Unit of competency details

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to those who are working as bushwalking guides in natural landscapes with no modifications made to the natural surface.

This unit may also apply to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Plan a bushwalk.

1.1. Identify and plan food and water requirements  according to principles of nutrition  and the duration of the walk .

1.2. Address perishability of various foods, packaging and storage considerations when menu planning.

1.3. Identify and plan for emergency food and water requirements and identify the need for water purification.

1.4. Identify an appropriate activity location according to relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

1.5. Access relevant sources  to interpret detailed weather and environmental information  to determine activities.

1.6. Obtain and review appropriate map for the intended walk.

1.7. Identify potential hazards  and changing conditions  associated with the activity.

2. Select equipment.

2.1. Select equipment  according to contextual issues  and check to ensure that it is in good working condition.

2.2. Adjust and fit equipment to ensure comfort and safety according to organisational policies and procedures.

2.3. Ensure pack weight is appropriate to body weight and level of fitness.

2.4. Select personal clothing and footwear according to design and or construction features appropriate for the terrain and conditions.

3. Apply advanced bushwalking skills.

3.1. Adopt appropriate posture when lifting and carrying backpack.

3.2. Approach obstacles  and hazards in a safe manner and minimise risks  to self and group where possible.

3.3. Apply ascending techniques  and descending techniques  on slopes.

3.4. Maintain an appropriate walking rhythm  and pace according to conditions.

3.5. Follow a route in unmodified landscapes , demonstrating use of navigation aids .

3.6. Apply river crossing methods  according to the situation, where required.

4. Evaluate the bushwalk.

4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects  of the walk.

4.2. Identify improvements for future walks.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• literacy skills to:

• read and interpret maps
• follow written instructions and procedures
• analyse weather and environmental information

• planning and organising skills to select an appropriate activity location and equipment for bushwalks greater than two day's duration
• communication skills to interact with other participants to maintain a positive and safe environment
• numeracy skills to navigate and follow a route using a map and compass in a broad range of areas and conditions
• problem-solving skills to:

• deal with unforeseen circumstances
• cross rivers in a safe manner, where required

• survival skills to keep warm and sheltered in the case of extreme environmental conditions and or loss of equipment
• minimal impact camping skills to use lightweight, portable equipment
• first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge 

• legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all bushwalking activities
• minimal impact camping and walking codes to ensure protection of environment
• equipment types, characteristics and technology used for bushwalking, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment
• packing and maintenance techniques before, during and after the activity to protect personal and group equipment and ensure prolonged life
• pack handling, packing and lifting techniques to prevent or avoid injury
• pack hauling techniques should it be necessary to lift packs vertically to navigate a vertical hazard
• clothing requirements for outdoor activities and factors affecting appropriate clothing selection, such as layering and protective clothing
• footwear types, the advantages and disadvantages of different footwear, and factors affecting appropriate selection for the anticipated track conditions
• principles of nutrition to maintain health during activity
• sources of food and water in emergency situations to maintain health for prolonged periods in an emergency situation outdoors
• navigation in a broad range of unmodified areas and conditions to determine location, direction and potential hazards with no supervision and in a broad range of visibility circumstances
• weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity including life threatening conditions
• selection of tie-off points and anchors when using handlines to assist on steep terrain
• track signage standards, such as the current Australian Standard, to determine the suitability of the track to skill levels
• emergency procedures and potential hazards relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

• applies relevant processes to plan equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the bushwalk
• demonstrates advanced bushwalking techniques and safety practices, such as ascending and descending techniques, navigation and river crossing skills where required
• adapts to contingencies that may arise during the walk, such as change in weather conditions, and makes appropriate adjustments in response to these
• evaluates and reflects on own bushwalking performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple bushwalking activities in unmodified landscapes that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• resources and information, such as maps and meteorological data, to plan for the bushwalk
• a suitable outdoor location with landscapes that are unmodified so that track alignment is indistinct with no clearance or signage. The track will not be managed for public risk and the onset of extreme environmental conditions may have a significant adverse impact upon the bushwalk
• bushwalking, navigation, river crossing and safety equipment.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of the planning and review process
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of bushwalking activities
• observation of safe participation and demonstration of advanced bushwalking skills
• observation of dealing with contingencies, such as changing weather conditions
• review of plan for the bushwalk
• written and or verbal self evaluation
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• SISOOP303A Interpret weather conditions in the field
• SISOBWG404A Apply river crossing skills.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Food and water requirements  may include:

• menu planning and preparation
• range of foods
• emergency food and water.

Principles of nutrition  may include:

• food groups
• dietary guidelines
• essential nutrients
• individual food requirements and allergies.

Duration of the walk  may include:

• one day
• multiple days

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations.

Organisational procedures  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• emergency procedures
• equipment use and maintenance
• communication protocols
• code of ethics.

Relevant sources  may include:

• Bureau of Meteorology
• media
• land managers or agencies
• local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information  may include:

• satellite images
• daily and weekly forecasts
• maximum and minimum temperatures
• weather warnings
• event warnings
• river levels
• synoptic charts
• high and low tide predictions

Hazards  may include:

• temperature extremes
• slippery or unstable terrain
• dangerous animals and insects
• stinging trees and nettles
• dense vegetation
• group management hazards.

Changing conditions  may include:

• weather
• equipment failure
• injuries.

Equipment  may include:

• bushwalking equipment
• navigation equipment
• river crossing equipment
• safety and first aid equipment
• overnight equipment.

Contextual issues  may include:

• weather conditions, including times
• season
• transport
• location
• trip distance and duration
• group objectives
• group size.

Obstacles  may include:

• rivers
• logs
• rocks
• gullies
• exposed areas.

Risks  may include:

• hypothermia
• heat exhaustion
• injuries
• exhaustion
• lost party or party member
• equipment failure.

Ascending techniques  may include:

• zig-zagging
• placing feet down flat with a deliberate step
• resting heels on any available projections
• using walking aids and ropes as handlines.

Descending techniques  may include:

• placing toes against projections to avoid overstriding
• avoiding placing feet down heavily
• using flat-footed or stiff-heeled technique
• using walking aids and ropes as handlines.

Walking rhythm  may include:

• maintaining same speed of pace
• keeping hands free
• allowing natural body swing
• avoiding jerky movements or springing.

Unmodified landscapes  may include:

• bushland
• arid areas
• alpine areas
• rainforest
• those that align to Class 6 tracks within the Australian Standard for Walking Tracks.

Navigation aids  may include:

• maps
• compass.

River crossing method  may include:

• individual without aid
• individual with a pole
• mutual support using linked arms, a circle or pole
• swimming, using pack as a float.

Relevant aspects  may include:

• objectives
• planning process
• activity site
• weather
• equipment selection
• clothing selection
• food selection
• instructional content
• instructional technique
• assessment technique
• group feedback
• directing techniques
• rescue techniques employed.