Abstract:
This qualitative case study identifies and discusses the standards and risk
management practices of the Ottawa Valley whitewater rafting industry and the impacts
of the government enforced Special-purpose Vessels Regulations are discussed. Data
collection occurred using a single case study design, which included interviews and
document analysis. This study found that internal, industry, and actual standards are
influenced through a variety of sources. These standards were found to affect the risk
management practices of commercial whitewater rafting providers. In general, these
standards promoted a high level of risk management within the Ottawa Valley rafting
industry. The Special-purpose Vessels Regulations were found to be non-influential in
raising the risk management standards of the Ottawa Valley whitewater rafting industry.
