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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. Identify flow gauging
   • Identify the monitoring objective of the site and gauging requirements.
   • Identify appropriate methods for measuring discharge.
   • Select equipment and confirm site conditions are within instrument specifications.
   • Identify stream discharge and factors affecting accuracy.
   • Identify hazards and implement risk management principles.
2. Collect depth and velocity data
   • Perform a pre-discharge measurement check on equipment.
   • Prepare the gauging site.
   • Calculate the equipment configuration settings.
   • Position equipment at pre-determined position.
   • Take measurements during gauging.
   • Review the data collected.
3. Calculate discharge
   • Apply corrections where necessary.
   • Calculate the mean velocity.
   • Calculate the area and discharge.
   • Calculate and record the mean stage and rate of change.
   • Calculate the channel storage and time of travel effects.
4. Report discharge readings
   • Compare the discharge measurements with the current rating.
   • Record the percentage deviation from the rating.
   • Grade and record the gauging quality with interpretation comments.
   • Gather and document supporting information from the site.
   • Enter gauging into ratings database.
5. Identify flow gauging
   • Identify the monitoring objective of the site and gauging requirements.
   • Identify appropriate methods for measuring discharge.
   • Select equipment and confirm site conditions are within instrument specifications.
   • Identify stream discharge and factors affecting accuracy.
   • Identify hazards and implement risk management principles.
6. Collect depth and velocity data
   • Perform a pre-discharge measurement check on equipment.
   • Prepare the gauging site.
   • Calculate the equipment configuration settings.
   • Position equipment at pre-determined position.
   • Take measurements during gauging.
   • Review the data collected.
7. Calculate discharge
   • Apply corrections where necessary.
   • Calculate the mean velocity.
   • Calculate the area and discharge.
   • Calculate and record the mean stage and rate of change.
   • Calculate the channel storage and time of travel effects.
8. Report discharge readings
   • Compare the discharge measurements with the current rating.
   • Record the percentage deviation from the rating.
   • Grade and record the gauging quality with interpretation comments.
   • Gather and document supporting information from the site.
   • Enter gauging into ratings database.

Range Statement

Methods include:

area slope method dilution gauging float gauging area velocity method Doppler velocity meter acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) 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 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.

using area velocity method

assessing risks and applying precautions and action

estimating and explaining the anticipated vertical distribution

making calculations on depth and velocity

maintaining the integrity of measurements

using a range of suitable techniques to determine mean stage in rapidly changing situations

adjusting measurements

plotting discharge measurements on organisation’s preferred scale

using formulae for determining the percentage deviation

using systems and/or software to transfer calculated flows to official database

assembling and testing metering equipment

checking and preparing gauging section

setting tag lines

measuring and calculating readings

gathering, analysing, verifying, interpreting, storing, archiving and reporting data for a range of clients and stakeholders

interpreting complex documentation

sampling

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

recording the percentage deviation from the rating determined by checking:

calculations

equipment

control

recording equipment

repeat measurement

gathering and documenting supporting information from the site (i.e. gauging section location and access maps, photographic records, site preparation undertaken, comments on issues encountered, data management and reporting)

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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.

principles and alternative methods of discharge measurement

methods for calculating mean velocity in a vertical

methods for determining the cross-sectional area at a site

requirements for surface, single and multipoint floats

basic mathematical principles for area and velocity measurements

correction procedures for horizontal angles and suspension measurements

techniques for monitoring stage changes during discharge measurement

weighted mean stage calculations

discharge and mean stage adjustment

technical components in calculating discharge

factors impacting on discharge measurements and the quality of the discharge

formulae to adjust gauging

potential impacts of modifications of site, method or equipment on discharge accuracy

confidence limits

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