Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to select, set up, operate and maintain a range of communications systems and equipment. The individual will be responsible for inspecting the communications equipment prior to deployment and once in location, establishing and maintaining communications. Compliance with radiotelephone procedure, including authentication procedures, is an essential part of the competency. The unit also covers the ability to manage contingencies such as lost communications, jamming and interference, and implementing the necessary protocols to maintain or re-establish communications.

Competency in this unit will usually be demonstrated in field conditions  under supervision. However, competence in establishing, operating and maintaining communications equipment must be demonstrated by the individual.

Application of the Unit 

The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit /s 

BSBCMN311A Maintain workplace safety

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Use communications systems and equipment 

1.1 Communication equipment  appropriate to the task is selected, inspected, tested and faults are reported in accordance with standard procedures 

1.2 Communication equipment is set up and operated safely using authorised radio telephone procedure  in accordance with standard procedures

1.3 Appropriate communication systems are utilised to facilitate the transmission and reception of voice and data

2. Transmit and receive communications 

2.1 Information is transmitted in accordance with standard procedures

2.2 Contact is acknowledged, communication is confirmed and action is taken as required in accordance with standard procedures

2.3 Communication faults and deficiencies are managed and alternative communication strategies  are utilised in accordance with standard procedures

2.4 Communications are processed and recorded in accordance with standard procedures

3. Maintain communications equipment 

3.1 Fault finding techniques are applied and basic maintenance and routine servicing is conducted in accordance with standard procedures

3.2 Faulty equipment is identified, noted for repair and documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• operate current radio equipment, including secure equipment
• utilise communication systems
• use radio telephone procedure, including codes
• employ alternative communications strategies
• clean and service communication equipment
• report communication faults and deficiencies
• follow instructions/directives and report information
• read and implement written or verbal orders and procedures

Required Knowledge 

• range of communication equipment and accessories available
• communications protocols, policy and procedures relevant to the operation of communication equipment
• radio telephone procedure, including the use of codes
• principles of teamwork and teams aims and objectives
• composition of teams and roles and responsibility of team members

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Assessment must confirm the ability to set up and operate selected items of communications equipment, utilise correct radio telephone procedure and maintain communications using alternative strategies when contact is lost.

Assessment should also confirm the ability to:

• inspect and test communications equipment
• set up equipment and establish communications
• use radio telephone procedure
• apply fault finding techniques
• employ alternative communication strategies

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of communications activities conducted over an extended time frame to provide the operating and field conditions described in the Range Statement. The individual should operate a range of equipment and deal with contingencies in a number of contexts over an extended period

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed under field conditions. Evidence should be gathered by observing the individual completing a number of communication tasks using a range of communications equipment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to:

• communications equipment and accessories relevant to the task
• training area with a range of terrain and vegetation.

Guidance information for assessment 

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Field conditions may include 

A range of terrain, soil and vegetation

Under all weather conditions

By day or night and under illumination

Communications systems may include 

Networks

Communication protocols

Geographical information systems

Communication equipment may include 

Personal computers and modems

HF, VHF and UHF communications systems, accessories and equipment

Facsimile machines

Mobile telephones

Landline and satellite telephones

Pagers

Specialised communications equipment used in search tasks

Secure and insecure systems

Man-pack and vehicle mounted configurations

A range of antennas

Standard procedures and instructions refer to 

Written and verbal orders and instructions

Procedures manuals, job guides, communications pamphlets and other publications

Manufacturer's handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

Communications protocols, policy and procedures

Radio telephone procedure may include 

Phonetic alphabet

Voice procedure

Call signs

Use of abbreviations

Emergency procedures

Use of codes

Submission of routine reports and returns

Alternative communication strategies may include 

Transmitting on another band or frequency

Changing frequencies

Changing aerials

Changing equipment

Use of landline

Use of remote devices and radio relay

Co-requisite Unit /s 

Nil