Application
This unit describes the outcomes required to navigate in forest areas in situations where difficult environmental conditions and poor visibility are likely to occur. The unit includes interpretation and use of maps and other navigation aids.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this 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. |
1. Prepare for navigation | 1.1 Identify assignment instructions, destination and relevant information about geographical factors and likely weather conditions enroute. 1.2 Select and check maps and navigation equipment for accuracy, currency and operational effectiveness. 1.3 Detect and correct faults or errors in maps and equipment 1.4 Establish and maintain communication with others in line with WHS and organisational requirements |
2. Plan the route | 2.1 Plan route according to assignment instructions and organisational safety procedures. 2.2 Examine maps to identify relevant symbols, geographical information and navigation data. 2.3 Plan optimum route according to time and safety considerations. 2.4 Plan alternate routes to allow for contingencies and emergency exit routes. 2.5 Identify limitations in planning and seek assistance from appropriate personnel. |
3. Navigate the route | 3.1 Navigate to and from destination according to planned route and schedule. 3.2 Use navigation equipment, in line with manufacturer’s instructions throughout journey 3.3 Orientate maps to surroundings and utilise compass and environmental navigation aids to assist. 3.4 Navigate alternative routes to bypass obstacles and improve efficiency of route. 3.5 Navigate routes and courses to minimise impact on the environment. |
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit.
plan routes in line with an individual assignment instructions, destination and timeline
use navigation equipment when planning routes:
standard magnetic compass using latitude/longitude and Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate systems
global positioning system (GPS)
cadastral maps (maps that show the boundaries and ownership of land parcels)
topographic maps
photographs
general maps
use a compass and environmental navigation aids enroute to navigate to and from destinations according to the planned route using latitude/longitude and Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate systems
establish and maintain communication with others as required
respond to environmental circumstances enroute and adapt by navigating alternative routes.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
environmental protection practices for minimising damage to the local environment when navigating in forest areas
purpose, features and operation of navigation equipment and aids, including:
global positioning system (GPS) device
magnetic compass, including adjustments for local magnetic variation
locator beacons
cadastral and topographic maps
charts
guide books
photographs and other digital imagery
sketches
diagrams
advantages and disadvantages of different map and chart types and sources of error
representation of topographic features and symbols on maps and charts
common scales used on maps and plans
techniques for estimating distances and times using electronic navigation equipment and maps
features and uses of environmental navigation aids:
survey markers
track markers
signs
arrows
natural landmarks
personal protective equipment and clothing
modes and methods of communication with others
organisational workplace health and safety procedures for navigation activities.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
cadastral, topographic and general maps
magnetic compass
global positioning system (GPS) device
track and survey markers
beacons
manufacturers’ instruction for navigation equipment use
personal protective equipment required to navigate in forest areas
communication devices
assignment instructions with specific information on destinations and deadlines
organisational workplace health and safety procedures for navigation activities
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must:
hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and
be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and
be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria. | |
Numeracy skills to: | interpret numerical data and symbols on maps and navigation equipment to complete calculations involving route time, terrain and distances. |
Oral communication skills to: | ask questions and actively listen to clarify assistance with difficult navigation issues. |
Reading skills to: | interpret: workplace health and safety procedures assignment instructions manufacturers’ instructions text on maps and electronic navigation equipment. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Forest Growing and Management
Harvesting and Haulage