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

SISONAV403A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Navigate in uncontrolled environments

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SISONAV403A - Navigate in uncontrolled environments
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to Navigate in uncontrolled environments within an activity-specific context. This includes areas which are totally natural with no modifications made to the natural surface and where the onset of extreme environmental conditions may have a significant adverse impact upon the activity.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to adventure guides or outdoor leaders working for private outdoor adventure companies and or school based outdoor education programs, such as holiday programs and camps. Activities requiring navigation may include bushwalking, skiing and snowboarding in unmodified landscapes in extreme environmental conditions which are totally natural with no modifications made to the natural surface, no clearance or signage, indistinct track alignment and are not managed for public risk. 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 for navigation.
  • Obtain and become familiar with appropriate map or maps for the activity.
  • Identify symbols and information contained on the map that may be used in navigation.
  • Apply information contained on the map to plan an efficient route or course according to specific activity requirements, contextual issues, relevant legislation, and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Obtain and identify essential features of a compass and how it is used to maintain a designated course.
  • Calculate grid and magnetic bearings using a map and compass.
  • Prepare a navigation data sheet and identify emergency or contingency escape routes.
       
Element: Navigate in unmodified landscapes.
  • Apply navigation techniques to orientate map to surroundings with a compass and identify factors that affect accuracy.
  • Follow a route in unmodified landscapes, demonstrating use of a combination of navigation aids according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Apply techniques for estimating distance travelled in the absence of identifying features.
  • Maintain, where necessary, a compass course while bypassing an obstacle.
  • Identify unknown features and hazards in extreme environmental conditions using navigation aids.
  • Fix position using a combination of navigation techniques and identify unknown features when lost.
       
Element: Evaluate navigations.
  • Evaluate relevant aspects of navigation.
  • Identify improvements or modifications for future navigations in unmodified landscapes in extreme environmental conditions.
       


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 process to plan a route in unmodified landscapes and demonstrates navigation techniques to orientate and follow directions in extreme environmental conditions

navigates around obstacles and hazards in unmodified landscapes while maintaining a compass course

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in navigation activities in unmodified landscapes that are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a suitable outdoor location with unmodified landscapes within an activity-specific context that align to Class 6 Tracks within the Australian Standard for Walking Tracks

navigation equipment such as map or maps, compass, GPS and activity-specific 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 navigation techniques used to maintain a course in unmodified landscapes

observation of safe participation and demonstration of navigation skills, such as maintaining a compass course while bypassing an obstacle and fixing position when lost

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:

SISOBWG404A Bushwalk in unmodified landscapes.

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

literacy skills to:

read and interpret maps

follow instructions and procedures

develop a navigation data sheet

planning and organising skills to:

obtain navigation equipment

plan and follow routes and courses

numeracy skills to calculate grid and magnetic bearings and distances using a map and compass in conditions of poor visibility

problem-solving skills to:

make prompt decisions

maintain a compass course while bypassing an obstacle

fix position and determine current location when lost in unmodified landscapes in extreme environmental conditions.

Required knowledge

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

different types of maps, sources of error and factors affecting accuracy in extreme environmental conditions to enable appropriate map selection and use

map features, including symbols, contour lines, scales, grid lines and legends to enable efficient map reading

features of a compass, their use and factors that affect compass accuracy

route planning and factors that should be considered when navigating in unmodified landscapes in extreme environmental conditions

navigation techniques in unmodified landscapes to determine distance, location, direction and potential obstacles and hazards

techniques for estimating distance travelled, determining position when lost and navigating around obstacles in unmodified landscapes.

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.

Map or maps may include:

cadastral and topographic maps

charts

hydrographic

aerial photographs

guide books and diagrams.

Symbols and information may include:

grid lines and numbers

contour lines

magnetic variation

scale

map legend

topographic features

markers and beacons

water depth.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

seasons

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

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

communication protocols

use and maintenance of equipment

code of ethics.

Navigation data sheet may include:

grid reference points

grid and magnetic bearings

distances

estimated travelling times

height gain or loss

gradient

identifiable features

escape routes.

Navigation techniques may include:

use of compass

linear features

point features

attack points

aiming off

collecting features

spiral search

sweep search

backbearings and resections

use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

use of stars and sun

use of natural features.

Surroundings may include:

snow conditions

bodies of water

beacons and markers

natural formations

landmarks

man-made features.

Unmodified landscapes include:

uncleared tracks

unsigned

terrain and man-made hazards

tracks not managed for public risk

tracks align with Class 6 Tracks within the Australian Standard for Walking Tracks.

Navigation aids may include:

track and creek junctions and crossings

survey markers

beacons

track markers

cairns

paths

lines

signs

arrows

watch

weather charts

man-made objects or features

transits.

Techniques for estimating distance may include:

time

observation of surroundings

relation to features if present

pacing.

Obstacles may include:

logs

rocks

gullies

snow conditions

exposed areas

thick vegetation

drops and climbs

marshes and bogs

fog

rivers, lakes and dams.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Extreme environmental conditions may include:

very poor visibility

severe weather

unexpected and sudden weather changes.

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
Obtain and become familiar with appropriate map or maps for the activity. 
Identify symbols and information contained on the map that may be used in navigation. 
Apply information contained on the map to plan an efficient route or course according to specific activity requirements, contextual issues, relevant legislation, and organisational policies and procedures. 
Obtain and identify essential features of a compass and how it is used to maintain a designated course. 
Calculate grid and magnetic bearings using a map and compass. 
Prepare a navigation data sheet and identify emergency or contingency escape routes. 
Apply navigation techniques to orientate map to surroundings with a compass and identify factors that affect accuracy. 
Follow a route in unmodified landscapes, demonstrating use of a combination of navigation aids according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Apply techniques for estimating distance travelled in the absence of identifying features. 
Maintain, where necessary, a compass course while bypassing an obstacle. 
Identify unknown features and hazards in extreme environmental conditions using navigation aids. 
Fix position using a combination of navigation techniques and identify unknown features when lost. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of navigation. 
Identify improvements or modifications for future navigations in unmodified landscapes in extreme environmental conditions. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISONAV403A - Navigate in uncontrolled environments
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

SISONAV403A - Navigate in uncontrolled environments

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: