Modification History
Not Applicable
Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to guide participants on vertical multi pitch caving trips. This unit focuses on the application of planning skills to make suitable arrangements to safely guide groups on caving trips in caves with multi pitch vertical sections.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to caving adventure guides who are responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating vertical multi pitch caving trips for groups of participants.
This unit also applies to outdoor recreation leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Pre-Requisites
SISOCVE409A Rig ladders in complex situations
SISOCVE410A Rig a complex pitch using caving specific techniques
SISOCVE411A Apply vertical caving skills
SISOCVE412A Rig multi pitches in complex vertical cave systems
SISOCVE413A Navigate in untrogged caves
SISOVTR402A Perform complex vertical rescues
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements and Performance Criteria
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 vertical multi pitch caving trip. |
1.1. Conduct relevant assessments to determine the condition of participants . 1.2. Develop a trip plan according to participant's needs, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures . 1.3. Select an appropriate cave for the trip according to participant's abilities, trip objectives , relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 1.4. Determine most appropriate belay system according to participant's abilities and conditions at the site. 1.5. Identify hazards associated with vertical caving and minimise risks to ensure personal safety of participants. 1.6. Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather information to determine trip plan. 1.7. Determine food and water requirements and contextual issues of the trip. 1.8. Obtain permits or permission for access where required, and inform appropriate authorities before commencing the caving trip. |
2. Select equipment for the group. |
2.1. Select caving equipment according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures, and check serviceability. 2.2. Assess equipment for safety and suitability and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort. 2.3. Check safety and rescue equipment to ensure suitability to the group and the cave. |
3. Brief participants. |
3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information about the vertical caving trip in a manner suitable to the participants. 3.2. Outline logistical details, minimal impact and safety procedures for the trip. 3.3. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use throughout caving trip. 3.4. Demonstrate abseiling and or laddering and belaying techniques. 3.5. Outline procedures for inversion and entrapment. 3.6. Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the trip. |
4. Lead vertical multi pitch caving trip. |
4.1. Evaluate caving conditions and provide direction and advice to group during the trip. 4.2. Establish safe areas and safety lines where necessary. 4.3. Establish anchors, abseiling ropes or caving ladders and belay ropes, if applicable, ensuring ropes or ladders are positioned correctly for the proposed descent or ascent. 4.4. Demonstrate vertical multi pitch caving techniques, where required, to negotiate features of cave. 4.5. Monitor individual and group progress, including abseiling or laddering and belaying techniques, and provide appropriate feedback throughout. 4.6. Identify potential hazards and determine how they can be overcome or avoided. 4.7. Implement appropriate modifications to trip in regard to all variable factors that are monitored. |
5. Complete post-trip responsibilities. |
5.1. Notify relevant authorities of trip completion. 5.2. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 5.3. Evaluate relevant aspects of caving trip. 5.4. Identify potential areas of improvement for future vertical caving trips. 5.5. Review own performance and identify potential improvements. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
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Required knowledge |
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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. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the following is essential:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure the safe guiding of groups on vertical multi pitch caving trips in locations that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance. Assessment must also ensure access to:
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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:
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended |
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. |
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Condition of participants may include: |
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Plan may include: |
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Relevant legislation may include: |
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Organisational policies and procedures may include: |
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Trip objectives may include: |
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Belay systems may include: |
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Hazards may include: |
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Risks may include: |
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Relevant sources may include: |
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Weather information may include: |
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Food and water requirements may include: |
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Contextual issues may include: |
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Equipment may include: |
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Relevant information may include: |
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Safety procedures may include: |
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Variable factors may include: |
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Relevant aspects may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Outdoor Recreation
Competency Field
Caving