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

NWPHYD017 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Develop and maintain ratings

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency NWPHYD017 - Develop and maintain ratings
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency describes the skills required to establish relationships between variables including stage versus flow and conductivity versus salinity. This unit requires understanding of the processes required to collect data, interpret data, verify data and produce clear reports that conform with organisational and industry standards.This unit applies to hydrographers employed by the water industry and 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 must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to WHS, Bureau of Meteorology, World Meteorological Organisation and Australian Standards.Those undertaking this unit would work autonomously, supervising staff, 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.

Consideration must be given to holistic assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the companion volumes.

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: Review individual measurements
  • Identify monitoring objectives of site and stage discharge ratings requirements.
  • Review historical discharge measurements, time series data and stage discharge rating curves and compare against expected trends.
  • Use standard processes and software to check, edit and verify field data.
  • Correct and adjust inconsistent data.
       
Element: Develop rating curves
  • Analyse existing measurements to establish trends and compare with existing ratings.
  • Identify events at monitoring site that can affect stage discharge curve.
  • Identify sources of error in ratings.
  • Prepare rating curves based on measurements, agreed formulae and mathematical techniques, under a variety of hydraulic conditions and control types.
  • Confirm and verify existing trend or define new trend.
  • Develop rating curves that comply with industry and client requirements.
  • Use theoretical methods to create or extend ratings.
  • Document processes and observations to provide traceability and accountability for quality assurance.
  • Apply standard formulae to create ratings for pre-calibrated measuring structures.
  • Apply quality codes to rating curves.
       
Element: Maintain rating curves
  • Confirm accuracy of rating curves using recent measurements and review trends and rating applicability.
  • Develop rating curves based on new information from reviews and changed conditions.
  • Retrieve and analyse current, historic and trend data using appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Document processes, observations and adjustments made.
       
Element: Report rating curves
  • Prepare and store required archival data to guarantee data security.
  • Prepare and disseminate ratings in accordance with client requirements.
  • Make recommendations for future observations.
       
Element: Review individual measurements
  • Identify monitoring objectives of site and stage discharge ratings requirements.
  • Review historical discharge measurements, time series data and stage discharge rating curves and compare against expected trends.
  • Use standard processes and software to check, edit and verify field data.
  • Correct and adjust inconsistent data.
       
Element: Develop rating curves
  • Analyse existing measurements to establish trends and compare with existing ratings.
  • Identify events at monitoring site that can affect stage discharge curve.
  • Identify sources of error in ratings.
  • Prepare rating curves based on measurements, agreed formulae and mathematical techniques, under a variety of hydraulic conditions and control types.
  • Confirm and verify existing trend or define new trend.
  • Develop rating curves that comply with industry and client requirements.
  • Use theoretical methods to create or extend ratings.
  • Document processes and observations to provide traceability and accountability for quality assurance.
  • Apply standard formulae to create ratings for pre-calibrated measuring structures.
  • Apply quality codes to rating curves.
       
Element: Maintain rating curves
  • Confirm accuracy of rating curves using recent measurements and review trends and rating applicability.
  • Develop rating curves based on new information from reviews and changed conditions.
  • Retrieve and analyse current, historic and trend data using appropriate mathematical techniques.
  • Document processes, observations and adjustments made.
       
Element: Report rating curves
  • Prepare and store required archival data to guarantee data security.
  • Prepare and disseminate ratings in accordance with client requirements.
  • Make recommendations for future observations.
       


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. Review individual measurements

1.1 Identify monitoring objectives of site and stage discharge ratings requirements.

1.2 Review historical discharge measurements, time series data and stage discharge rating curves and compare against expected trends.

1.3 Use standard processes and software to check, edit and verify field data.

1.4 Correct and adjust inconsistent data.

2. Develop rating curves

2.1 Analyse existing measurements to establish trends and compare with existing ratings.

2.2 Identify events at monitoring site that can affect stage discharge curve.

2.3 Identify sources of error in ratings.

2.4 Prepare rating curves based on measurements, agreed formulae and mathematical techniques, under a variety of hydraulic conditions and control types.

2.5 Confirm and verify existing trend or define new trend.

2.6 Develop rating curves that comply with industry and client requirements.

2.7 Use theoretical methods to create or extend ratings.

2.8 Document processes and observations to provide traceability and accountability for quality assurance.

2.9 Apply standard formulae to create ratings for pre-calibrated measuring structures.

2.10 Apply quality codes to rating curves.

3. Maintain rating curves

3.1 Confirm accuracy of rating curves using recent measurements and review trends and rating applicability.

3.2 Develop rating curves based on new information from reviews and changed conditions.

3.3 Retrieve and analyse current, historic and trend data using appropriate mathematical techniques.

3.4 Document processes, observations and adjustments made.

4. Report rating curves

4.1 Prepare and store required archival data to guarantee data security.

4.2 Prepare and disseminate ratings in accordance with client requirements.

4.3 Make recommendations for future observations.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

collecting, storing, archiving and analysing data

applying mathematical modelling and analytical tools

interpreting and applying technical documentation to the collection, analysis and reporting of hydrometric data

identifying and addressing potential or actual operational problems

recording information

interpreting a range of organisational documents

using computer systems to create ratings

using remote work communication systems

checking hydrographic data for correctness and accuracy in preparation for creating ratings

identifying characteristics of ratings appropriate to various cross-section types and flow

identifying errors in rating, and incorrect and impossible ratings

adjusting gaugings, hydrograph trace and ratings to a common datum

creating ratings manually using various methods and for standard measuring structures

