This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit

bush craft and survival techniques

map reading and use of navigational equipment

highlevel problemsolving skills specifically in relation to the operation of tours in a remote area and sufficient to assess and solve problems with limited assistance

numeracy skills to calculate distances between various declinational points

literacy skills to read and interpret complex remote area maps and manufacturers guidelines for the use of communications equipment

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit

all operational features of remote area communication methods and equipment

international radio call signs

the key features and all operational aspects of equipment and supplies needed for remote area touring

the cultural or environmental sensitivity of remote areas to be visited and use of minimal impact practices to protect and sustain these

correct and environmentally sound disposal methods for waste including human waste

the key contents of industry ecotourism codes of practice especially that of the Ecotourism Association of Australia

the existence and basic aspects of state territory and local government environmental and local community protection laws and regulations and actions that must be adhered to when operating in remote areas

key permit requirements for remote areas including when operating in national parks and on land under the control of traditional owners

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this TrainingPackage

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential

ability to safely operate tours in remote areas with minimal negative environmental and social impact

ability to apply bush craft and survival techniques in a remote area

knowledge of the negative environmental impacts of operating tours in remote areas and minimal impact practices

knowledge of the safety and regulatory issues that relate to remote tour operationproject or work activities that show the candidate effectively assessing and responding to a range of emergency situations

ability to integrate general problemsolving skills with the technical skills required for operation of tours in remote areas

ability to deliver tours within remote areas within the time and other operational constraints of a preplanned tour itinerary

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure

demonstration of skills while leading tours in remote areas where bush craft and survival techniques would be required

access to the full range of transportation communications navigation and other equipment used on remote tours

involvement of appropriate numbers of touring customers to reflect local industry needs and product profile

access to current regulatory documents distributed by key land management agencies and federal state or territory and local governments such as plain English legislative publications codes and standards outlining environmental regulatory requirements

use of industry ecotourism codes of practice especially that of the Ecotourism Association of Australia

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess the practical skills and knowledge required to operate tours in a remote area The following examples are appropriate for this unit

direct observation of the candidate using bush craft and survival techniques

direct observation of the candidate receiving and relaying communications

review of operational plans and checklists and posttour reports prepared and completed by the candidate

written and oral questioning or interview and roleplays to test appropriate assessment and response to a range of remote area emergency situations

written and oral questioning or interview to test knowledge of such things as safety issues the principles of bush craft and survival techniques regulatory issues and minimal impact practices

review of portfolios of evidence and thirdparty workplace reports of onthejob performance by the candidate

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

SITTTOPA Load touring equipment and conduct predeparture checks

SITTTOP002A Load touring equipment and conduct pre-departure checks

SITTTOPB Set up and operate a camp site

SITTTOP004B Set up and operate a camp site.

Assessing employability skills

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role

Current hazards in accessing and operating in the remote area may include:

Navigation and communication equipment may include:

Tour experiences may include:

Bush craft and survival techniques may involve:

Emergency situations in a remote area may involve:

Negative environmental impact may include: