The Rafting Operator Accreditation (ROA) is the United Rafting accreditation programme for commercial and non-profit rafting operators providing guided and/or instructional rafting services.
The programme provides an internationally recognised framework through which operators can assess their activities against established standards for safety, operational quality and environmental responsibility.
Accreditation is based on three main stages: self-evaluation against the published ROA Standards, peer review by industry experts, and a site visit conducted by a qualified assessor.
Who is it for?
The ROA programme is designed for:
Guided Services
Companies, organisations and non-profits offering guided whitewater rafting activities, including day trips and multi-day or expedition-based trips.
Instructional Services
Companies, schools, training programmes, organisations and non-profits providing rafting instruction.
The programme gives operators a structured framework for reviewing how their activities are managed, identifying areas for improvement and demonstrating compliance with internationally recognised standards.
ROA helps operators ensure that appropriate systems are in place to:
- Prevent accidents and respond effectively when incidents occur.
- Deliver safe and consistent services to participants.
- Operate in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
Benefits of Accreditation
Once fully accredited, operators can demonstrate that their organisation has been independently assessed against the ROA Standards.
Accredited operators benefit from:
- recognition that their operation has implemented internationally recognised standards;
- regular internal and external review of safety and operational practices;
- inclusion within the international network of United Rafting accredited operators;
- visibility through United Rafting communication channels and digital platforms;
- use of the ROA accreditation mark in accordance with the applicable branding rules;
- access to resources concerning operator management, safety, training, administration and other relevant areas of professional practice.
As the international ROA network develops, United Rafting may establish additional services and partnerships for accredited operators, including access to professional resources, insurance solutions, equipment and supplies, industry services, digital tools and booking or management platforms.
What is the process?
The accreditation process is designed in stages so that operators can review their existing systems, receive feedback and make any necessary improvements before final accreditation.
STEP 01
Initial Application
The operator submits the ROA Application Form.
Once eligibility has been confirmed, the ROA Coordinator provides the operator with the accreditation documentation and self-evaluation materials. The operator is required to sign the applicable Accreditation Agreement and pay the application fee.
The ROA Coordinator assists the operator in understanding the process, the applicable standards and the evidence required during the assessment.
STEP 02
Self-Evaluation Report (SER)
The Self-Evaluation Report (SER) allows the operator to review its current policies, procedures and operational practices against the ROA Standards.
The operator collects the documentation and other evidence necessary to demonstrate implementation of the applicable standards.
Once the self-evaluation has been completed, the operator submits the SER and supporting evidence to the ROA Coordinator and pays the applicable assessment fee.
STEP 03
Peer Review
The ROA Coordinator appoints a Peer Review Committee composed of individuals with relevant professional and industry expertise.
The Committee reviews the Self-Evaluation Report and supporting evidence and assesses the operation against the ROA Standards.
Following the review, the Committee may request additional information or improvements before authorising the next stage of the process.
Where the requirements for progression have been satisfied, the operator is granted Provisional Accreditation and may proceed to the site visit.
STEP 04
Site Visit
Within two years of obtaining Provisional Accreditation, the operator must complete a site visit conducted by a qualified ROA Assessor.
The purpose of the visit is to verify that the policies, procedures and practices described during the self-evaluation and peer-review stages are effectively implemented in the operator's activities.
The operator is responsible for the applicable site-visit fee and the assessor's reasonable travel and accommodation expenses.
Following the visit, the assessor prepares a Site Visit Report, which is submitted to the Peer Review Committee.
The Committee may approve the accreditation or require the operator to address identified issues before accreditation is granted.
Once approved, the operator obtains Full Accreditation.
Maintaining Accreditation
3 years
Full ROA Accreditation is valid for three years.
During the accreditation period, operators must continue to comply with the ROA Standards and submit the required Annual Report, together with payment of the applicable annual or renewal fees.
At the end of each accreditation cycle, the operator must complete a new self-evaluation against the standards then in force. A further site visit may also be required and, where appropriate, may be conducted remotely.
ROA Prerequisites
There are no minimum operational prerequisites for beginning the self-evaluation stage. Any rafting operator may apply and use the ROA framework to review its internal systems and practices.
To proceed to the formal peer-review stage, however, the applicant must:
- have completed at least 100 operator days, over a minimum period of two years, under the current ownership or management;
- have paid the applicable assessment fee;
- use appropriately qualified guides and instructors holding current certifications recognised under the United Rafting Guide Training & Education (GTE) framework or another programme recognised as equivalent under the applicable United Rafting rules;
- be able to demonstrate compliance with the ROA Standards and a commitment to the principles and objectives of United Rafting.
Where national legislation or regulations establish specific requirements for rafting operators, guides or instructors, compliance with ROA Standards does not replace those requirements. Operators remain responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable national and local laws.
ROA Fees
The current accreditation fees are:
Applicable fees and payment procedures are published by United Rafting and may be updated from time to time.
ROA Standards
The ROA Standards establish the requirements against which participating operators are evaluated throughout the accreditation process.
Operators should use the current version of the Standards when completing their Self-Evaluation Report and preparing for peer review and the site visit.
View the current ROA Standards
For further information on the accreditation process, eligibility or the documentation required, operators may contact the United Rafting Secretariat / Guide Training & Education Department.
