SISOBWG406A
Apply bushwalking skills in uncontrolled landscapes

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to bushwalk in unmodified landscapes with no supervision on trips. This unit focuses on the demonstration of various bushwalking skills through the participation in extreme bushland, arid, alpine or rainforest walks.

Application

This unit applies to those who are working as bushwalking guides in natural landscapes with no modifications made to the natural surface.

This unit may also apply to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.


Prerequisites

SISONAV403A Navigate in uncontrolled environments


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Plan a bushwalk.

1.1. Identify and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the duration of the walk.

1.2. Address perishability of various foods, packaging and storage considerations when menu planning.

1.3. Identify and plan for emergency food and water requirements and identify the need for water purification.

1.4. Identify an appropriate activity location according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.5. Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activities.

1.6. Obtain and review appropriate map for the intended walk.

1.7. Identify potential hazards and changing conditions associated with the activity.

2. Select equipment.

2.1. Select equipment according to contextual issues and check to ensure that it is in good working condition.

2.2. Adjust and fit equipment to ensure comfort and safety according to organisational policies and procedures.

2.3. Ensure pack weight is appropriate to body weight and level of fitness.

2.4. Select personal clothing and footwear according to design and or construction features appropriate for the terrain and conditions.

3. Apply advanced bushwalking skills.

3.1. Adopt appropriate posture when lifting and carrying backpack.

3.2. Approach obstacles and hazards in a safe manner and minimise risks to self and group where possible.

3.3. Apply ascending techniques and descending techniques on slopes.

3.4. Maintain an appropriate walking rhythm and pace according to conditions.

3.5. Follow a route in unmodified landscapes, demonstrating use of navigation aids.

3.6. Apply river crossing methods according to the situation, where required.

4. Evaluate the bushwalk.

4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the walk.

4.2. Identify improvements for future walks.

Required Skills

Required skills

literacy skills to:

read and interpret maps

follow written instructions and procedures

analyse weather and environmental information

planning and organising skills to select an appropriate activity location and equipment for bushwalks greater than two day's duration

communication skills to interact with other participants to maintain a positive and safe environment

numeracy skills to navigate and follow a route using a map and compass in a broad range of areas and conditions

problem-solving skills to:

deal with unforeseen circumstances

cross rivers in a safe manner, where required

survival skills to keep warm and sheltered in the case of extreme environmental conditions and or loss of equipment

minimal impact camping skills to use lightweight, portable equipment

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge

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

minimal impact camping and walking codes to ensure protection of environment

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for bushwalking, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

packing and maintenance techniques before, during and after the activity to protect personal and group equipment and ensure prolonged life

pack handling, packing and lifting techniques to prevent or avoid injury

pack hauling techniques should it be necessary to lift packs vertically to navigate a vertical hazard

clothing requirements for outdoor activities and factors affecting appropriate clothing selection, such as layering and protective clothing

footwear types, the advantages and disadvantages of different footwear, and factors affecting appropriate selection for the anticipated track conditions

principles of nutrition to maintain health during activity

sources of food and water in emergency situations to maintain health for prolonged periods in an emergency situation outdoors

navigation in a broad range of unmodified areas and conditions to determine location, direction and potential hazards with no supervision and in a broad range of visibility circumstances

weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity including life threatening conditions

selection of tie-off points and anchors when using handlines to assist on steep terrain

track signage standards, such as the current Australian Standard, to determine the suitability of the track to skill levels

emergency procedures and potential hazards relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

Evidence Required

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 processes to plan equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the bushwalk

demonstrates advanced bushwalking techniques and safety practices, such as ascending and descending techniques, navigation and river crossing skills where required

adapts to contingencies that may arise during the walk, such as change in weather conditions, and makes appropriate adjustments in response to these

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple bushwalking activities in unmodified landscapes that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information, such as maps and meteorological data, to plan for the bushwalk

a suitable outdoor location with landscapes that are unmodified so that track alignment is indistinct with no clearance or signage. The track will not be managed for public risk and the onset of extreme environmental conditions may have a significant adverse impact upon the bushwalk

bushwalking, navigation, river crossing and safety 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:

observation of the planning and review process

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of bushwalking activities

observation of safe participation and demonstration of advanced bushwalking skills

observation of dealing with contingencies, such as changing weather conditions

review of plan for the bushwalk

written and or verbal self evaluation

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:

SISOOP303A Interpret weather conditions in the field

SISOBWG404A Apply river crossing skills.


Range Statement

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.

Food and water requirements may include:

menu planning and preparation

range of foods

emergency food and water.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

essential nutrients

individual food requirements and allergies.

Duration of the walk may include:

one day

multiple days

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Organisational procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

emergency procedures

equipment use and maintenance

communication protocols

code of ethics.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Changing conditions may include:

weather

equipment failure

injuries.

Equipment may include:

bushwalking equipment

navigation equipment

river crossing equipment

safety and first aid equipment

overnight equipment.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Obstacles may include:

rivers

logs

rocks

gullies

exposed areas.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment failure.

Ascending techniques may include:

zig-zagging

placing feet down flat with a deliberate step

resting heels on any available projections

using walking aids and ropes as handlines.

Descending techniques may include:

placing toes against projections to avoid overstriding

avoiding placing feet down heavily

using flat-footed or stiff-heeled technique

using walking aids and ropes as handlines.

Walking rhythm may include:

maintaining same speed of pace

keeping hands free

allowing natural body swing

avoiding jerky movements or springing.

Unmodified landscapes may include:

bushland

arid areas

alpine areas

rainforest

those that align to Class 6 tracks within the Australian Standard for Walking Tracks.

Navigation aids may include:

maps

compass.

River crossing method may include:

individual without aid

individual with a pole

mutual support using linked arms, a circle or pole

swimming, using pack as a float.

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.


Sectors

Outdoor Recreation


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.