Required skills

communication skills to inform progress and interact with participants while participating in activity

problemsolving skills to

identify and negotiate obstacles and hazards

assess application of rope tension when belaying

planning and organising skills to access resources and equipment for the activity

self management skills to review and reflect on own performance

abseiling and belaying skills to apply to the canyoning activity

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 canyoning activities

equipment types characteristics and technology used for canyoning the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment

factors affecting selection use care and maintenance of canyoning equipment

communication methods and calls used between abseilers and belayers to reduce risk

belay techniques and devices appropriate for activity including anchor selection and rigging of abseils

technical abseiling and belaying techniques and procedures to suit the features and conditions of the canyoning site

knots and rope handling to maintain adequate rope tension when belaying

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

hazards that may be experienced in a canyoning environment

minimal impact techniques to minimise environmental impact of canyoning activities

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 canyoning activity

conducts pre activity checks of the canyon site and equipment to identify potential hazards obstacles and risks and applies risk minimisation techniques

demonstrates canyoning techniques such as operating a belay system and handling ropes efficiently to negotiate a vertical pitch

negotiates obstacles and hazards during canyoning activities and adapts to nonroutine situations

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple vertical canyoning activities within the current or intended context of the candidates work region to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

resources and information such as meteorological data to plan for the canyoning activity

a suitable outdoor environment with a canyoning site with simple obstacles and features including vertical pitches and wet sections

canyoning abseiling and belaying navigation safety and first aid communication and repair 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 all canyoning activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of abseiling and belaying skills to participate in vertical canyoning activities

observation of dealing with contingencies such as equipment failure or change in weather conditions

thirdparty reports from a supervisor detailing performance

Guidance information for assessment

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

SISOCAYA Establish belays in canyons

SISOCAY303A Establish belays in canyons

Food and water requirements may include:

Principles of nutrition may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Relevant sources may include:

Weather and environmental information may include:

Equipment may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Safety checks may include:

Descending devices may include:

Knots may include:

Belay system may include:

Hazards may include:

Obstacles may include:

Hydrological formations may include:

Emergency situations may include:

Belay devices may include:

Maintenance checks and repairs may include:

Relevant aspects may include: