The act of attesting or bestowing Certification is to provide assurance to the Philippine canopy walk/zip line market that established standards are guiding the industry.
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Overview
In order to become AZTEC certified, the canopy walk/zip line tour facility must submit to an onsite inspection and review. The review can be completed in one or two days followed by a summary of AZTEC’s findings including an official Certification if the canopy walk/zip line tour complies with AZTEC’s standards.
AZTEC Fees
AZTEC Certification |
P12,000 |
Annual Renewal |
P12,000 |
NOTES: Travel expenses not included in AZTEC fees. Annual certification renewal validates ongoing conformity to standards.
AZTEC also provides additional services for owner/operators if they are interested. Please view our Consultation Link for more info.
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Certification Process
STEP 1. Pre-qualify Checklist
Please click HERE for a Pre-Inspection Checklist that helps operators prepare for inspection.
STEP 2. On-site Inspection
The onsite review will involve two qualified AZTEC personnel visiting your site. The inspection process will take at least one day. The visit will include;
- Inspection of infrastructure.
- Observation of staff's ability to safely and effectively operate the zipline.
- Safety equipment assessment to ensure all particpant equipment meets UIAA standards.
- Discuss and review Emergency Action Plan.
- Review staff in-service ongoing training schedule and objectives.
- Assess staff Core Competencies
Note: If your staff needs training please view our Training Link for more information.
STEP 3. Inspection Summary
AZTEC will carefully and judiciously review its assessment and a summary of findings related to the site inspection will be forwarded to the owner/operator within 10 days.
The report will include an assessment of the strengths, weaknesses and recommendations for modifications if AZTEC determines improvement is necessary.
STEP 4. Certification
Owner/operators need to understand that Certification is conditional. Once AZTEC is assured the infrastructure and operations are compliant then an official AZTEC Certification will be issued.
AZTEC Certification is good for one (1) year afterwhich it must be renewed. Annual Renewal Fee: P12,000
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System Certification is designed to offer the following benefits:
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Risk Management: There is an inherent risk associated with any adventure-based program that involves a participant to be suspended off the ground using safety equipment. Although reports show a low incidence of accidents and injuries there are risks associated with these types of activities. AZTEC seeks to help owner/operators to effectively manage those risks. Certification is one the most effective methods of helping to manage those risks and reduce the possibility of injury.
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Networking: AZTEC’s on-site reviews allows for sharing ideas and promoting professionalism in the field.
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Quality Assurance: Certification is designed to provide assurance to the Philippine canopy walk/zip line tour industry that established standards are guiding the industry.
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Credibility: Upon final Certification, AZTEC’s name may prominently be display on the respective canopy walk/zip line tour marketing and promotional products that validates credibility.
Disclaimer and Acknowledgement of Risk
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AZTEC recognizes that no single strategy including 'Certification' can eliminate all risk.
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AZTEC cannot guarantee that the procedures and safety practices observed during the on-site visit will be consistently maintained for the one-year period following the review.
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Owner/operators are responsible for maintaining on-going compliance with accreditation standards and should contact AZTEC if there are any significant changes in the program that could affect compliance with the accreditation standards
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AZTEC’s intent is to help operators gain certification.
The certification process is not beaucratic in nature nor does it require owner/operators to navigate through a maze of unrealistic standards.
AZTEC desires to work closely with operators providing recommendations and support, to make sure they can indeed meet the minimum standards that ultimately protect the safety of all participantns
Ultimately, AZTEC was created as an advocate for participants who entrust their lives into the hands of the people operating these cable access systems.
Generally, participants trust operators often without question, assuming the systems are safe. We owe it to the public to ensure that our industry is compliant with established safety standards.
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Insurance Note: Owner/operators have a moral and ethical obligation to carry third party liability insurance (TPL) in case of an accident. Please be advised that insurance carriers generally do not include coverage for staff which is a specific exclusion as it relates to 'extreme sports'. Owners should consider Phil Health as an option for staff members.
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