Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

NWPHYD011 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Measure and process low and medium flows using area velocity methods

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency NWPHYD011 - Measure and process low and medium flows using area velocity methods
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency describes the skills required to collect stream discharge data using a range of current meters. An understanding of risk assessment and factors affecting the accuracy and precision of the area velocity method is essential to performance.This unit applies to hydrographers employed by the water industry and to water operators involved in the monitoring of all the elements of the water cycle and their impact on the related environment.The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures and relevant industry standards must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those relating to WHS, Bureau of Meteorology, World Meteorological Organisation and Australian Standards.Those undertaking this unit would work in small teams, mostly under supervision, while performing complex tasks in a broad range of contexts that could be unpredictable, including remote, confined spaces, near water and/or at heights.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Hydrography
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare to collect discharge data
  • Identify the monitoring objective of the site and gauging requirements.
  • Identify, analyse and confirm the data collection method required by the organisation.
  • Select appropriate equipment and confirm site conditions are within instrument specifications.
  • Verify calibration and maintenance status.
  • Evaluate site conditions and prepare for taking measurements.
  • Identify possible influences on discharge measurement.
  • Select the cross-section for discharge measurement.
       
Element: Collect depth and velocity data
  • Measure the width of the section.
  • Select appropriate sounding points (verticals) to subdivide the cross-section.
  • Measure the depth of vertical.
  • Select method to suit the ambient conditions and flow.
  • Collect velocity data at appropriate depth(s) for each vertical.
       
Element: Calculate discharge
  • Calculate the point velocity.
  • Calculate the mean velocity for each vertical.
  • Calculate the area of subsection corresponding to each vertical.
  • Calculate the discharge corresponding to each subsection.
  • Calculate the area and discharge at the section by summation of the subsection data.
  • Apply corrections for oblique flow as required.
       
Element: Complete recording and reporting requirements for discharge measurement
  • Gather supporting information from the site and complete documentation.
  • Calculate and record the mean stage height and rate of change using relevant mathematical techniques.
  • Grade and record the gauging quality.
  • Check records.
  • Enter gauging into ratings database.
       
Element: Prepare to collect discharge data
  • Identify the monitoring objective of the site and gauging requirements.
  • Identify, analyse and confirm the data collection method required by the organisation.
  • Select appropriate equipment and confirm site conditions are within instrument specifications.
  • Verify calibration and maintenance status.
  • Evaluate site conditions and prepare for taking measurements.
  • Identify possible influences on discharge measurement.
  • Select the cross-section for discharge measurement.
       
Element: Collect depth and velocity data
  • Measure the width of the section.
  • Select appropriate sounding points (verticals) to subdivide the cross-section.
  • Measure the depth of vertical.
  • Select method to suit the ambient conditions and flow.
  • Collect velocity data at appropriate depth(s) for each vertical.
       
Element: Calculate discharge
  • Calculate the point velocity.
  • Calculate the mean velocity for each vertical.
  • Calculate the area of subsection corresponding to each vertical.
  • Calculate the discharge corresponding to each subsection.
  • Calculate the area and discharge at the section by summation of the subsection data.
  • Apply corrections for oblique flow as required.
       
Element: Complete recording and reporting requirements for discharge measurement
  • Gather supporting information from the site and complete documentation.
  • Calculate and record the mean stage height and rate of change using relevant mathematical techniques.
  • Grade and record the gauging quality.
  • Check records.
  • Enter gauging into ratings database.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Prepare to collect discharge data

1.1 Identify the monitoring objective of the site and gauging requirements.

1.2 Identify, analyse and confirm the data collection method required by the organisation.

1.3 Select appropriate equipment and confirm site conditions are within instrument specifications.

1.4 Verify calibration and maintenance status.

1.5 Evaluate site conditions and prepare for taking measurements.

1.6 Identify possible influences on discharge measurement.

1.7 Select the cross-section for discharge measurement.

2. Collect depth and velocity data

2.1 Measure the width of the section.

2.2 Select appropriate sounding points (verticals) to subdivide the cross-section.

2.3 Measure the depth of vertical.

2.4 Select method to suit the ambient conditions and flow.

2.5 Collect velocity data at appropriate depth(s) for each vertical.

3. Calculate discharge

3.1 Calculate the point velocity.

3.2 Calculate the mean velocity for each vertical.

3.3 Calculate the area of subsection corresponding to each vertical.

3.4 Calculate the discharge corresponding to each subsection.

3.5 Calculate the area and discharge at the section by summation of the subsection data.

3.6 Apply corrections for oblique flow as required.

4. Complete recording and reporting requirements for discharge measurement

4.1 Gather supporting information from the site and complete documentation.

4.2 Calculate and record the mean stage height and rate of change using relevant mathematical techniques.

4.3 Grade and record the gauging quality.

4.4 Check records.

4.5 Enter gauging into ratings database.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. The candidate must be assessed in at least one of the area velocity methods listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

