Required skills

literacy skills to

read and interpret maps

follow written instructions and procedures

analyse weather and environmental information

planning and organising skills to select an appropriate activity location and equipment for bushwalks greater than two days duration

communication skills to interact with other participants to maintain a positive and safe environment

numeracy skills to navigate and follow a route using a map and compass in a broad range of areas and conditions

problemsolving skills to

deal with unforeseen circumstances

cross rivers in a safe manner where required

survival skills to keep warm and sheltered in the case of extreme environmental conditions and or loss of equipment

minimal impact camping skills to use lightweight portable equipment

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

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all bushwalking activities

minimal impact camping and walking codes to ensure protection of environment

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

packing and maintenance techniques before during and after the activity to protect personal and group equipment and ensure prolonged life

pack handling packing and lifting techniques to prevent or avoid injury

pack hauling techniques should it be necessary to lift packs vertically to navigate a vertical hazard

clothing requirements for outdoor activities and factors affecting appropriate clothing selection such as layering and protective clothing

footwear types the advantages and disadvantages of different footwear and factors affecting appropriate selection for the anticipated track conditions

principles of nutrition to maintain health during activity

sources of food and water in emergency situations to maintain health for prolonged periods in an emergency situation outdoors

navigation in a broad range of unmodified areas and conditions to determine location direction and potential hazards with no supervision and in a broad range of visibility circumstances

weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity including life threatening conditions

selection of tieoff points and anchors when using handlines to assist on steep terrain

track signage standards such as the current Australian Standard to determine the suitability of the track to skill levels

emergency procedures and potential hazards relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group

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 processes to plan equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the bushwalk

demonstrates advanced bushwalking techniques and safety practices such as ascending and descending techniques navigation and river crossing skills where required

adapts to contingencies that may arise during the walk such as change in weather conditions and makes appropriate adjustments in response to these

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple bushwalking activities in unmodified landscapes that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

resources and information such as maps and meteorological data to plan for the bushwalk

a suitable outdoor location with landscapes that are unmodified so that track alignment is indistinct with no clearance or signage The track will not be managed for public risk and the onset of extreme environmental conditions may have a significant adverse impact upon the bushwalk

bushwalking navigation river crossing and safety equipment

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 bushwalking activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of advanced bushwalking skills

observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions

review of plan for the bushwalk

written and or verbal self evaluation

thirdparty reports from a supervisor detailing performance

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

SISOOPA Interpret weather conditions in the field

SISOOP303A Interpret weather conditions in the field

SISOBWGA Apply river crossing skills

SISOBWG404A Apply river crossing skills.

Food and water requirements may include:

Principles of nutrition may include:

Duration of the walk may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational procedures may include:

Relevant sources may include:

Weather and environmental information may include:

Hazards may include:

Changing conditions may include:

Equipment may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Obstacles may include:

Risks may include:

Ascending techniques may include:

Descending techniques may include:

Walking rhythm may include:

Unmodified landscapes may include:

Navigation aids may include:

River crossing method may include:

Relevant aspects may include: