ICF 在本月十六日起實施獨木舟器材認可證計劃. 此獨木舟器材認可證計劃之目的是保證獨木舟設備達到最高標準 ，並保證我們的運動員和球隊的器材保證和信心並認識到最好的產品在安全性，質量，性能和設計。

The ICF’s Official Equipment Licensing Programme is Launched

Lausanne, Switzerland, June 16th 2009 --- The ICF is proud to launch its Official Equipment Licensing Programme that will benefit all manufacturers and providers of canoeing equipment from recreational canoeing to elite competition level.

The ICF Official Equipment Licensing Programme aims to certify that canoeing equipment is of the highest standard and to recognise the best materials and products in terms of safety, quality, performance and design. As the International Federation for canoeing the endorsement of the product by the ICF will be recognised worldwide giving guidance and assurance to customers looking to purchase quality products for canoeing.

Frank Garner the ICF’s Canoe Sprint Chair stated that “the ICF's Official Licensing programme will bring a consistency of quality products to our sport. We must be assured that our athletes and teams have the guarantee and confidence that they are receiving the best quality equipment available in the world today.”

The programme is designed to protect the manufacturers that promote and help develop canoeing worldwide. There is the potential that new technologies and designs are copied resulting in the initial investment being lost from innovative companies and the ICF would like to ensure the most upstanding canoeing producers are protected.

In addition, the ICF will allow companies that reach the required standards to use the ICF logo and be an ‘ICF Official Licensed Provider’ for commercial purposes and promotion of their products.

“About 5 years ago, I suggested that the ICF should have its own certification system for boats and equipment. We decided to finally move forward after the 2008 ICF Congress in Rome approved the idea. The ICF met with boat suppliers and received very positive feedback about this idea. I’m really excited for the ICF to launch this important programme.” said the ICF President Jose Perurena.

Ultimately all equipment at ICF events will be licensed products of the highest quality ensuring the best racing conditions whilst maintaining safety standards suitable for canoeing. The programme will commence with competition boats, paddles and starting systems but will be opened to helmets, life vests and other canoeing accessories as well as equipment for recreational canoeing.

The main advantage for the manufacturers is that the ICF recognises the importance of these companies for canoeing and the quality of products they produce. The ICF also wants to listen to the manufacturers by creating a commission for producers to discuss ideas, issues and future direction for canoeing equipment to help formulate the future direction of the sport.