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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare to collect discharge data
   • Identify the monitoring objective of the site and gauging requirements.
   • Identify, analyse and confirm the data collection method required by the organisation.
   • Select appropriate equipment and confirm site conditions are within instrument specifications.
   • Verify calibration and maintenance status.
   • Evaluate site conditions and prepare for taking measurements.
   • Identify possible influences on discharge measurement.
   • Select the cross-section for discharge measurement.
2. Collect depth and velocity data
   • Measure the width of the section.
   • Select appropriate sounding points (verticals) to subdivide the cross-section.
   • Measure the depth of vertical.
   • Select method to suit the ambient conditions and flow.
   • Collect velocity data at appropriate depth(s) for each vertical.
3. Calculate discharge
   • Calculate the point velocity.
   • Calculate the mean velocity for each vertical.
   • Calculate the area of subsection corresponding to each vertical.
   • Calculate the discharge corresponding to each subsection.
   • Calculate the area and discharge at the section by summation of the subsection data.
   • Apply corrections for oblique flow as required.
4. Complete recording and reporting requirements for discharge measurement
   • Gather supporting information from the site and complete documentation.
   • Calculate and record the mean stage height and rate of change using relevant mathematical techniques.
   • Grade and record the gauging quality.
   • Check records.
   • Enter gauging into ratings database.
5. Prepare to collect discharge data
   • Identify the monitoring objective of the site and gauging requirements.
   • Identify, analyse and confirm the data collection method required by the organisation.
   • Select appropriate equipment and confirm site conditions are within instrument specifications.
   • Verify calibration and maintenance status.
   • Evaluate site conditions and prepare for taking measurements.
   • Identify possible influences on discharge measurement.
   • Select the cross-section for discharge measurement.
6. Collect depth and velocity data
   • Measure the width of the section.
   • Select appropriate sounding points (verticals) to subdivide the cross-section.
   • Measure the depth of vertical.
   • Select method to suit the ambient conditions and flow.
   • Collect velocity data at appropriate depth(s) for each vertical.
7. Calculate discharge
   • Calculate the point velocity.
   • Calculate the mean velocity for each vertical.
   • Calculate the area of subsection corresponding to each vertical.
   • Calculate the discharge corresponding to each subsection.
   • Calculate the area and discharge at the section by summation of the subsection data.
   • Apply corrections for oblique flow as required.
8. Complete recording and reporting requirements for discharge measurement
   • Gather supporting information from the site and complete documentation.
   • Calculate and record the mean stage height and rate of change using relevant mathematical techniques.
   • Grade and record the gauging quality.
   • Check records.
   • Enter gauging into ratings database.

Range Statement

Area velocity methods include:

Doppler velocity meter acoustic Doppler current profiler electromagnetic current meter mechanical current meter

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Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. The candidate must be assessed in at least one of the area velocity methods listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

assessing risks and taking appropriate precautions and/or actions

maintaining testing equipment in good order and calibrating

interpreting and applying technical documentation

using surveying equipment to identify site location

performing basic mathematical calculations using safety equipment and personal protective equipment

identifying potential or actual operational problems

communicating with employees and customers

using computer and communication systems

giving and receiving instructions

collecting discharge data

gathering, interpreting and applying complex documentation related to the specification of hydrographic data collection and reporting procedures

collecting samples

analysing and verifying data using standard procedures, software and databases

preparing reports

storing and archiving data

identifying, reporting and solving potential or actual problems within scope of job function

positioning equipment

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Knowledge Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

limitations of the system principle of areavelocity measurement of discharge

turbulent and laminar flow

equipment testing procedures

WHS procedure

characteristics of a suitable section for wading and boat gauging and how to make modifications

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