Application
This unit describes the skills required to employ visual emergency signalling techniques in a survival situation. The individual is not meant to be an expert signaller, but must demonstrate sufficient skills and knowledge to construct, maintain and employ functional emergency signalling devices to enhance their survival through the attraction of, and basic communication with, search and rescue (SAR) agencies.
This unit was developed for Defence personnel but may be relevant to others.
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.
Those undertaking this unit would act autonomously, while performing concrete tasks, in a broad range of contexts which may be highly unpredictable.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
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. Prepare for construction of visual emergency signals | 1.1 Assess available natural and artificial resources for their application in emergency signalling. 1.2 Examine local area and identify the ground that would afford optimum visibility to searchers but minimum physical effort to the survivor. 1.3 Observe and note sun’s transit to determine the optimum placement of reflective signalling devices. |
2. Prepare emergency signalling devices for use | 2.1 Site and construct ground 2.2 Site and construct tinsel/Christmas tree devices using artificial resources to optimise visibility from the air. 2.3 Site and construct an emergency signal fire to optimise visibility from the air, considering the prevailing wind’s effect (if any) on smoke trails. 2.4 Site and excavate shadow trenches, considering the sun’s movement. 2.5 Prepare purpose-built signalling devices. |
3. Employ visual emergency signals | 3.1 Initiate an emergency signal fire and utilise fuel to maximise the visual signature. 3.2 Attract search aircraft attention by employing purpose-built signalling devices. 3.3 Interpret and respond to recognition and response signals from search aircraft. |
Evidence of Performance
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.
selecting combustible and ‘smoking’ materials
constructing, igniting and maintaining a fire
siting and building a trench symbol, visible from the air at 2000 metres may be a simulated trench if ground is too hard.
siting and constructing a tinsel tree, visible from the air at 2000 metres
siting, constructing and maintaining the fuel and foliage stock for the fire
lighting the fire so that it is well ablaze within 120 seconds and then generating smoke through the application of green foliage
interpreting and responding to recognition and response signals from search aircraft, including :
I require your attention
message received and understood
message received but not understood
follow aircraft in same direction
Evidence of Knowledge
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.
air search/ground search procedures
aircraft recognition and response/international distress signals
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be demonstrated using a range of simulated visual emergency signalling techniques that could be expected in a survival situation with access to emergency signalling devices.
Consideration must be given to holistic assessment with other survival units.
While a person can demonstrate the ability to employ visual emergency signalling techniques, doing so in a survival situation is crucial. Assessment under simulated survival conditions includes:
food restrictions
absence of normal living conditions and amenities
significant period of time
Refer to advice in the companion volumes.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
ACSF levels indicative of performance:
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Survival