Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to participate in a canoeing activity under supervision. This unit focuses on the demonstration of canoeing skills, such as the ability to control and manoeuvre a canoe in controlled conditions.

No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to those working as assistant river canoeing instructors or support staff under supervision in a range of controlled conditions.

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

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan for a canoeing activity.

1.1. Identify food and water requirements  according to principles of nutrition  and the conditions of the activity .

1.2. Identify an appropriate activity site  according to relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

1.3. Access relevant sources  to interpret weather and environmental information .

1.4. Identify possible hazards  associated with the activity and minimise risks  as advised by the supervisor.

2. Select equipment.

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

2.2. Fit and adjust equipment to ensure comfort, safety and suitability to the participant and canoe.

2.3. Select personal clothing for the activity and identify the design and or construction features that make it appropriate.

2.4. Waterproof and pack equipment that is not required on hand and stow or fasten in a suitable manner.

2.5. Prepare equipment, where required, for safe transportation to activity location.

3. Apply control and manoeuvring techniques.

3.1. Embark and disembark the canoe while maintaining stability.

3.2. Direct the canoe in a controlled manner.

3.3. Demonstrate a range of basic canoe strokes 

3.4. Apply efficient paddling technique  to minimise injury while directing the canoe.

4. Apply capsize procedures.

4.1. Exit the canoe in a controlled manner, and recover paddles and other equipment, following a capsize.

4.2. Manoeuvre the upturned canoe to shore or to rescue craft and empty out water, with assistance if required.

4.3. Demonstrate deep water re-entry techniques or take the canoe ashore.

5. Secure canoe.

5.1. Apply methods to secure the canoe to the bank, shore or jetty.

5.2. Secure the canoe, where appropriate, for road transport using suitable methods.

6. Evaluate the canoeing activity

6.1. Evaluate relevant aspects  of the canoeing activity

6.2. Identify improvements for future canoeing experiences.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• teamwork skills to work with others to lift, carry and secure canoes
• communication skills to interact with supervisor, other participants and rescue crew to maintain a positive and safe environment
• listening skills to follow instructions and directions from the supervisor and rescue crew
• planning and organising skills to select and allocate canoeing equipment and site
• swimming skills to swim 50 metres while clothed and wearing a personal flotation device type 2 approved to relevant Australian and or International Standards
• 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 the safe conduct of all canoeing activities
• types of craft and equipment, characteristics and technology used for canoeing, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of craft and equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection
• clothing requirements for canoeing, such as wet weather gear to maintain warmth and dryness or sun protection to minimise sunburn and heat stroke
• importance of a personal flotation device in keeping a person afloat and their head above water
• stroke and directing techniques to control and manoeuvre the canoe
• principles of nutrition to maintain health during activity
• basic weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity
• river features, such as currents and banks, and how these might impact on the canoeing experience
• purpose and importance of safety features of craft
• emergency and rescue procedures appropriate for the craft and location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 process to plan equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the canoeing activity
• demonstrates control and manoeuvring techniques, such as maintaining sufficient blade angle throughout stroke to direct the canoe
• applies capsizing technique and follows rescue procedures to prepare for emergency situations
• seeks advice and feedback from leader to improve skills and ensure safety of self and others
• evaluates and reflects on own canoeing performance to identify strengths and weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple canoeing activities in controlled conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• resources and information, such as weather sources, to plan and select equipment for the canoeing activity
• a suitable body of water, such as a river or lake with sheltered calm waters, minimal wind and water flow, and easy access to shore
• a qualified leader or supervisor
• canoeing and safety and rescue 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:

• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all canoeing activities
• observation of safe participation and demonstration of canoeing skills
• written 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:

• SISOOPS201A Minimise environmental impact.

Guidance information for assessment 

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, 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.

Principles of nutrition  may include:

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

Conditions  may include:

• sheltered calm waters
• flat and undemanding water
• minimal wind
• ease of access to shore
• minimal flow of water.

Activity site  may include:

• rivers
• lakes.

Relevant legislation  may include:

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

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

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

Relevant sources  may include:

• Bureau of Meteorology
• media
• land managers or agencies
• coastal patrol or coastguard
• volunteer marine rescue
• 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
• slippery or unstable shore
• poor posture, poor technique
• loose or insecure craft with being transported
• other craft.

Risks  may include:

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

Craft  may include:

• C1 craft
• C2 craft

Equipment  may include:

• personal flotation device (PFD)
• paddle
• spray deck
• wet suit and wet weather gear
• ropes or tie down straps
• safety and first aid equipment.

Contextual issues  may include:

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

Basic canoe strokes  may include:

• forward and reverse
• J
• sweep
• draw
• support.

Paddling technique  may include:

• use of trunk rotation
• correct posture
• use of leg drive
• hand placement on paddle
• blade placement in water
• blade depth in water
• paddle blade angle throughout stroke
• paddle entry and exit points
• movement of top hand through the stroke
• lean or edge of the craft
• smooth transfer between different strokes
• edging or leaning.

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.

Unit sector 

Outdoor Recreation

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Canoeing