assessing risks and taking appropriate precautions and/or actions

maintaining testing equipment in good order and calibrating

interpreting and applying technical documentation

using surveying equipment to identify site location

performing basic mathematical calculations using safety equipment and personal protective equipment

identifying potential or actual operational problems

communicating with employees and customers

using computer and communication systems

giving and receiving instructions

collecting discharge data

gathering, interpreting and applying complex documentation related to the specification of hydrographic data collection and reporting procedures

collecting samples

analysing and verifying data using standard procedures, software and databases

preparing reports

storing and archiving data

identifying, reporting and solving potential or actual problems within scope of job function

positioning equipment

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

limitations of the system principle of areavelocity measurement of discharge

turbulent and laminar flow

equipment testing procedures

WHS procedure

characteristics of a suitable section for wading and boat gauging and how to make modifications

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Prepare to collect discharge data

1.1 Identify the monitoring objective of the site and gauging requirements.

1.2 Identify, analyse and confirm the data collection method required by the organisation.

1.3 Select appropriate equipment and confirm site conditions are within instrument specifications.

1.4 Verify calibration and maintenance status.

1.5 Evaluate site conditions and prepare for taking measurements.

1.6 Identify possible influences on discharge measurement.

1.7 Select the cross-section for discharge measurement.

2. Collect depth and velocity data

2.1 Measure the width of the section.

2.2 Select appropriate sounding points (verticals) to subdivide the cross-section.

2.3 Measure the depth of vertical.

2.4 Select method to suit the ambient conditions and flow.

2.5 Collect velocity data at appropriate depth(s) for each vertical.

3. Calculate discharge

3.1 Calculate the point velocity.

3.2 Calculate the mean velocity for each vertical.

3.3 Calculate the area of subsection corresponding to each vertical.

3.4 Calculate the discharge corresponding to each subsection.

3.5 Calculate the area and discharge at the section by summation of the subsection data.

3.6 Apply corrections for oblique flow as required.

4. Complete recording and reporting requirements for discharge measurement

4.1 Gather supporting information from the site and complete documentation.

4.2 Calculate and record the mean stage height and rate of change using relevant mathematical techniques.

4.3 Grade and record the gauging quality.

4.4 Check records.

4.5 Enter gauging into ratings database.

Area velocity methods include:

Doppler velocity meter

acoustic Doppler current profiler

electromagnetic current meter

mechanical current meter

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify the monitoring objective of the site and gauging requirements. 
Identify, analyse and confirm the data collection method required by the organisation. 
Select appropriate equipment and confirm site conditions are within instrument specifications. 
Verify calibration and maintenance status. 
Evaluate site conditions and prepare for taking measurements. 
Identify possible influences on discharge measurement. 
Select the cross-section for discharge measurement. 
Measure the width of the section. 
Select appropriate sounding points (verticals) to subdivide the cross-section. 
Measure the depth of vertical. 
Select method to suit the ambient conditions and flow. 
Collect velocity data at appropriate depth(s) for each vertical. 
Calculate the point velocity. 
Calculate the mean velocity for each vertical. 
Calculate the area of subsection corresponding to each vertical. 
Calculate the discharge corresponding to each subsection. 
Calculate the area and discharge at the section by summation of the subsection data. 
Apply corrections for oblique flow as required. 
Gather supporting information from the site and complete documentation. 
Calculate and record the mean stage height and rate of change using relevant mathematical techniques. 
Grade and record the gauging quality. 
Check records. 
Enter gauging into ratings database. 
Identify the monitoring objective of the site and gauging requirements. 
Identify, analyse and confirm the data collection method required by the organisation. 
Select appropriate equipment and confirm site conditions are within instrument specifications. 
Verify calibration and maintenance status. 
Evaluate site conditions and prepare for taking measurements. 
Identify possible influences on discharge measurement. 
Select the cross-section for discharge measurement. 
Measure the width of the section. 
Select appropriate sounding points (verticals) to subdivide the cross-section. 
Measure the depth of vertical. 
Select method to suit the ambient conditions and flow. 
Collect velocity data at appropriate depth(s) for each vertical. 
Calculate the point velocity. 
Calculate the mean velocity for each vertical. 
Calculate the area of subsection corresponding to each vertical. 
Calculate the discharge corresponding to each subsection. 
Calculate the area and discharge at the section by summation of the subsection data. 
Apply corrections for oblique flow as required. 
Gather supporting information from the site and complete documentation. 
Calculate and record the mean stage height and rate of change using relevant mathematical techniques. 
Grade and record the gauging quality. 
Check records. 
Enter gauging into ratings database. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWPHYD011 - Measure and process low and medium flows using area velocity methods
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Assessment Record Sheet

NWPHYD011 - Measure and process low and medium flows using area velocity methods

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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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