This unit describes the skills required to initiate and maintain fire in a survival situation. Fire is one of the most critical survival resources because of the range of applications, from preventing hypothermia and sterilising water to initiating rescue signals. The individual is expected to produce fire from improvised means (which may include traditional means if there are no alternatives).

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.

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.

implementing fire safety

producing fire from traditional means and friction

nurturing the ember into a robust flame through the careful and sequential additions of tinder, kindling and fuel

maintaining a fire continuously regardless of weather conditions

demonstrating due regard to the safety of persons and equipment, and the surrounding environment

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.

fire safety

hypothermia

range of applications of fire in a survival situation

Competency must be demonstrated once under the range of methods detailed in the establishment of fire but the maintenance of fire should be assessed over time. Competency must be assessed in a simulated workplace environment in an appropriate assessment area with access to sufficient suitable dry organic material to start fires; friction method fire-starting resources including bootlace (as bow string); and a knife. Fire should be maintained in all weather conditions including rain.

Consideration must be given to holistic assessment with other survival units.

While a person can demonstrate the technical ability to start and maintain a fire, 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.

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.

Survival