Unit of competency

Modification History

Not applicable.

Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to navigate in environments which can include tracks or inland rivers according to planned routes.

The unit provides skills to navigate in environments where tracks or inland rivers, natural and constructed features are reliably marked on maps. Tracks are distinct, have signage, with route markers at intersections and where the track may become less distinct. Land based tracks could be graded according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System and might include features of grades 2 to 3.

This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.

It applies to leaders, guides or instructors, who use these skills when leading participants during activities where navigation skills are required.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Competency Field

Field Operations

Unit Sector

Outdoor Recreation

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

Unit Mapping Information

No equivalent unit.

Links

Companion Volume Implementation Guides - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=1ca50016-24d2-4161-a044-d3faa200268b

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Not applicable.

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:

• according to predetermined routes in activity plans, navigate three different planned routes
• across the three navigation activities, collectively use these navigation techniques:

• determining location using map, natural features, constructed objects and distance travelled, confirming grid reference
• collecting features
• catch points

• determine one minor adjustment to route in the field and navigate the changed route using a map and compass.

Knowledge Evidence

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

• trusted sources of maps for the region or locality
• different technologies used to access maps
• characteristics of different map types, their different uses and advantages and disadvantages:

• paper based and digital
• sketch maps and diagrams
• guide book maps
• charts
• topographic

• information found on maps including symbols and what they represent:

• survey or edition date
• map legend
• scale and distance
• grid lines and numbers
• cardinal points and bearings
• contour lines, altitude and water depth
• topographic features
• markers, beacons and buoyage
• gradient
• roads, tracks and waterways

• principal colours used on maps and what they represent
• features of a basic compass and factors which affect accuracy
• map and compass techniques used to:

• orientate map to surroundings
• maintain a designated course
• identify unfamiliar features
• make minor adjustments to routes

• the following navigation techniques at a basic level of understanding:

• determining location using map, natural features, constructed objects and distance travelled
• collecting features
• catch points

• types of navigation aids found in the field and how these can assist with navigation:

• track markers, signs and arrows
• track and creek junctions and crossings
• survey markers
• cairns
• natural features and constructed objects.

Assessment Conditions

Navigation skills must be demonstrated in a setting where outdoor recreation activities are delivered in tracked or inland river environments. The environment must feature the following:

• tracks or inland rivers, natural and constructed features are reliably marked on maps
• any tracks utilised are distinct, have signage, with route markers at intersections and where the track becomes less distinct.

If in an alpine region, assessment can only be completed in weather conditions where no or minimal snow is present and visibility is clear.

The following resources must be available to replicate industry conditions of operation:

• first aid equipment
• communication equipment for emergency response.

Assessment must ensure use of:

• maps relevant to the land or river based environment
• compasses
• activity plans to include details of the planned route.

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations requirements for assessors, and:

• have a collective period of at least three years’ experience with an organisation providing recreational programs where they have applied the skills and knowledge covered in this unit of competency; the three years’ experience can incorporate full and or part time experience.

Links

Companion Volume Implementation Guides - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=1ca50016-24d2-4161-a044-d3faa200268b