Assessment Requirements for SISORAF002 Guide a raft on grade 3 rivers

Release: 1

Assessment Requirements for SISORAF002 Guide a raft on grade 3 rivers

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 rafting trips on different rivers or different sections of the same river

during each trip:

consistently follow safety procedures and safely negotiate hazards

use different locations to launch and land rafts to include:

the bank in moving water

ledges

eddies

run routes through at least four rapids

consistently control direction of rafts forward, in reverse and sideways using this range of strokes:

forward and reverse paddle

forward and reverse sweeps

draw stroke

Pry

emergency stop

utilise the following techniques while consistently controlling the raft:

combining strokes to effectively manoeuvre the raft

breaking in and out of eddies and currents

forward and reverse ferry gliding

eddy hopping

weight shifting

using hydrological features to assist with paddling, controlling the raft and negotiating rapids

participate in simulations to:

complete two self-rescues in moving water and re-enter the raft

complete two rescues of an ejected person, one at any given time, and assist re-entry to raft

compete two capsize rescues, re-establish the upright raft, assist a minimum of three swimmers simultaneously in the water to re-enter or reach the shore, and take the raft to the shore on at least one occasion.

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 rafting activities

suitable clothing and footwear for rafting activities:

types of clothing and fabrics that protect against the effects of weather and water conditions including sun, temperatures, winds, and precipitation of different levels and extremes

reasons for layering clothes

effective design and construction features of waterproof gear and exposure suits

types of footwear suitable for rafting including specialist sandals, river or paddling shoes and their advantages over other types of footwear

features and uses of gloves and mittens, and advantages and disadvantages

features and functions of personal lifejackets and helmets suitable for grade 3 river conditions and how to fit and adjust these for comfort and safety

types of white water rafts suitable for use in grade 3 river conditions and:

location and function of different parts of the raft

different construction materials, effects on performance, advantages and disadvantages

design features including size, handling characteristics and limitations: manoeuvrability, stability and speed

pressure requirements and factors which affect different levels of inflation

types of paddles suitable for use with rafts used in grade 3 river conditions, different construction materials and designs, effects on performance, advantages and disadvantages

techniques used to effectively stow items:

for ease of access and maximum usage of space

for stability of craft and minimal effect on trim

to waterproof clothing, food and resources

safe manual handling techniques used to lift and carry rafts

equipment features and techniques used to secure rafts to the bank and for transportation

communication protocols for group rafting activities to include:

guide commands:

forward paddle

back paddle

left and right turn

over left and right

hold on

lean in

high side

on the job

stop

calls

hand and paddle signals

whistles

the International River Grading system:

strengths and limitations of the grading system; what is covered and not covered in classifications

specifications for grade 3 rivers

examples of local rivers attributed as grade 3

typical hydrology features and hazards for grade 3 rivers, how to recognise features from the shore and water, and techniques used to safely negotiate hazards:

currents

eddies

waves

strainers

holes

stoppers

sieves

rocks, including undercut rocks

waterfalls

downstream and upstream Vs

boils

pour overs

built objects – weirs, piers

steep or slippery banks or shore

overhanging trees

fallen trees on waterway

submerged logs, rocks and vegetation

sections of dark, deep or cold water

other boating traffic

exposure to lightning, storms and strong winds

prolonged emersion in cold water

different locations that can be used to embark, launch, land and disembark rafts in grade 3 waters including:

the bank in moving water

ledges

eddies

for each of the above locations:

factors that affect selection

advantages and disadvantages of use

techniques used to embark groups of participants, launch and land

a range of strokes used in grade 3 river conditions to direct rafts forward, in reverse and sideways:

forward and reverse paddle

forward and reverse sweeps

draw stroke

Pry

emergency stop

for each of the above strokes:

how to use them when paddling as the raft guide

correct posture and trunk rotation

correct hand placement on paddle and movement of top hand through the stroke

wrist movement required to enable correct blade placement in water

correct paddle entry and exit points in relation to craft and body position

appropriate paddle depth in water to achieve effective stroke

correct paddle blade angle throughout stroke

a range of techniques used to manoeuvre rafts in grade 3 water:

combining strokes and which combinations are effective

breaking in and out of eddies and currents

forward and reverse ferry gliding

eddy hopping

weight shifting

how certain types of hydrological features can be used to assist with paddling, controlling the raft and negotiating rapids

for rescues of ejected persons:

appropriate swimming strokes and techniques to use while in paddling gear in grade 3 river conditions

techniques used to re-enter raft from water and to assist swimmers to re-enter raft

aids used in rescues and how to use these effectively as rescuer and rescuee:

reach equipment, including improvised use of equipment on hand

craft and paddle as a flotation device

for capsize rescues:

methods used to re-establish an upright raft, guide multiple swimmers and their re-entry to raft and importance of head count

methods for taking a raft to shore

when different knots are used, advantages and disadvantages, and how to tie them:

knots for tying on

rope joining knots

quick release knots.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated on different rivers or different section of the same grade 3 rivers which must feature the following:

rapids which have fairly high waves, one to two metres tall

broken water, strong currents and eddies

significant obstacles including large holes, exposed rocks and small falls that require manoeuvring around

passages through rapids are difficult to recognise from the river and inspection from the bank is usually required

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:

a group of participants whom the individual guides during rafting activities

clothing and footwear suitable for the conditions

Australian Standard, or equivalent, compliant lifejackets of a grade that meets maritime regulator requirements for grade 3 river conditions

helmets

pea-less whistles not affected by water

white water rafts suitable for grade 3 river conditions

raft paddles

ropes and tie down straps

rescue equipment:

reach equipment

fliplines

towlines

carabiners, Prusik cords and tape sling

knives

activity plans to include details of planned route

template safety checklists

information about the International River Grading System

organisational safety and emergency response procedures for rafting 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 white water rafting leader, guide or instructor, 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