Unit of competency details

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. Assess the situation.

1.1. Identify and negotiate hazards  and risks  to self, other members of the group and capsized person or persons.

1.2. Determine most appropriate rescue method  to use according to situational variances , relevant legislation , and organisational policies and procedures .

1.3. Select equipment  and human resources available to perform a rescue according to organisational policies and procedures.

2. Demonstrate rescue procedures.

2.1. Deliver concise directions to the capsized person or persons and any others assisting in the rescue.

2.2. Manoeuvre rescue craft  into a suitable position to enable a safe rescue.

2.3. Perform rescue in a safe manner according to situation, conditions and organisational policies and procedures.

2.4. Assist the rescuee back into their craft as required.

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

Required skills 

• problem-solving skills to:

• assess the situation and conditions
• select an appropriate rescue method

• communication skills to deliver clear, concise directions to the capsized person and any other assistants involved with the rescue
• water reading skills such as direction and speed of flow, currents, eddies and other hydrological features, to assist in a safe deep water rescue
• paddling skills to safely manoeuvre craft close to capsized person or persons
• 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 deep water rescue activities
• hydrology and river grading systems to understand how rivers work to enable safe deep water rescues
• sea features such as currents, waves and tides and how these might impact on the deep water rescue
• common hazards and risks associated with sea and river craft activities and how to negotiate these
• rescue procedures suitable to the deep water conditions and experience of the participant
• rescue equipment commonly used in deep water rescues
• first aid knowledge appropriate to location and level of responsibility.

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:

• identifies hazards and risks associated with deep water rescues and applies knowledge of water systems to select a suitable rescue method
• demonstrates suitable craft position and rescue techniques suitable to the conditions
• adapts to problems or issues that may arise during deep water rescues, such as change in current and or weather conditions, and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure safety of self and others.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure participation in rescues in deep water locations that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• suitable deep water locations
• rescuees
• crafts, paddles, first aid 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 apply safe rescues
• observation of hazard and risk assessment before performing deep water rescue
• observation of performing deep water rescues and dealing with contingencies such as changing conditions
• 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:

• SISOCNE303A Apply canoeing 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.

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
• poor carrying techniques
• loose or insecure craft when being transported.
• other craft.

Risks  may include:

• hypothermia
• heat exhaustion
• exhaustion
• lost party or party member
• equipment failure.drowning
• water immersion
• injury
• entrapment
• loss of equipment or person or persons downstream.

Rescue method  may include:

• X rescue
• Swimmer Assisted Rescue
• Wedge Rescue
• flip and pump in sea kayaking
• bow or paddle rescues
• deck carries
• tows.

Situational variances  may include:

• paddling abilities of the group
• conditions
• water and air temperature
• number of potential rescuers
• number of potential rescuees.

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
• group management procedures
• emergency procedures
• code of ethics.

Equipment  may include:

• other craft
• paddles
• first aid equipment
• rescue equipment.

Craft  may include:

• canoes
• kayaks
• rafts.