What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?

Competence in operating in isolated and remote situations requires evidence that an individual has demonstrated the knowledge and skills that would enable them to work safely in isolated and remote situations according to enterprise guidelines and industry best practice. The skills and knowledge required to operate in isolated and remote situations must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different environments, situations and emergencies.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:

Map reading and navigation skills including direction finding (e.g., GPS, use of compass, stars or watch).

Local topography, nearby inhabitants and locations within that area.

Survival techniques and human needs relating to survival situations.

Clothing requirements for sun or heat protection.

Basic first aid.

Bush craft including making a fire, cooking and wild food gathering.

Water supplies, sources and generation methods.

Emergency vehicle and mechanical equipment repair.

The operation of communication equipment (e.g., field communications by two-way, satellite telephony and HF radio), and distress signalling including use of signalling mirrors.

Weather and weather indicators.

Basic rope skills including useful knots (reef, clove hitch, truckie's hitch, bowline); simple lashings and tying down loads.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Plan for operating in remote environments.

Prepare for operating in remote environments.

Prepare for emergency situations.

Operate in remote environments.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (2) be applied?

Travel and work plans with the industry network and enterprise management.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)?

Geography, meteorology and local conditions and working requirements.

3. How are activities planned and organised (2)?

Safe working activities in remote environments.

4. How can team work (1) be applied?

Achieving group goals and targeted outcomes for remote area work or travel.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?

Calculate distance, capacity and rations.

6. How can problem-solving skills (2) be applied?

Isolation, loss of direction or emergency, dealing with incidents.

7. How can the use of technology (1) be applied?

Equipment for communication, location and direction finding.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

For information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, refer to the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this competency standard. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts

Which remote environments may be included?

Any work place where the ability to get help because of distance is such that personal safety may be at risk.

Which types of working situations may be included?

Working alone or in teams.

What methods of planning may be included?

Establishment of time schedules and intended outcomes in consultation with managers and supervising staff.

Provisioning for extreme circumstances, including worst case scenario.

Identification of alternative routes, available water supplies and travel conditions such as checks of actual and forecast weather conditions.

Consideration of any unplanned deviation from the planned route, itinerary or timing including the work processes involved.

Establishment of rescue plans and the consideration of what circumstances might require such an operation to be mounted.

Which enterprise procedures and policy may be relevant?

Guidelines and reporting procedures for personnel operating in remote environments.

What documentation will be included?

Personal diary records as well as property records.

What operational strategies may be considered?

Planned provision of water and other survival clothing and requisites sufficient to meet the needs of all personnel.

What structured usage of provisions may be required?

Available provisions and resources used at a rate that sustains the individual or party and will last if possible until the end of any possible delays or emergency situations.

What emergency equipment might be relevant to this standard?

First aid supplies, spare parts, telephones, two way radios and repair tools for the selected form of transportation, retrieval, communications, prescribed emergency equipment for water travel and emergency beacons and other position location devices.

What emergency planning should be included?

Establishment of contingency plans ("fall back position").

What personnel briefings may be included?

Provision of advice on intended routes, work locations, maps and direction finding equipment.

What training in remote area survival techniques may be relevant?

Managing emergencies, location and/or distilling of water, provision and erection of shelter, conservation of energy, the identification and use of wild food (bush tucker), GPS position locating, setting out beacons and distress signalling, staying put or remaining with transport and communicating with rescue teams.

What personal equipment may be included?

Water generating, shade generating gear and non-perishable survival rations, and clothing to provide for the worst case scenario.

What forms of communication are relevant?

Two-way radio, satellite radio/phone, marine radio or mobile telephone.

What methods of distress signalling may be included?

EPIRBs, signalling mirrors, fire or signals scratched on the ground.

Which appropriate authorities may be included?

The property manager, other staff or recognised regulatory authorities (e.g., Police, Maritime Safety Authority, State Emergency Service, and Civil Aviation Authority).

What emergency situations may be relevant to this standard?

Vehicle or equipment breakdown, lack of food, water or protective clothing, flood, fire or storm.

Which relevant licensing may be included?

Operating vehicles on roads, heritage reserves or public reserves, radio communications equipment.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment refer to the Sector Booklet.