Assessor Resource

SISOCNE303A
Apply canoeing skills

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit applies to those working as assistant flatwater canoeing guides or support staff under supervision in a range of controlled conditions.

This unit may also apply to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to paddle a canoe in controlled conditions. This unit focuses on the demonstration of effective and efficient canoeing skills on flat and undemanding water.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Nil

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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.

Overview of assessment

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

applies relevant process to plan equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the canoeing activity

paddles the canoe demonstrating efficient and clean strokes and manoeuvres while maintaining control of the canoe

demonstrates correct paddling techniques

applies capsize technique and follows rescue procedures

identifies hazards and risks associated with deep water rescues and select suitable rescue method

demonstrates suitable craft position and rescue techniques suitable to the conditions

adapts to situational variances or issues that may arise during deep water rescues

evaluates and reflects on own canoeing performance to identify strengths and weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple canoeing activities in controlled conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information, such as weather sources, to plan and select equipment for the canoeing activity

a suitable body of water, such as a river or lake with sheltered calm waters, minimal wind and water flow, and easy access to shore

canoeing, navigating, safety and rescue equipment

a suitable and safe method of transport, if required to drive canoe to and from activity location.

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:

observation of the planning and review process

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all canoeing activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of all strokes and manoeuvres while maintaining control of the canoe at all times

written and or verbal self evaluation.

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SISONAV201A Navigate in tracked or easy untracked areas

SISOOPS201A Minimise environmental impact

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

teamwork skills to work with others to lift, carry and secure canoes

communication skills to interact with supervisor, other participants and rescue crew to maintain a positive and safe environment deliver clear, concise directions to the capsized person and any other assistants involved with the rescue

listening skills to follow instructions and directions from the supervisor and rescue crew

problem-solving skills to navigate, determine location and follow a planned course

planning and organising skills to select and allocate canoeing equipment and site

swimming skills to swim 50 metres whilst clothed and wearing a personal flotation device that complies with State or Territory maritime regulations

rescue skills to perform a deep water rescue

paddling skills to safely manoeuvre craft close to capsized person or persons

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable personal health care.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all canoeing activities to enable safe conduct of all deep water rescue activities

types of craft and equipment, characteristics and technology used for canoeing, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of craft and equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection

clothing requirements for canoeing, such as wet weather gear to maintain warmth and dryness or sun protection to minimise sunburn and heat stroke

importance of a personal flotation device in keeping a person afloat and their head above water

stroke and directing techniques to control and manoeuvre the canoe efficiently

navigation techniques to determine location and direction

principles of nutrition to maintain health during activity

basic weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity

purpose and importance of safety features of craft

common hazards and their risks associated with sea and river craft activities and how to negotiate these

rescue procedures suitable to the deep water conditions and experience of the participant

rescue equipment commonly used in deep water rescues

emergency and rescue procedures appropriate for the craft and location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

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.

Food and water requirements may include:

menu planning and preparation

range of foods.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

individual food requirements and allergies.

Controlled conditions include:

sheltered waters

within 2 nautical miles of the from the nearest shore

winds to moderate - 11 - 16 knots, according to the Beaufort Scale

readily accessible easy landings

minimal current - chart less than 1 knot.

Activity site may include:

rivers

lakes

sheltered estuaries.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

emergency procedures

code of ethics.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

coastal patrol or coastguard

volunteer marine rescue

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable shore

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards

slippery or unstable shore

poor posture, poor technique

loose or insecure craft when being transported

other craft.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment failure.

Craft may include:

C1 craft

C2 craft.

Equipment may include:

personal flotation device

paddle

spray deck

appropriate paddling clothing

navigation equipment

safety and first aid equipment.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Paddling techniques may include:

use of trunk rotation

correct posture

use of leg drive

hand placement on paddle

blade placement in water

blade depth in water

paddle blade angle throughout stroke

paddle entry and exit points

movement of top hand through the stroke

lean or edge of the craft

smooth transfer between different strokes

edging or leaning.

Strokes may include

forward and reverse

J

sweep

draw

support.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the conditions of the activity. 
Identify an appropriate activity site and course to take according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Access relevant sources to interpret weather and environmental information. 
Identify potential hazards associated with the activity and manage risks as advised by the supervisor. 
Select craft and equipment according to contextual issues and check to ensure that it is in good working condition. 
Fit and adjust equipment to ensure comfort, safety and suitability to the participant and canoe. 
Select personal clothing for the activity and identify the design and or construction features that make it appropriate. 
Waterproof and pack equipment that is not required on hand and stow or fasten in a suitable manner. 
Prepare equipment, where required, for safe transportation to activity location. 
Embark and disembark the canoe while maintaining stability. 
Direct the canoe in a controlled manner (both solo and as a double). 
Demonstrate efficient paddling techniques and strokes while directing the canoe. 
Apply navigation skills to determine location and follow a planned course during the activity. 
Exit the canoe in a controlled manner, and recover paddles and other equipment, following a capsize. 
Manoeuvre the upturned canoe to shore or to rescue craft and empty out water, with assistance if required. 
Demonstrate deep water re-entry techniques or take the canoe ashore. 
Identify and negotiate hazards and their risks to self, other members of the group and capsized person or persons. 
Determine most appropriate rescue method to use according to situational variances, relevant legislation, and organisational policies and procedures. 
Select equipment and human resources available to perform a rescue according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Deliver concise directions to the capsized person or persons and any others assisting in the rescue. 
Manoeuvre rescue craft into a suitable position to enable a safe rescue. 
Perform rescue in a safe manner according to situation, conditions and organisational policies and procedures. 
Assist the rescuee back into their craft as required. 
Secure the canoe to the bank, shore or jetty. 
Secure the canoe, where appropriate, for road transport using suitable methods. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of the canoeing activity. 
Identify improvements for future canoeing experiences. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOCNE303A - Apply canoeing skills
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

SISOCNE303A - Apply canoeing skills

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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