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

SISOKYS408A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Guide sea kayaking trips in moderate to difficult conditions

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SISOKYS408A - Guide sea kayaking trips in moderate to difficult conditions
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to guide participants on day and or overnight sea kayaking trips in moderate to difficult conditions. This unit focuses on the application of planning skills to make suitable arrangements to lead a group on a sea kayaking trip.No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to those working as sea kayaking guides who are responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating day and or overnight sea kayaking trips in moderate to difficult conditions. This may include those working for private outdoor adventure companies, volunteer organisations, not for profit organisations, government agencies, or group instructors in outdoor education programs.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Nil
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 a sea kayaking trip.
  • Conduct relevant assessments to determine the conditionofparticipants.
  • Develop a trip plan, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures, to meet participant's needs.
  • Select a location that is suitable for participants and meets Session's aims and objectives, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Identify hazards associated with sea kayaking in moderate to difficult conditions and manage risks to ensure personal safety of participants.
  • Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine trip plan.
  • Determine food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues of the trip.
  • Inform appropriate authorities before and after the sea kayaking trip.
       
Element: Select equipment for the group.
  • Select sea kayaks and equipment, according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures, and check serviceability.
  • Assess sea kayaks and equipment for safety and suitability, and adjust and fit according to manufacturer's specifications.
  • Check safety and rescue equipment to ensure suitability to the group and planned trip.
  • Waterproof, pack and fasten equipment that is not required on hand and prepare sea kayak for transportation if required.
       
Element: Brief participants.
  • Communicate instructions and relevant information about the sea kayaking trip in a manner suitable to the participants.
  • Demonstrate correct packing of a sea kayak and sea kayaking techniques where required.
  • Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while sea kayaking.
  • Outline safety procedures and confirm participants are properly equipped for the sea kayaking trip.
       
Element: Lead the group and monitor progress.
  • Provide direction and advice to group while navigating.
  • Identify potential hazards and decide how they can be overcome or avoided throughout trip.
  • Evaluate paddling pace and spacing between sea kayaks throughout trip and alter accordingly.
  • Implement appropriate modifications to trip in regard to all variable factors that are monitored.
  • Respond accordingly to any emergency or non routine situation.
       
Element: Complete post trip responsibilities.
  • Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • Evaluate relevant aspects of sea kayaking trip.
  • Identify potential areas of improvement for future sea kayaking trips.
  • Review own performance and identify potential improvements.
       


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:

plans within activity constraints and guides and monitors group in a safe and professional manner

applies contingency management techniques to make adjustments to deal with a range of problems or variable factors that may arise during sea kayaking trips

encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure the safe guiding of groups on sea kayaking trips that reflect the needs and characteristics of a range of participants and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information regarding participants and location to plan, guide and document sea kayaking trip

a suitable sea kayaking location with moderate to difficult sea conditions

a suitable overnight site, if required

participants to take part in the sea kayaking trip

a suitable and safe method of transport, if required, to transport sea kayaks to and from activity location

sea kayaking, navigation, overnight, first aid and safety and rescue 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:

observation of planning and guiding processes and interacting with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of sea kayaking trip

observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure

review of sea kayaking trip plans

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:

SISOOPS202A Use and maintain a temporary overnight site

SISOOPS303A Interpret weather for marine environments.

Guidance information for assessment

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:

consult with participants to plan a sea kayaking trip

convey information about the safety aspects of the trip

interact with participants to create a safe and positive sea kayaking environment

problem-solving skills to:

make decisions affecting trip

respond to non-routine situations

manage the group effectively

planning and organising skills to source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and a suitable body of water with access to land for possible overnight stay

language and literacy skills to:

produce a plan for the sea kayaking trip

complete post trip participant and self evaluations

literacy and numeracy skills to read and interpret information on a sea chart and to calculate times and distances for the legs of a sea kayaking trip

effective and efficient personal sea kayaking skills in difficult conditions to demonstrate and explain sea kayaking techniques to participants

swimming skills to remove self from danger after a capsize and to manoeuvre sea kayak while in paddling gear

first aid and emergency response and rescue 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 activities performed during sea kayaking trip

minimal impact codes to enable protection of the environment

information about local area to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential sea kayaking hazards, and any special restrictions applying to the area

sea and weather reading and assessment, such as the effect of tide, current, wind and local conditions on the sea kayaking activity

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for sea kayaking in difficult conditions, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

clothing requirements for sea kayaking, such as wet weather gear to maintain warmth and sun protection to minimise sunburn and heatstroke

care and maintenance of sea kayaking equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements

waterproofing techniques used to keep equipment, that is not required on hand, dry during sea kayaking

importance of a personal flotation device in keeping a person afloat and their head above water

stroke, rolling and capsizing techniques used in difficult conditions

swimming techniques to swim out of trouble and manoeuvre sea kayak while in water

communication systems and signals used in sea kayaking

principles of nutrition to maintain health during sea kayaking

coastal navigation, chart reading and compass use applicable to sea kayaking in difficult conditions

reading and assessment of the weather at sea to understand the dynamics and effect of the tide, current and wind conditions

risks associated with sea kayaking in difficult conditions and how to manage the risks

emergency response and rescue procedures appropriate for sea kayaking, to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

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.

Condition of participants may include:

previous experience

physical development

age

injuries and illnesses.

Plan may include:

aims and objectives

date, time and duration of trip

location, equipment and resources

safety requirements

risk and contingency management plans

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

time and budget constraints

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

confidentiality of participant information

guide and participant ratios

camp fire regulations

code of ethics.

Session's aims and objectives may include:

developing sea kayaking skills

education

development

therapy

fitness targets

recreation.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards

slippery or unstable shore

poor posture, poor technique

poor carrying techniques

loose or insecure craft when being transported.

other craft.

Moderate to difficult conditions may include:

Areas of exposed coastline with currents, difficult landings, or open crossings

open crossings with wind speeds of 17-21 knots

wave heights of at least 1.0metre

surf up to 2.0metres

Distances beyond 4 nautical miles from the nearest shore.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment failure

capsize.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

coastal patrol or coastguard

volunteer marine rescue

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Food and water requirements may include:

menu planning and preparation

range of foods.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

individual food requirements and allergies.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Appropriate authorities may include:

waterways departments

surf rescue

authorities

supervisors.

Sea kayaks may include:

single sea kayaks

double sea kayaks.

Equipment may include:

personal flotation device

paddle with leash

spray deck

wet suit or wet weather gear

ropes

tie down straps

safety and first aid equipment

pumps

sponges

paddle float.

Relevant information may include:

safety procedures

logistical details

risk management

sea kayaking techniques

responsible and safe behaviour.

Safety procedures may include:

group launch and land

group movement and spacing

group signals (emergency actions)

capsize procedures

use of safety and rescue equipment

foreseeable hazards and their associated risks and management techniques

communication systems.

Variable factors may include:

change of weather and conditions

equipment failure

participant's needs.

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
Conduct relevant assessments to determine the conditionofparticipants. 
Develop a trip plan, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures, to meet participant's needs. 
Select a location that is suitable for participants and meets Session's aims and objectives, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Identify hazards associated with sea kayaking in moderate to difficult conditions and manage risks to ensure personal safety of participants. 
Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine trip plan. 
Determine food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues of the trip. 
Inform appropriate authorities before and after the sea kayaking trip. 
Select sea kayaks and equipment, according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures, and check serviceability. 
Assess sea kayaks and equipment for safety and suitability, and adjust and fit according to manufacturer's specifications. 
Check safety and rescue equipment to ensure suitability to the group and planned trip. 
Waterproof, pack and fasten equipment that is not required on hand and prepare sea kayak for transportation if required. 
Communicate instructions and relevant information about the sea kayaking trip in a manner suitable to the participants. 
Demonstrate correct packing of a sea kayak and sea kayaking techniques where required. 
Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while sea kayaking. 
Outline safety procedures and confirm participants are properly equipped for the sea kayaking trip. 
Provide direction and advice to group while navigating. 
Identify potential hazards and decide how they can be overcome or avoided throughout trip. 
Evaluate paddling pace and spacing between sea kayaks throughout trip and alter accordingly. 
Implement appropriate modifications to trip in regard to all variable factors that are monitored. 
Respond accordingly to any emergency or non routine situation. 
Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of sea kayaking trip. 
Identify potential areas of improvement for future sea kayaking trips. 
Review own performance and identify potential improvements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOKYS408A - Guide sea kayaking trips in moderate to difficult conditions
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Assessment Record Sheet

SISOKYS408A - Guide sea kayaking trips in moderate to difficult conditions

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

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