against the ROA.
3. Site-Visit:
- A trained assessor verifies that the operator has implemented the policies, procedures, and practices related to the standards.
See the full ROA Standards HERE.
