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 for a canoeing activity.

1.1. Identify food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the conditions of the activity.

1.2. Identify an appropriate activity site according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Access relevant sources to interpret weather and environmental information.

1.4. Identify possible hazards associated with the activity and minimise risks as advised by the supervisor.

2. Select equipment.

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

2.2. Fit and adjust equipment to ensure comfort, safety and suitability to the participant and canoe.

2.3. Select personal clothing for the activity and identify the design and or construction features that make it appropriate.

2.4. Waterproof and pack equipment that is not required on hand and stow or fasten in a suitable manner.

2.5. Prepare equipment, where required, for safe transportation to activity location.

3. Apply control and manoeuvring techniques.

3.1. Embark and disembark the canoe while maintaining stability.

3.2. Direct the canoe in a controlled manner.

3.3. Demonstrate a range of basic canoe strokes

3.4. Apply efficient paddling technique to minimise injury while directing the canoe.

4. Apply capsize procedures.

4.1. Exit the canoe in a controlled manner, and recover paddles and other equipment, following a capsize.

4.2. Manoeuvre the upturned canoe to shore or to rescue craft and empty out water, with assistance if required.

4.3. Demonstrate deep water re-entry techniques or take the canoe ashore.

5. Secure canoe.

5.1. Apply methods to secure the canoe to the bank, shore or jetty.

5.2. Secure the canoe, where appropriate, for road transport using suitable methods.

6. Evaluate the canoeing activity

6.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the canoeing activity

6.2. Identify improvements for future canoeing experiences.

Required skills

teamwork skills to work with others to lift, carry and secure canoes

communication skills to interact with supervisor, other participants and rescue crew to maintain a positive and safe environment

listening skills to follow instructions and directions from the supervisor and rescue crew

planning and organising skills to select and allocate canoeing equipment and site

swimming skills to swim 50 metres while clothed and wearing a personal flotation device type 2 approved to relevant Australian and or International Standards

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 the safe conduct of all canoeing activities

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

clothing requirements for canoeing, such as wet weather gear to maintain warmth and dryness or sun protection to minimise sunburn and heat stroke

importance of a personal flotation device in keeping a person afloat and their head above water

stroke and directing techniques to control and manoeuvre the canoe

principles of nutrition to maintain health during activity

basic weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity

river features, such as currents and banks, and how these might impact on the canoeing experience

purpose and importance of safety features of craft

emergency and rescue procedures appropriate for the craft and location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

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 process to plan equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the canoeing activity

demonstrates control and manoeuvring techniques, such as maintaining sufficient blade angle throughout stroke to direct the canoe

applies capsizing technique and follows rescue procedures to prepare for emergency situations

seeks advice and feedback from leader to improve skills and ensure safety of self and others

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple canoeing activities in controlled conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information, such as weather sources, to plan and select equipment for the canoeing activity

a suitable body of water, such as a river or lake with sheltered calm waters, minimal wind and water flow, and easy access to shore

a qualified leader or supervisor

canoeing and safety and rescue 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:

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

observation of safe participation and demonstration of canoeing skills

written 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:

SISOOPS201A Minimise environmental impact.

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.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

individual food requirements and allergies.

Conditions may include:

sheltered calm waters

flat and undemanding water

minimal wind

ease of access to shore

minimal flow of water.

Activity site may include:

rivers

lakes.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

emergency procedures

code of ethics.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

coastal patrol or coastguard

volunteer marine rescue

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

slippery or unstable shore

poor posture, poor technique

loose or insecure craft with being transported

other craft.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment failure.

Craft may include:

C1 craft

C2 craft

Equipment may include:

personal flotation device (PFD)

paddle

spray deck

wet suit and wet weather gear

ropes or tie down straps

safety and first aid equipment.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Basic canoe strokes may include:

forward and reverse

J

sweep

draw

support.

Paddling technique may include:

use of trunk rotation

correct posture

use of leg drive

hand placement on paddle

blade placement in water

blade depth in water

paddle blade angle throughout stroke

paddle entry and exit points

movement of top hand through the stroke

lean or edge of the craft

smooth transfer between different strokes

edging or leaning.

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.