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Elements and Performance Criteria

Use communications systems and equipment
Transmit and receive communications
Maintain communications equipment
- Fault finding techniques are applied and basic maintenance and routine servicing is conducted in accordance with standard procedures
- Faulty equipment is identified, noted for repair and documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

operate current radio equipment including secure equipment

utilise communication systems

use radio telephone procedure including codes

employ alternative communications strategies

clean and service communication equipment

report communication faults and deficiencies

follow instructionsdirectives and report information

read and implement written or verbal orders and procedures

Required Knowledge

range of communication equipment and accessories available

communications protocols policy and procedures relevant to the operation of communication equipment

radio telephone procedure including the use of codes

principles of teamwork and teams aims and objectives

composition of teams and roles and responsibility of team members

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to set up and operate selected items of communications equipment utilise correct radio telephone procedure and maintain communications using alternative strategies when contact is lost

Assessment should also confirm the ability to

inspect and test communications equipment

set up equipment and establish communications

use radio telephone procedure

apply fault finding techniques

employ alternative communication strategies

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of communications activities conducted over an extended time frame to provide the operating and field conditions described in the Range Statement The individual should operate a range of equipment and deal with contingencies in a number of contexts over an extended period

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed under field conditions Evidence should be gathered by observing the individual completing a number of communication tasks using a range of communications equipment

Specific resources for assessment

communications equipment and accessories relevant to the task

training area with a range of terrain and vegetation

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Field conditions may include	A range of terrain, soil and vegetation Under all weather conditions By day or night and under illumination
Communications systems may include	Networks Communication protocols Geographical information systems
Communication equipment may include	Personal computers and modems HF, VHF and UHF communications systems, accessories and equipment Facsimile machines Mobile telephones Landline and satellite telephones Pagers Specialised communications equipment used in search tasks Secure and insecure systems Man-pack and vehicle mounted configurations A range of antennas
Standard procedures and instructions refer to	Written and verbal orders and instructions Procedures manuals, job guides, communications pamphlets and other publications Manufacturer's handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions Communications protocols, policy and procedures
Radio telephone procedure may include	Phonetic alphabet Voice procedure Call signs Use of abbreviations Emergency procedures Use of codes Submission of routine reports and returns
Alternative communication strategies may include	Transmitting on another band or frequency Changing frequencies Changing aerials Changing equipment Use of landline Use of remote devices and radio relay