Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

2

DEF12V2

Layout adjusted. No changes to content.

1

DEF12V1

Primary release.

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 Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare resources for erection of the shelter 

1.1 Threat to personal survival posed by the elements is identified and natural features are used to provide immediate protection in order to conduct survival planning

1.2 Survival shelter's siting is optimised for protection from the elements and to minimise hazards  to the survivalist, taking advantage, where possible, of existing natural resources

1.3 Survival shelter resources  are collected, maximising shelter strength and protection while minimising the physical effort to obtain

2. Construct survival shelter 

2.1 Traditional two -ply string is constructed  for use in binding and securing

2.2 Survival shelter's framework is established  taking maximum advantage of the strength of natural junction points such as forks

2.3 Survival shelter is protected from wind and rain 

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

Required Skills 

• tie knots and lashes

Required Knowledge 

• priorities of survival (shelter, water, food, warmth)
• threat to survival from elements (wind, rain, sun)

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to construct a shelter capable of withstanding a vertical or horizontal loading to the framework of 300N (roughly equivalent to an adult leaning at not more than 10 degrees from the vertical):

• that repels all water when 20 litres is poured along the top/leading edge of the structure to simulate rain
• whose tiling and thatching remains adhered to the shelter under wind conditions of Beaufort Scale 4 (11-16 knots).

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated constructing at least two shelters.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency must be assessed in a simulated workplace environment.

While a person can demonstrate the technical ability to construct and maintain a shelter, doing so in a survival situation is crucial; consequently it is strongly recommended that holistic assessment be conducted with other associated survival units.

Assessment under simulated survival conditions should include:

• food restrictions (food should be restricted to half the recommended daily caloric intake)
• the absence of normal living conditions and amenities such as showers, beds and bedding (warmth to be provided by fire), kitchens etc. with the attendant levels of personal discomfort and fatigue•
• a significant period of time - the recommendation is four days.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to a suitable survival area which is remote and has suitable natural resources and natural features; and a knife.

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.

Natural features  may include:

• Caves/rock scoops
• Embankments
• Hollow logs
• Trees

Natural resources  may include:

• Bark
• Grass
• Timber

Hazards  may include:

• Animal pads
• Deadfall
• Exposure to wind, rain, sun
• Flood
• Insects
• Lightning

Survival shelter resources  may include:

• Binding materials
• Framing materials (e.g. live tree trunks and branches, fallen limbs)
• Roofing and siding materials (bark shingles, grass bundles, large leafs e.g. 15+ cm diameter)

Constructing traditional two-ply string  may include:

• Associated fibrous material
• Bark

Establishing survival shelter's framework  includes:

• Using and binding with improvised cordage such as:
• animal skins/gut
• bark strips
• reeds and grasses
• traditional two-ply string

Protecting the survival shelter from wind and rain  includes using:

• Shingling (bark sections and large leaves) for roofing and siding
• Thatching (bound grass and bundled grass) for roofing and siding