All good points. At one time we used to ask that paddlers know how to do a wet exit. Lets face it, it's the no.1 first skill taught and necessary for anybody with a spray skirt on.

Here's trip ratings from a newsletter in 2000

Our trips range from Novice to Intermediate and usually fall in between the two with expert trips being offered and screened by those who run them. The rating categories describe the basic standards and will be designated on trip listings. As you know, trips can change dramatically due to conditions.
(N) Novice: Paddler knows how to get in and out of their boat without falling in and can do a "wet exit", paddle in a straight line and knows what a channel marker is. On ConnYak trips, novice paddlers are expected to be able to keep up with the leisurely group pace or will be turned back.
(I) Intermediate: Fully capable of self rescue, confident paddling stroke, can turn 360 degrees in a 15 knot beam wind and is capable and comfortable doing high and low braces in seas up to 3 ft.
(E) Expert: A dependable roll, able to rescue others, able to land and launch in a 3 foot surf, paddle in a 30 knot beam wind, able to hold a straight course and turn 360 degrees, can sustain a 3 knot (3 1/2 miles per hour) speed for a period of three hours with minimal rest periods and understands paddling in various sea & wind conditions.