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. Plan a canoeing trip.

1.1. Conduct relevant assessments to determine the condition of participants .

1.2. Develop a trip plan , according to relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures , to meet participant's needs.

1.3. Select a location that is suitable for participants and meets trip objectives , relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Identify hazards  associated with canoeing on Grade 2 water  and manage risks  to ensure personal safety of participants.

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

1.6. Determine food and water requirements  according to principles of nutrition  and contextual issues  of the trip.

1.7. Inform appropriate authorities  before and after commencing the canoeing trip.

2. Select equipment for the group.

2.1. Select canoes  and equipment  according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures, and check serviceability.

2.2. Assess canoes and equipment for safety and suitability, and adjust and fit according to manufacturer's specifications.

2.3. Check safety and rescue equipment to ensure suitability to the group and planned trip.

2.4. Waterproof, pack and fasten equipment that is not required on hand and prepare canoe for transportation if required.

3. Brief participants.

3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information  about the canoeing trip in a manner suitable to the participants.

3.2. Demonstrate packing of a canoe, and canoeing techniques where required.

3.3. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while canoeing.

3.4. Outline safety procedures  and confirm that all participant equipment is fitted, adjusted and attached.

4. Lead the group and monitor progress.

4.1. Provide direction and advice to group while navigating.

4.2. Identify potential hazards and manage the risks throughout trip.

4.3. Monitor individual participant's performance and provide appropriate feedback.

4.4. Evaluate paddling pace and spacing between canoes throughout trip and alter accordingly.

4.5. Implement appropriate modifications to trip in regard to all variable factors  that are monitored.

4.6. Maintain effective communication throughout trip.

5. Select and maintain a temporary site as required.

5.1. Access local area knowledge and use it to identify a suitable temporary site  according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

5.2. Arrange shelter according to prevailing weather conditions and comfort and safety of group.

5.3. Maintain minimal impact to environment during overnight stay and return site to original standard on departure.

6. Complete post-trip responsibilities.

6.1. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.

6.2. Evaluate relevant aspects  of canoeing trip and identify areas requiring improvement.

6.3. Review own performance and identify required areas of personal improvement.

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• consult with participants to plan a canoeing trip that meets their needs
• convey information about the safety aspects of the trip
• interact with participants to create a safe and positive canoeing environment

• problem-solving skills to:

• make decisions affecting trip
• respond appropriately to non-routine situations
• manage the group effectively

• planning and organising skills to source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and a suitable body of Grade 2 water with easy access to land for possible overnight stay
• language and literacy skills to:

• produce plans for canoeing trips
• complete post-trip participant and self evaluations

• effective and efficient personal canoeing skills on Grade 2 water to demonstrate and explain canoeing techniques to participants
• swimming skills to remove self from danger after a capsize and to manoeuvre canoe while in paddling gear
• river reading skills, such as direction and speed of flow, currents, eddies and other hydrological features that may impact on paddling and safety
• navigation skills to lead a group on a planned canoeing trip along a certain route and to a chosen destination
• first aid and emergency response and rescue 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 activities
• minimal impact codes to enable protection of the environment
• international river grading system to understand conditions and appropriateness of the river to the level of participants
• information about local area to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential canoeing hazards, and any special restrictions applying to the area
• equipment types, characteristics and technology used for canoeing on Grade 2 water, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment
• clothing requirements for canoeing, such as wet weather gear to maintain warmth and sun protection to minimise sunburn and heat stroke
• care and maintenance of canoeing equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements
• waterproofing techniques used to keep equipment, that is not required on hand, dry during canoeing
• importance of a personal flotation device (PFD) in keeping a person afloat and their head above water
• stroke and capsizing techniques used on Grade 2 water
• hydrology and river features such as currents, banks, change in gradient and volume, and how these might impact on the canoeing experience
• swimming techniques to swim out of trouble and manoeuvre canoe while in water
• communication systems and signals used on rivers
• principles of nutrition to maintain health during canoeing
• setting up and removal of camping equipment, if required to stay overnight
• weather and environmental information to identify forecast conditions and their effect on the canoeing trip
• risks commonly experienced when canoeing on Grade 2 water and how to manage them
• emergency response and rescue procedures appropriate for canoeing, 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:

• plans within activity constraints and guides and monitors group in a safe and professional manner
• applies contingency management techniques to make adjustments to deal with a range of problems or variable factors that may arise during canoeing trips
• encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure the safe guiding of canoeing trips that are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• resources and information regarding participants and location to plan, guide and document canoeing trip
• Grade 2 water, suitable to participant groups
• a suitable overnight site, if required
• participants to take part in the canoeing trip
• a suitable and safe method of transport, if required to drive canoe to and from activity location
• canoeing and navigation 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 planning and guiding processes and interacting with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of canoeing trip
• observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure
• portfolio of canoeing trip plans
• 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:

• SISOWWR302A Perform white water rescues and recoveries
• SISOOPS201A Minimise environmental impact.
• SISOOPS204A Use and maintain a temporary overnight site

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.

Condition of participants  may include:

• previous experience
• physical development
• age
• injuries and illnesses.

Plan  may include:

• aims and objectives
• date, time and duration of trip
• location, equipment and resources
• guide and participant ratios
• safety requirements
• risk and contingency management plans.

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
• time and budget constraints
• use and maintenance of equipment
• communication protocols
• confidentiality of participant information
• guide and participant ratios
• emergency and safety procedures
• international river grading system
• camp fire regulations
• code of ethics.

Trip objectives  may include:

• self improvement
• meeting people
• fitness targets
• adventure and recreation.

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.

Grade 2 water  may include:

• rivers with moving water
• rapids with waves less than 1metre
• low ledges and drops, and easy eddies.

Risks  may include:

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

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.

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.

Contextual issues  may include:

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

Appropriate authorities  may include:

• waterways departments
• river rescue
• authorities
• supervisors.

Canoes  may include:

• C1 craft
• C2 craft

Equipment  may include:

• canoeing equipment
• safety, first aid and rescue equipment
• navigation equipment
• communication equipment
• repair equipment.

Relevant information  may include:

• safety procedures
• logistical details
• risk and hazard prevention and management
• canoeing techniques
• responsible and safe behaviour.

Safety procedures  may include:

• capsizing procedures
• boundaries
• symptoms, treatment and prevention of common canoeing risks
• communication systems
• use of safety and rescue equipment.

Variable factors  may include:

• change of weather and conditions
• equipment failure
• participant's needs.

Temporary site  may include:

• rest stops
• activity sites
• temporary or overnight shelter
• tent.

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.