The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit/s

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine current location, destination and resources

1.1 Incident and/or task location/requirements are obtained

1.2 Relevant maps and navigation equipment are gathered and checked

1.3 Cartographic information and navigation techniques are applied to plot positions on a map, and determine current location and destination within accepted tolerances

2. Determine and plan a safe route

2.1 Navigation records are prepared according to organisation's practices

2.2 Cartographic information, navigation techniques, local and environmental conditions are interpreted to determine and plan a safe and timely route

2.3 Potential access restrictions which may limit thoroughfare are identified and arrangements made to gain access in accordance with organisation's policies and practices and regulatory requirements

3. Navigate to destination

3.1 Record of proposed route and navigation aids are used to maintain compliance with planned route

3.2 Driver is directed to follow indicated route as required

3.3 Current location is regularly verified within accepted tolerances

3.4 Route is modified to address prevailing conditions and, if required, alternate strategies are initiated

3.5 Lost en-route procedures are implemented if required

3.6 Unanticipated access difficulties are reported in accordance with organisation's policies and procedures

3.7 En-route and arrival reporting information is communicated in accordance with organisation's policies and procedures

4. Complete post navigational activities

4.1 Navigation or nominated reports are completed in accordance with organisation's policies and procedures

4.2 Navigational equipment is recovered, reset, updated and serviced according to operational standards and manufacturer's specifications

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

identifying natural and cultural features for transport modes

problem solving

using navigation aids

verbal communication

Required Knowledge

cartographic symbols and legends

grid/magnetic conversion

map and chart types

methods for determining current location

route planning techniques and calculations

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in practical plotting of a navigation route maintaining accuracy within accepted tolerances when following a route, and in demonstrated ability to maintain positional awareness. Evidence should also be sought concerning the ability to effectively react to changes in the operating environment necessitating re-planning of course

Consistency in performance

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

A real life incident, exercise or simulation or series of tasks are required to demonstrate competence in this unit

Urban or rural navigation

Navigation with electronic aids

Specific resources for assessment

Access to equipment used in operational navigation is essential

Guidance information for assessment

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Use of maps may include

defining or plotting incident location

delineation of search areas

planning access and egress routes

plotting of areas subject to hazard impact such as flood inundation

plotting and calculation of areas of fire damage

Navigational maps may include

street directories

topographic maps

aerial photographs

local authority maps

navigational charts

cadastral maps

orthophoto maps

satellite imagery

Map features include

date of map

legend

contours

scale

north Point

grid references

latitude and longitude

magnetic variation

contour intervals

datum information

northings and eastings

hill shading

vegetation types

cultural information

transport routes

Navigational equipment may include

protractors

scale rules

global positioning systems (GPS)

geographical information systems (GIS)

magnetic compasses

planimeters

romers

area plotters

watch/stopwatch

communications equipment

computers

writing equipment

Incident and task information may include

search operation

data gathering

establishing radii

areas of probability

plotting fire fronts

flood height predictions

rates of fireline constructions

Communication may include

verbal instructions

radio system

intercom system

hand signals

written instructions

en-route and arrival information

Navigation techniques may include

resection and triangulation

plotting

route-time calculations

magnetic conversions

grid and latitude/longitude conversions

bearings and back bearings

Potential access restrictions may include

military areas

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sacred sites

other areas of cultural significance

seasonal factors

wilderness areas

hazardous areas

other areas requiring permission and/or authorisation to enter

agency and regulatory requirements

Environmental conditions may include

flood or fire

road conditions including vehicle height and/or width clearance requirements

time of day

need to match transportation mode to terrain

atmospheric conditions

hazardous materials

storm damage

Accepted tolerance may include

relating the margin of error allowable as determined by the nature of the task/incident terrain

prevailing weather and environmental conditions

Cartographic may include

the interpretation of cartographic symbology including contour lines

scale

magnetic variation information

Organisational arrival procedures may include

confirmation of timely

safe arrival appropriate to the incident/task

Alternate route strategies may include

lost procedures

dispatch of additional teams

use of additional/alternate vehicles

Reporting requirements may include

pre-departure briefing

input to debriefs

completion of logs

sitreps

journal records

assessment of safety procedures utilised

This unit contains employability skills.