These really are extraordinary times.
Events like the COVID-19 pandemic happen so seldom that we are very rarely prepared for them. The Adventure Activities Regulations certainly don't take this sort of event into account. When we read the Regulations or any audit standards, it seems that we need to continue audit activities (recertification, surveillance, etc) as per schedule. There's scope to use ICT- Information & Communication Technology- to avoid having to visit operators onsite. What isn't really considered is the fact that operators can't even conduct activities - so we can't audit them.
Taking this information into account, AdventureMark is working together with WorkSafe and JAS-ANZ to find a solution to enable us to maintain certification until such time as operators can begin activities again.
Our thinking follows four points:
Integra/AdventureMark Blue Certification is JAS-ANZ accredited. AdventureMark Blue certification is approved by WorkSafe NZ under the WorkSafe NZ Adventure Activities Certification Scheme.