developing rating techniques to handle seasonal rating changes

identifying the possibilities and limitations of scale models for generating ratings

identifying and recognising causes of progressive, cyclical and sudden rating changes

identifying backwater-affected stations and using techniques to rate them

identifying gradual stream changes and adopting rating techniques

identifying short-term rating changes, their causes and means of correctly processing them

applying Student’s t-test to determine whether a new rating is required

drawing an accurate rating by hand

fitting a rating curve using a number of mathematical techniques available in relevant software packages

identifying gross errors in ratings and the data used to compile them

applying appropriate quality codes to a rating

identifying the elements of a stream bed and channel that affect ratings

estimating channel roughness from photographs

calculating the overall roughness coefficient of a channel consisting of a number of elements

using graphical logarithmic methods to extend a rating

identifying appropriate sections to use for slope-area flow calculations

calculating flow rates manually using a set of cross-sections and a long-section

using a spreadsheet to perform calculations

calculating flow rates through and over various structures

establishing relationships between variables including stage versus flow and conductivity versus salinity

gathering and interpreting complex documentation and applying it to the development and maintenance of rating curves

identifying, reporting and providing solutions to a range of flow conditions

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.

mathematical and other scientific techniques relevant to the analysis of hydrographic data

Student’s t-test

elements of a stream bed and channel that affect the rating

relationship between Chezy and Manning roughness coefficients

computer software relevant to the analysis and archiving of hydrographic data

the basis of statistical goodness of fit tests

WHS procedures


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. Review individual measurements

1.1 Identify monitoring objectives of site and stage discharge ratings requirements.

1.2 Review historical discharge measurements, time series data and stage discharge rating curves and compare against expected trends.

1.3 Use standard processes and software to check, edit and verify field data.

1.4 Correct and adjust inconsistent data.

2. Develop rating curves

2.1 Analyse existing measurements to establish trends and compare with existing ratings.

2.2 Identify events at monitoring site that can affect stage discharge curve.

2.3 Identify sources of error in ratings.

2.4 Prepare rating curves based on measurements, agreed formulae and mathematical techniques, under a variety of hydraulic conditions and control types.

2.5 Confirm and verify existing trend or define new trend.

2.6 Develop rating curves that comply with industry and client requirements.

2.7 Use theoretical methods to create or extend ratings.

2.8 Document processes and observations to provide traceability and accountability for quality assurance.

2.9 Apply standard formulae to create ratings for pre-calibrated measuring structures.

2.10 Apply quality codes to rating curves.

3. Maintain rating curves

3.1 Confirm accuracy of rating curves using recent measurements and review trends and rating applicability.

3.2 Develop rating curves based on new information from reviews and changed conditions.

3.3 Retrieve and analyse current, historic and trend data using appropriate mathematical techniques.

3.4 Document processes, observations and adjustments made.

4. Report rating curves

4.1 Prepare and store required archival data to guarantee data security.

4.2 Prepare and disseminate ratings in accordance with client requirements.

4.3 Make recommendations for future observations.

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 monitoring objectives of site and stage discharge ratings requirements. 
Review historical discharge measurements, time series data and stage discharge rating curves and compare against expected trends. 
Use standard processes and software to check, edit and verify field data. 
Correct and adjust inconsistent data. 
Analyse existing measurements to establish trends and compare with existing ratings. 
Identify events at monitoring site that can affect stage discharge curve. 
Identify sources of error in ratings. 
Prepare rating curves based on measurements, agreed formulae and mathematical techniques, under a variety of hydraulic conditions and control types. 
Confirm and verify existing trend or define new trend. 
Develop rating curves that comply with industry and client requirements. 
Use theoretical methods to create or extend ratings. 
Document processes and observations to provide traceability and accountability for quality assurance. 
Apply standard formulae to create ratings for pre-calibrated measuring structures. 
Apply quality codes to rating curves. 
Confirm accuracy of rating curves using recent measurements and review trends and rating applicability. 
Develop rating curves based on new information from reviews and changed conditions. 
Retrieve and analyse current, historic and trend data using appropriate mathematical techniques. 
Document processes, observations and adjustments made. 
Prepare and store required archival data to guarantee data security. 
Prepare and disseminate ratings in accordance with client requirements. 
Make recommendations for future observations. 
Identify monitoring objectives of site and stage discharge ratings requirements. 
Review historical discharge measurements, time series data and stage discharge rating curves and compare against expected trends. 
Use standard processes and software to check, edit and verify field data. 
Correct and adjust inconsistent data. 
Analyse existing measurements to establish trends and compare with existing ratings. 
Identify events at monitoring site that can affect stage discharge curve. 
Identify sources of error in ratings. 
Prepare rating curves based on measurements, agreed formulae and mathematical techniques, under a variety of hydraulic conditions and control types. 
Confirm and verify existing trend or define new trend. 
Develop rating curves that comply with industry and client requirements. 
Use theoretical methods to create or extend ratings. 
Document processes and observations to provide traceability and accountability for quality assurance. 
Apply standard formulae to create ratings for pre-calibrated measuring structures. 
Apply quality codes to rating curves. 
Confirm accuracy of rating curves using recent measurements and review trends and rating applicability. 
Develop rating curves based on new information from reviews and changed conditions. 
Retrieve and analyse current, historic and trend data using appropriate mathematical techniques. 
Document processes, observations and adjustments made. 
Prepare and store required archival data to guarantee data security. 
Prepare and disseminate ratings in accordance with client requirements. 
Make recommendations for future observations. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWPHYD017 - Develop and maintain ratings
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

NWPHYD017 - Develop and maintain ratings

Student name:

Student ID:

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

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: