Required skills

communication skills to

consult with participants to plan a horizontal 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 horizontal caving trip according to participants needs and abilities

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 horizontal 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 caving and factors affecting appropriate selection to enable safe conduct of all activities

use care and maintenance of caving equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements according to manufacturers specifications and recommendations

hazards and risks that may be experienced in horizontal caves and how to negotiate these

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

horizontal caving environments including features hazards risks and possible conditions to adequately prepare group

weather information to ascertain possible conditions and their effect on the 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 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 safe guiding of groups in locations that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

suitable horizontal caving sites to guide participants

participants to take part in caving trips

caving safety first aid rescue navigation and communication equipment

resources and information regarding participants and cave site to plan guide and document caving trip for a variety of participants

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.

Condition of participants may include:

Plan may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Trip objectives 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: