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

SISOCAY405A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Apply advanced vertical canyoning skills

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SISOCAY405A - Apply advanced vertical canyoning skills
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to independently undertake vertical canyoning activities in difficult and or non-routine conditions. These canyons may include intermittent vertical pitches of variable length, multi pitch abseils and hazardous hydrological features.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to those working as canyoning guides or instructors in a range of unpredictable environments and locations with a variety of terrain obstacles, hazards and conditions within the context of the region. This may apply to canyoning leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers, volunteer groups, not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites SISOCAY302A Apply vertical canyoning skills
Competency Field
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: Plan for the canyoning activity.
  • Identify and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the duration of the activity.
  • Identify and select an appropriate activity site according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan.
  • Select personal clothing according to design and or construction features appropriate for the activity.
  • Conduct pre activity checks according to organisational policies and procedures.
       
Element: Select and utilise canyoning equipment.
  • Select and use equipment in a safe and efficient manner according to contextual issues.
  • Fit and adjust equipment to ensure personal comfort and safety according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • Waterproof food, clothing, equipment and resources where applicable.
  • Complete personal and equipment safety checks prior to commencing canyoning and or belaying in difficult conditions.
  • Select and attach descending device to the rope and tie knots suitable to the belay system being used.
  • Apply safety procedures at top and bottom of descent site to minimise risk.
       
Element: Travel through a canyon with vertical pitches.
  • Survey the route through the canyon to identify hazards and obstacles, assess risks, and select a safe route according to conditions and group ability.
  • Respond to emergency situations according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • Identify hazardous features of hydrological formations and determine alternative routes according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Apply correct body position in moving water to minimise the potential for foot entrapment.
  • Apply navigation skills and swimming techniques appropriate to the chosen route.
  • Establish new or alternate anchors in non-routine situations or when designated anchors may not be available or suitable for use.
  • Demonstrate efficient rope handling and retrieval skills in non routine situations.
       
Element: Demonstrate abseiling technique.
  • Identify specific considerations and risks associated with the selection of equipment and the rigging of abseil anchors and systems.
  • Negotiate obstacles and avoid or remove hazards to descend in a controlled manner.
  • Demonstrate correct posture and technique while abseiling using single and double rope taking into account pitch variations.
  • Maintain effective communication between the abseiler and the belayer throughout the descent.
  • Identify and apply techniques that minimise damage to the environment while abseiling.
  • Respond to emergency situations according organisational policies and procedures.
       
Element: Demonstrate belaying technique.
  • Establish belaying position by moving body in relation to belay device that enables effective use of belay system.
  • Confirm attachment of belayer to anchor to minimise movement during a fall.
  • Demonstrate a safe and efficient escape from belay system, and attachment of belayer to anchor to minimise movement during a fall.
  • Maintain rope tension to ensure fall distance is minimised while not restricting abseiler movement.
  • Monitor abseiler progress constantly and respond appropriately to abseiler calls.
  • Arrest falls promptly using technique suitable to the belaying device and or situation.
  • Demonstrate the lowering of a conscious or unconscious canyoner in the event of an emergency.
  • Demonstrate attachment to alternate belay or safety system when self-belaying to maintain safety in the event of a fall.
       
Element: Maintain canyoning equipment.
  • Conduct maintenance checks and repairs of canyoning equipment prior to storage.
  • Dry equipment prior to storage as appropriate.
  • Store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
       
Element: Evaluate canyoning activity.
  • Evaluate relevant aspects of canyoning activity.
  • Evaluate own performance using self reflection methods and identify potential improvements for future performances.
  • Make modifications to future canyoning activities where required in response to feedback from other participants and own self reflection outcomes.
       


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.

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:

applies relevant processes to plan equipment and supply requirements for canyoning activities performed in difficult conditions

conducts pre-activity checks of the canyon site and equipment to identify potential hazards, obstacles and risks, and applies risk minimisation techniques and maintenance within own area of responsibility

demonstrates advanced canyoning skills such as negotiating a vertical multi pitch using abseiling and belaying and communication systems

negotiates obstacles and hazards during canyoning activities and adapts to unpredictable, non-routine and emergency situations that may arise

evaluates and reflects on own canyoning performance to identify strengths and weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple advanced vertical canyoning activities, within the current or intended context of the candidate's work region to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information, such as meteorological data, to plan for the canyoning activity

a suitable outdoor environment with a canyoning site with difficult and or non-routine multi pitches

canyoning, abseiling and belaying, navigation, safety and first aid, communication and repair equipment.

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:

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all canyoning activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of multi pitch abseiling and belaying skills in difficult and unpredictable canyoning conditions

observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment failure or change in weather conditions

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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

SISCAQU202A Perform basic water rescues

SISOCAY406A Establish complex belays in canyons.

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.

