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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Use maps
  2. Use a compass
  3. Plan a route for remote or trackless areas
  4. Navigate in remote or trackless areas

Required Skills

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to navigate in remote or trackless areas

apply legislative organisation and site requirements and procedures for navigation in remote or trackless areas

solve problems

maintain a compass bearing in poor visibility andor extreme conditions

observe surroundings

make decisions

apply communication skills

acquire required licences and permits

apply diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used This includes knowledge of the following as required to navigate in remote or trackless areas

factors affecting navigation techniques in extreme environmental conditions

map types and sources of error

use of a compass and factors that affect their accuracy

navigation techniques and aids

navigation data sheets

route planning and issues that should be considered in extreme environmental conditions

estimation of travelling times in unmodified landscape andor difficult terrainconditions

techniques for estimating distance travelled in poor visibility

backbearings and resections

techniques to navigate around obstacles

Evidence Required

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following

knowledge of the requirements procedures and instructions for navigating in remote or trackless areas

implementation of requirements procedures and techniques for the safe effective and efficient completion of remote or trackless area navigation

working with others to undertake and complete the navigation of remote or trackless areas that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of remote or trackless area navigation that safely effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance including task skills task management skills contingency management skills and job role environment skills

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant For example language literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues

Where applicable physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities Access must be provided to appropriate learning andor assessment support when required

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods

written andor oral assessment of the candidates required knowledge

observed documented andor first hand testimonial evidence of the candidates

implementation of appropriate requirement procedures and techniques for the safe effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes

consistent achievement of required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidates

working with others to undertake and complete the navigation of remote or trackless areas

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues


Range Statement

Relevant compliance documentation may include:

legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer’s guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Maps may include:

topographic

aerial photographs

digital maps

Symbols and information may include:

grid lines and numbers

contour lines

magnetic variation

scale

map legend

topographic features

Navigation data sheetinformation may include:

grid reference points

grid and magnetic bearings

distances

estimated travelling times

height gain/loss

gradient

identifiable features

escape routes

Sources of information may include:

guide books

local inhabitants

peers/local clubs

digital resources

Potential hazards may include:

river crossings and rising water levels

open water crossings

cliff lines

wet and slippery rocks

extreme heat

extreme cold

fog and mist

snow

severe storms/squalls

strong winds

heavy rain

man-made features

Other contextual issues may include:

navigation and activity-specific abilities

available clothing, equipment and resources

fitness levels

type of terrain or features of the location/access and escape routes

number of people travelling

natural protection or shelter

Unmodified landscapes align to Class 6 Tracks within the Australian standard for Walking Tracks AS 2156.1. Standards Australia 2001, and may include those where:

there are no modifications to the natural surface or the natural environment so that track alignment is indistinct

there is no clearance along the track

signage is generally not provided

there may include steep sections of unmodified surfaces and other terrain and man-made hazards

the track is not managed for public risk

there is an appreciable risk of onset of poor visibility

Obstacles may include:

thick vegetation

drops and climbs

marshes and bogs

fog

rivers, lakes and dams

Distance estimations may include:

pacing

time

Navigation techniques may include:

use of compass

linear features/point features

attack points

aiming off

collecting features

spiral search

sweep search

back-bearings and resections

use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

use of stars and sun

use of natural features