Assessment Requirements for SISOCVE001 Traverse caves

Release: 1

Assessment Requirements for SISOCVE001 Traverse caves

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:

complete three caving trips and collectively:

navigate three pre-planned routes using maps, compass and underground navigation aids

utilise options provided in Assessment Conditions to determine two minor adjustments to routes

across the three trips, use at least three of the following techniques when traversing caves:

squeezing

crawling

rock scrambling

stooping

chimneying

bridging

walking through stream passages

during each caving trip, consistently:

follow safety procedures and safely negotiate hazards

comply with minimal impact caving codes.

Knowledge Evidence

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

organisational safety and emergency response procedures for caving activities

the key contents of caving codes, in particular those issued by the Australian Speleological Federation (ASF) including:

minimal impact caving code

code of ethics

minimal impact techniques specific to the caving environment and why these are important to cave conservation:

avoiding sensitive areas and not accessing restricted areas

keeping to well used or marked tracks

avoiding disturbance to cave fauna, nests and bones

taking care with hand and foot placement

avoiding or minimising eating in caves, or eating over containers to avoid spillage

removing all general and human (toileting) waste

features of different types of local caves and cave formations sufficient to understand the overall characteristics of the cave setting and its particular hazards

trusted sources and technologies used to access cave maps and guides for the region or locality

characteristics of different types of cave maps, their different uses and advantages and disadvantages:

detailed cave maps

developed long sections

maps with wall details and labels

symbols contained on cave maps and what they represent, and other information found on maps:

scale

map legend

magnetic declination

markers

gradient

distance

tracks

water depth

cross sections

significant cave features including speleothems

map and compass techniques used to:

calculate bearings

orientate map to surroundings

determine location and maintain a designated route

techniques used to estimate distance travelled within caves

types of navigation aids found in caves and how these can assist with navigation:

track markers

built infrastructure

natural cave features including speleothems, water direction and air flow

purpose, features, and correct fit for safety, of personal protective equipment for cavers to include:

clothing

footwear

gloves

caving helmets

headlamps

techniques used during cave traverses to include those for:

squeezing

crawling

rock scrambling

stooping

chimneying

bridging

walking through stream passages

communication protocols used between cavers to include:

calls

hand signals

whistles

typical hazards associated with horizontal caving activities, and techniques used to safely negotiate these:

falling rocks, water, debris

slippery or unstable terrain

narrow passages

sharp edges

vertical squeezes

darkness

unstable roof and floor

rising waters

elevated carbon dioxide levels.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in natural caves which feature frequently travelled tracks and a range of formations and features which may or may not be reliably marked on maps.

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

first aid equipment

communication equipment for emergency response

rescue equipment.

Assessment must ensure use of:

a group of participants with whom the individual interacts during caving activities

real workplace situations, or simulated activities, or case study scenarios that test aspects of this unit that involve adjusting planned routes

personal protective equipment to include:

gloves

caving helmets

headlamps

compasses

containers for the removal of liquid and solid waste including those for human waste

cave maps and guides

caving codes including those issued by the Australian Speleological Federation (ASF):

minimal impact caving code

code of ethics

template safety checklists

organisational safety and emergency response procedures for caving activities.

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

have a collective period of at least three years’ experience as a caving leader, guide or instructor, where they have applied the skills and knowledge covered in this unit of competency; the three years’ experience can be part time or full time experience.

Links

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