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Outward Bound Singapore

Kayak 4 Star Award

Find out how to attain the Kayak 4 Star Award Certification.

Last updated 14 September 2026
Kayak Surfing in Brunei

Overview 

The 4 Star Kayaking Award (Sea) is an environment-specific journeying award designated and endorsed for Sea and Open Water, representing an advanced level of sea kayaking proficiency that builds upon the 3 Star foundation whilst introducing more demanding technical skills, leadership responsibilities, and an open-sea navigation. 

This certification confirms the candidate's competence to journey on technically demanding water, requiring sound judgment and refinement of basic strokes, skills and techniques. It demonstrates your ability to paddle confidently in challenging coastal environments, execute rescue techniques in those environments, and contribute in a small fleet to cross open water passages. 

As part of Singapore's structured canoe and kayak development pathway, the 4 Star award validates your progression from intermediate paddling skills towards high-performance sea kayaking in dynamic and unpredictable environments. Participants working towards this competency will develop mastery of surf and tidal water techniques, deepen their understanding of coastal navigation and tidal vector planning, and acquire the leadership and fleet management skills necessary to take responsibility for the safety of others on the water. 

This qualification serves as both a personal achievement and a stepping stone towards instructor-level pathways within the Singapore Canoe Federation's comprehensive training framework. 

Course Objectives 

The learning objectives of the 4 Star Kayaking Award (Sea) are as follows: 

  • Learners will be able to demonstrate launching and coming ashore techniques on both steep and shallow beaches. 

  • Learners will be able to demonstrate surfing techniques on both green and breaking waves. 

  • Learners will be able to demonstrate efficient use of paddle brace and reliable rolling technique. 

  • Learners will be able to perform Eskimo rescues as both rescuer and patient. 

  • Learners will be able to demonstrate ferry-glide technique and efficient 'X' rescue as both rescuer and patient without assistance. 

  • Learners will be able to demonstrate efficient contribution to an all-in rescue and the use of long tows. 

  • Learners will be able to apply basic navigation, basic tidal vectors and understanding of waves in open water environments. 

  • Learners will be able to apply safety, risk assessment and fleet management principles when leading kayaking activities. 

Pre-Requisites 

  • Participants must be at least 18 years of age. 

  • Current 3 Star Kayaking Award or equivalent. 

  • Attended a Sea Kayak Familiarisation Workshop/Session. 

  • Pass a pre-course skills verification demonstrating Kayak 3 Star competence before enrolling in the overseas programme. 

  • Logbook showing required previous experience, including 10 open water journeys of 16km each on 2 different sections of coastline, with at least 2 camp-outs.

Course Date 

Registration Form can be found here (opens in new tab)  
(Form will be made available when registration opens) 

Course Fees 

Full course fee: $2,289.00 per pax (inclusive of 9% GST) 
Subsidised fee: $1,145.50 per pax (inclusive of 9% GST) 
*fees are subject to terms & conditions 

Venue 

Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam (OBBD), Brunei Darussalam. Further details will be shared via Course Administrative Instruction (CAI) – Upon Successful Registration

Training Delivery 

The course is conducted over 6 full days in a sea and open water environment with waves of at least 0.5m in height. Training is delivered face-to-face and covers both indoor and outdoor components, leveraging case studies, hands-on demonstrations, role-play and simulated open water scenarios. A practical assessment of the learning components will be conducted to validate the acquisition of skills by the participant. A maximum of 3 attempts will be granted per assessment component. 

The trainer to learner ratio is 1:4. All courses are conducted by a Level 4 Coach or above. The type of craft used is a sea kayak with a closed cockpit and immobilised rudder (if fitted). 

Assessment 

  • Theory test (minimum 80% to pass); and 

  • Continuous Practical Assessment (to score 100% "Competent") 

  • Fulfil 100% of attendance 

To Note 

  • Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be awarded the 4 Star Kayaking Award (Sea) certification. 

  • An e-certificate will be issued to participants who have successfully met the passing requirements and are assessed as Competent. 

  • Course fees cover programme costs and programme insurance only. Travel insurance is not included and participants are strongly encouraged to purchase their own travel insurance ensuring it covers flight-related incidents such as delays, cancellations, loss of baggage etc prior to departure. 

  • As the course is held in Brunei Darussalam, participants are responsible for arranging their own flights independently. OBS does not facilitate group flight arrangements. 

  • Further details on the meeting point, reporting time, and logistics in Brunei will be provided upon confirmation of enrolment. 

  • Slots are limited per session and are on a first-come-first-served basis. 

  • Acceptance into the course is based on a confirmation sent out by OBS after all relevant documents have been submitted and payment has been made before course commencement.

Enquiries 

For enquiries, please visit: https://go.gov.sg/obsenquiry (opens in new tab)  

Register Interest