Required skills

communication skills to inform progress and interact with other participants

problem-solving skills to:

identify and negotiate obstacles and hazards when abseiling in canyons

deal with unpredictable, non-routine and emergency situations

assess application of rope tension when belaying

planning and organising skills to access resources and equipment for the canyoning activity

self management skills to review and reflect on own performance

abseiling and belaying skills to apply as part of the canyoning activity

swimming and navigation skills to safely travel through difficult canyon conditions

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all canyoning activities

minimal impact techniques to minimise environmental impact of canyoning activities

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for canyoning, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment,

factors affecting selection, use, care and maintenance of equipment and clothing

advanced canyoning techniques and common communication methods and calls used between abseilers and belayers to reduce risk during multi pitch abseiling

lay techniques and devices appropriate for activity including anchor selection and rigging of abseils

technical abseiling and belaying knowledge, such as common improvisation techniques and procedures to suit the unpredictable and possible extreme canyoning conditions

knots and rope handling to maintain adequate rope tension when belaying

weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity

hazards, obstacles and risks commonly associated with canyoning

emergency procedures, potential hazards and obstacles relevant to the location to ensure safety of self and others.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Food and water requirements may include:

menu planning and preparation

range of foods.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

essential nutrients

individual food requirements and allergies.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

emergency procedures

communication protocols

use and maintenance of equipment

code of ethics.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

local knowledge

police.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts.

Pre activity checks must include:

condition of equipment

logistical arrangements

weather

review of escape routes and contingency plans.

Equipment may include:

canyoning equipment

abseiling and belaying equipment

navigation equipment

safety and first aid equipment

communication equipment

repair equipment.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Safety checks may include:

A - anchors - secure and suitable to application

B - buckles - locked as per manufacturers recommendations

C - connectors - locked secured and oriented

D - devices - threaded correctly and secured

E - everything else including end or rope knots, friction, friction hitches, belayer ready, helmet chin strap, clothing, jewellery and hair secured

F - friend - cross check.

Difficult conditions may include:

intermittent vertical pitches of variable length

multi-pitch abseils with belay stations mid-pitch

terrain obstacles which obstruct regular route

wet sections

flowing water and resultant hydrological formations.

Descending devices may include:

auto locking devices

circular devices

plate devices

tubular devices

improvised devices

in line devices.

Knots may include:

rethreaded figure 8

figure 8 on bight

friction hitches.

Belay systems may include:

top belay

bottom belay

self belay.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Obstacles may include:

slippery rocks

large boulders

rock pools

water slides

tunnel swims

small drops

falling water

logs

small rapids

ledges

trees

overhangs

squeezes

traverses.

Risks may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Hydrological formations may include:

stoppers

rapids

holes

strainers

undercuts

still bodies of extremely cold water.

Emergency situations may include:

injured, unconscious or frozen canyoner

anchor point corroded, removed or decayed

raised water levels

injured member of group

abseiler with wedged body parts

damaged or lost equipment

hair or clothing jam

changed conditions at top of pitch.

Belay devices may include:

plate devices

auto locking devices

tubular devices.

Maintenance checks and repairs may include:

lilo puncture repair

lilo valve repair or replacement

cleaning of rope and harnesses.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.

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 and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the duration of the activity. 
Identify and select an appropriate activity site according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan. 
Select personal clothing according to design and or construction features appropriate for the activity. 
Conduct pre activity checks according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Select and use equipment in a safe and efficient manner according to contextual issues. 
Fit and adjust equipment to ensure personal comfort and safety according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Waterproof food, clothing, equipment and resources where applicable. 
Complete personal and equipment safety checks prior to commencing canyoning and or belaying in difficult conditions. 
Select and attach descending device to the rope and tie knots suitable to the belay system being used. 
Apply safety procedures at top and bottom of descent site to minimise risk. 
Survey the route through the canyon to identify hazards and obstacles, assess risks, and select a safe route according to conditions and group ability. 
Respond to emergency situations according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Identify hazardous features of hydrological formations and determine alternative routes according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Apply correct body position in moving water to minimise the potential for foot entrapment. 
Apply navigation skills and swimming techniques appropriate to the chosen route. 
Establish new or alternate anchors in non-routine situations or when designated anchors may not be available or suitable for use. 
Demonstrate efficient rope handling and retrieval skills in non routine situations. 
Identify specific considerations and risks associated with the selection of equipment and the rigging of abseil anchors and systems. 
Negotiate obstacles and avoid or remove hazards to descend in a controlled manner. 
Demonstrate correct posture and technique while abseiling using single and double rope taking into account pitch variations. 
Maintain effective communication between the abseiler and the belayer throughout the descent. 
Identify and apply techniques that minimise damage to the environment while abseiling. 
Respond to emergency situations according organisational policies and procedures. 
Establish belaying position by moving body in relation to belay device that enables effective use of belay system. 
Confirm attachment of belayer to anchor to minimise movement during a fall. 
Demonstrate a safe and efficient escape from belay system, and attachment of belayer to anchor to minimise movement during a fall. 
Maintain rope tension to ensure fall distance is minimised while not restricting abseiler movement. 
Monitor abseiler progress constantly and respond appropriately to abseiler calls. 
Arrest falls promptly using technique suitable to the belaying device and or situation. 
Demonstrate the lowering of a conscious or unconscious canyoner in the event of an emergency. 
Demonstrate attachment to alternate belay or safety system when self-belaying to maintain safety in the event of a fall. 
Conduct maintenance checks and repairs of canyoning equipment prior to storage. 
Dry equipment prior to storage as appropriate. 
Store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of canyoning activity. 
Evaluate own performance using self reflection methods and identify potential improvements for future performances. 
Make modifications to future canyoning activities where required in response to feedback from other participants and own self reflection outcomes. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOCAY405A - Apply advanced vertical canyoning skills
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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

SISOCAY405A - Apply advanced vertical canyoning skills

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Student ID:

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

(add lines for each task)

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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