Required skills

communication skills to

consult with participants to plan a vertical single pitch caving trip that meet their needs

convey information about the safety minimal impact and logistical aspects of the trip

interact with participants to create a safe and positive environment

problemsolving skills to

plan a vertical caving trip according to participants needs and abilities

determine most appropriate belay system for the situation

make decisions about potential hazards that may affect trip

modify aspects of trip according to all variable factors and nonroutine situations

planning and organising skills to

source allocate and coordinate equipment and a suitable cave site

organise participants into manageable groups for vertical caving

language and literacy skills to

produce a plan for the caving trip

complete post trip participant and self evaluations

first aid rescue and emergency response skills appropriate to the cave to enable initial response and or rescue in emergencies

Required knowledge

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

site specific information to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential hazards and any special restrictions applying to the cave

equipment clothing and footwear types characteristics and technology used for vertical single pitch caving and factors affecting appropriate selection use and maintenance

hazards and risks that may be experienced in vertical single pitch caves and how to negotiate these

vertical caving techniques and common communication systems used when caving to reduce risk

vertical single pitch caving environments including features hazards risks and possible conditions to adequately prepare group

principles of anchor systems including equally shared load single component failure and effect redundancy and angle of separation

principles and types of belay systems and devices including top and bottom belays and self belays

advantages and disadvantages of various knots in a variety of situations

weather information to ascertain possible conditions and their effect on the trip

food and hydration considerations to maintain health and energy during the caving trip

first aid emergency and rescue procedures relevant to the cave to ensure safety of 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

plans within activity constraints and guides and monitors group in a safe and professional manner

applies contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems or variable factors that may arise during vertical single pitch caving trips

encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths weaknesses and areas that need improvement

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure the safe guiding of groups on vertical single pitch caving trips of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

suitable vertical single pitch caving sites to guide participants

participants to take part in caving trips

caving abseiling belaying safety first aid rescue navigation and communication equipment

resources and information regarding participants and cave site

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 planning and guiding processes and interacting with participants including conveying information for safe participation

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge and application of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all caving activities throughout trip

observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure

review of caving trip plans

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

SISXCAIA Facilitate a group

SISXCAI306A Facilitate a group.

Guidance information for assessment

Condition and experience of participants may include:

Plan may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Trip objectives may include:

Belay system may include:

Hazards may include:

Risks may include:

Relevant sources may include:

Weather information may include:

Food and water requirements may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Equipment may include:

Relevant information may include:

Safety procedures may include:

Variable factors may include:

Relevant aspects may include: