Modification History
Not Applicable
Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to collect information from a weather map, make forecasts, and record and interpret weather and environmental information in the field in order to assess the impact of weather on outdoor recreation activities.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to those working autonomously, or under minimal supervision in various outdoor environments who are responsible for collecting and interpreting weather and environmental information before and during outdoor activities.
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.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Pre-Requisites
Nil
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. Interpret information from a weather map. |
1.1. Identify characteristics of map types and their different uses. 1.2. Identify weather map symbols and associated weather and environmental conditions. 1.3. Outline and justify a weather prediction for a 48 hour period for a specific region using information gained from weather maps and forecasts. |
2. Collect and record weather and environmental information in a specific region. |
2.1. Identify sources of relevant weather and environmental information 2.2. Identify major cloud types and altitude level. 2.3. Collect weather and environmental information at regular intervals for a specific area over five days. 2.4. Record weather data and identify patterns . 2.5. Compare and identify the differences between current weather conditions and a current weather forecast. 2.6. Identify the possible effects of landforms on weather conditions. 2.7. Identify and explain season variations in weather patterns for a specific area. 2.8. Outline differences between large scale and localised weather conditions for a specific area. |
3. Interpret weather and environmental information for outdoor activities at a specific location. |
3.1. Determine the suitability and limitations of the activity in relation to the current local weather conditions and forecast. 3.2. Identify strategies to ensure the safety and well being of individuals and or group in weather conditions according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures . 3.3. Identify weather conditions commonly associated with the onset of life threatening weather hazards . 3.4. Identify characteristics of life threatening weather hazards and their possible impact on recreational activities. 3.5. Respond appropriately to life threatening weather hazards to ensure safety of participants |
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 interpretation of weather signs in a variety of weather conditions in outdoor locations 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, for example:
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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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Map types may include: |
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Symbols may include: |
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Information may include: |
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Weather and environmental information may include : |
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Cloud types may include: |
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Data may include: |
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Patterns may include: |
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Conditions may include: |
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Landforms may include: |
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Limitations may include: |
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Relevant legislation may include: |
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Organisational policies and procedures may include: |
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Life threatening weather hazards may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Outdoor Recreation
Competency Field
Field Operations