Required skills

literacy and numeracy skills to

read and interpret maps

analyse weather information

calculate grid and magnetic bearings

planning and organising skills to source and allocate resources and equipment

communication skills to

interact with group leader and other participants

problemsolving skills to

identify and negotiate cave hazards features

follow a route and locate position in a cave using a map and compass

Required knowledge

policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all caving activities

care and maintenance of caving equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements

food and water requirements

different types of caves and associated features hazards risks and how to apply minimal impact techniques

safety procedures such as common communication methods and calls used between participants

navigation techniques to determine location direction and potential hazards under supervision

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

emergency procedures and understanding of potential hazards relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and others

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 process to plan equipment and supply requirements appropriate for the conditions and duration of the caving activity

navigates a route using a map and ensures movements are of minimal impact

seeks advice and feedback from leader and evaluates and reflects on own caving performance to identify strengths weaknesses and improvements

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple caving activities that 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 weather sources to plan and prepare for the activity

a suitable cave with frequently travelled routes tracks markers and obvious natural surroundings

a qualified leader or supervisor

caving navigation 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

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of strategies used to plan a minimal impact caving route

observation of safe participation and demonstration of simple caving skills such as ascending and descending a ladder

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

SISOOPSA Minimise environmental impact

SISOOPS201A Minimise environmental impact.

Food and water requirements may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Relevant sources may include:

Weather information may include:

Features may include:

Hazards may include:

Risks may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Map or maps may include:

Map information may include:

Equipment may include:

Navigation aids may include:

Techniques for estimating the distance may include:

Techniques and procedures to minimise cave impact may include:

Techniques inside caves may include:

Obstacles may include:

Relevant aspects of the activity may include: