Unit of competency details

Release 

TP version 

Comments 

2

PUA12 V1

Layout adjusted.

1

PUA00 V8.1

Primary release on TGA.

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. Determine current location, destination and resources 

1.1 Incident and task information  is obtained.

1.2 Relevant navigational maps  and navigation equipment  are gathered and checked.

1.3 Positional information and navigation techniques are applied to plot positions on a map and to determine current location and destination within accepted tolerances. 

2. Determine and plan a safe route 

2.1 Navigation plans are prepared according to organisational practices.

2.2 Maps, navigation techniques , map features , local and environmental conditions  are interpreted to determine and plan a safe and timely route.

2.3 Potential access restrictions  which may limit thoroughfare are identified and arrangements are made to gain access in accordance with organisational policies, practices and regulatory requirements.

3. Navigate to destination 

3.1 Navigation plans and navigation aids are used to maintain compliance with planned route.

3.2 Indicated route is communicated  and followed as required.

3.3 Current location is regularly verified within accepted tolerances.

3.4 Route is modified to address prevailing conditions and, if required, alternate route strategies  are initiated.

3.5 Unanticipated access difficulties are reported in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

3.6 En route and arrival reporting information is communicated using communications systems  as required, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

4. Complete post navigational activities 

4.1 Reporting requirements  are completed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

4.2 Navigational equipment and aids are recovered, reset, updated, serviced and stored according to operational standards and manufacturer's specifications.

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

Required Skills 

• communicate verbally
• identify natural and cultural features for transport modes
• solve problems
• use maps and navigation aids

Required Knowledge 

• cartographic symbols and legends
• grid/magnetic conversion
• map and chart types
• methods for determining current location
• organisational policies and procedures (such as relevant legislation; operational, corporate and strategic plans; operational performance standards; operational policies and procedures; organisational personnel and occupational health and safety practices and guidelines; organisational quality standards; organisation's approach to environmental management and sustainability)
• route planning techniques and calculations

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• plot a navigation route accurately and within accepted tolerances when following a route
• maintain positional awareness
• react effectively to changes in the operating environment that require re-planning of a course
• demonstrating navigation to an incident in urban and/or rural locations.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in an actual incident, exercise or simulation or series of tasks required to demonstrate competence including demonstrating navigation to an incident in urban and/or rural locations.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• equipment used in operational navigation

Method of assessment 

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions

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.

Incident and task information  may include:

• Areas of probability
• Data gathering
• En route and arrival information
• Establishing radii
• Flood height predictions
• Nature of incident
• Plotting fire fronts
• Rates of fire line constructions
• Search operation

Navigational maps  may include:

• Aerial photographs
• Cadastral maps
• Emergency service maps
• Local authority maps
• Navigational charts
• Satellite imagery
• Street directories
• Topographic maps

Navigation equipment  may include:

• Area plotters
• Communications equipment
• Computers
• Geographical information systems (GIS)
• Global positioning systems (GPS)
• Magnetic compasses
• Protractors
• Romers
• Scale rules
• Watch/stopwatch
• Writing equipment

Accepted tolerances  may include:

• Prevailing weather and environmental conditions
• Relating the margin of error allowable as determined by the nature of the task/incident terrain

Navigation techniques  may include:

• Bearings and back bearings
• Defining or plotting incident location
• Delineation of search areas
• Grid and latitude/longitude conversions
• Identifying features
• Magnetic conversions
• Planning access and egress routes
• Plotting and calculation of areas subject to hazard impact such as flood inundation, fire damage
• Resection and triangulation
• Route-time calculations

Map features  include:

• Cartographic symbols and legends
• Contour intervals
• Contours
• Cultural information
• Date of map
• Datum information
• Eastings and northings
• Grid references
• Hill shading
• Latitude and longitude
• Legend
• Magnetic variation
• North point/s
• Scale
• Transport routes
• Vegetation types

Environmental conditions  may include:

• Atmospheric conditions
• Fire
• Flood
• Hazardous goods and dangerous materials
• Need to match transportation mode to terrain
• Road conditions including vehicle height and/or width clearance requirements
• Seasonal factors such as snow, ice extreme heat
• Storm damage
• Time of day

Potential access restrictions m ay include:

• Agency and regulatory requirements
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sacred sites
• Hazardous areas
• Military areas
• Other areas of cultural significance
• Other areas requiring permission and/or authorisation to enter
• Seasonal factors
• Wilderness areas

Communicating indicated route  may include:

• Hand signals
• Verbal instructions
• Written instructions

Alternate route strategies  may include:

• Lost procedures
• Use of additional/alternate vehicles

Communications systems  may include:

• Intercom system
• Internet based systems
• Radio system
• Telephone systems

Reporting requirements  may include:

• Completion of organisational documentation
• Input to debriefs
• Journal records
• Pre-departure briefing
• Situational reports