Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to interpret road maps and navigate routes as part of transport operations. It includes identifying and determining the most appropriate route, and completing required route documentation in accordance with operational requirements. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Application of the Unit 

Work must be carried out in compliance with the regulations of the relevant state/territory roads and traffic authorities.

Work is performed under general or limited supervision. It involves the application of the basic map reading principles and procedures when interpreting street directories and road maps and following pre-determined routes as part of transport operations.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Identify and determine the pre-planned route 

1.1 Documentation on the pre-determined route is accessed and interpreted

1.2 Relevant street directory, global positioning system (GPS) and road maps are identified and accessed

1.3 Street directory , GPS and road map symbols are recognised and interpreted

1.4 Points of departure and destination are identified in a directory index and the information is used to locate designated places on the appropriate map

1.5 Directions for a pre-determined route are interpreted and the route is traced using a street directory, GPS and road map

1.6 Key intersections and other landmarks along the route are identified for use in following the planned route

1.7 Alternative routes are identified for possible contingency situations such as emergencies or traffic delays

1.8 Pre-determined route is correctly followed

2 Complete necessary documentation 

2.1 Required route documentation is completed in accordance with purpose of transportation and with workplace requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.

Required knowledge :

• Relevant state and territory permit and licence regulations and requirements

• Operational procedures for interpreting road maps, using GPS devices and navigating routes

• Road conditions for various routes, including sections undergoing road works

• Height, width and mass limitations of bridges, tunnels and other critical physical structures along a possible route

• Traffic conditions at various times of the day along specific routes

• Security hazards and issues (where relevant)

• Current information on accidents or emergencies that might close or restrict traffic on a particular route

• Location of service stations/rest stops where relevant

• Typical problems that may arise concerning the interpretation of road maps, the use of GPS devices and the navigation of pre-determined routes, and appropriate action that should be taken

• Workplace requirements for recording and documenting route information

Required skills :

• Communicate effectively with others when interpreting road maps, using GPS devices and navigating pre-determined routes

• Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to route navigation

• Identify and correctly use maps and other route documentation including: identification of town and suburb locations, identification of roads and intersections, reading and interpretation of map symbols, and estimation of route distances using map information

• Where applicable, use GPS devices to navigate pre-determined routes

• Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

• Complete documentation related to route navigation

• Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

• Where applicable work collaboratively with others (such as fleet managers, sales team etc.) when interpreting road maps, using GPS devices and navigating pre-determined routes

• Adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others

• Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems that may arise when interpreting road maps, using GPS devices and navigating pre-determined routes in accordance with workplace procedures

• Plan for alternative routes in the event of contingencies such as road works, emergencies or delays

• Plan own work including predicting consequences and identifying improvements

• Monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

• Modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

• Work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

• Operate and adapt to differences in equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

• The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of:

• applying the underpinning knowledge and skills
• applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• plotting a route from one destination to another relevant to the job role
• demonstrating the ability to navigate a pre-determined route

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
• Resources for assessment include:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
• access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

• In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

• relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment 

• As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate assessments using written/practical/oral assessments
• Practical assessment must occur:

• through activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and/or
• in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

• A simulator/online assessment is not suitable for the final assessment of this unit of competency

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.

This unit covers:

• work of transport and distribution personnel involved in the delivery of a range of possible goods and materials including valuables, secured products and documents and materials

Operations may be conducted:

• in a range of work environments and weather conditions
• by day or night

Customers may be:

• internal or external

Routes will be pre-determined but may include:

• alternative routes to accommodate contingency situations

Map areas may include:

• metropolitan areas
• country and regional areas
• interstate locations

Depending on the type of transport service being provided, consultative processes may involve:

• clients
• other employees and supervisors
• management
• other professional or technical staff
• private security personnel
• public sector security personnel
• police and other emergency services
• security consultants

Communication in the work area may include:

• mobile and fixed phones
• radio
• oral, aural or signed communications

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

• company procedures
• enterprise procedures
• organisational procedures
• established procedures

Information/documents may include:

• workplace procedures and policies
• route specifications
• maps and street directories
• published information on route hazards such as height, width and mass limitations of bridges, tunnels and other critical physical structures along a possible route
• competency standards and training materials
• supplier and/or client route documentation
• quality assurance procedures
• emergency procedures

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

• relevant state/territory road rules and traffic acts
• regulations and codes related to the transport of dangerous goods, explosives and hazardous materials

Competency Field 

H - Route Planning and Navigation