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. Assess the situation.

1.1. Identify and negotiate hazards and risks to self, other members of the group and capsized person or persons.

1.2. Determine most appropriate rescuemethod to use according to situational variances, relevant legislation, and organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Select equipment and human resources available to perform a rescue according to organisational policies and procedures.

2. Demonstrate rescue procedures.

2.1. Deliver concise directions to the capsized person or persons and any others assisting in the rescue.

2.2. Manoeuvre rescue craft into a suitable position to enable a safe rescue.

2.3. Perform rescue in a safe manner according to situation, conditions and organisational policies and procedures.

2.4. Assist the rescuee back into their craft as required.

Required skills

problem-solving skills to:

assess the situation and conditions

select an appropriate rescue method

communication skills to deliver clear, concise directions to the capsized person and any other assistants involved with the rescue

water reading skills such as direction and speed of flow, currents, eddies and other hydrological features, to assist in a safe deep water rescue

paddling skills to safely manoeuvre craft close to capsized person or persons

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 deep water rescue activities

hydrology and river grading systems to understand how rivers work to enable safe deep water rescues

sea features such as currents, waves and tides and how these might impact on the deep water rescue

common hazards and risks associated with sea and river craft activities and how to negotiate these

rescue procedures suitable to the deep water conditions and experience of the participant

rescue equipment commonly used in deep water rescues

first aid knowledge appropriate to location and level of responsibility.

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:

identifies hazards and risks associated with deep water rescues and applies knowledge of water systems to select a suitable rescue method

demonstrates suitable craft position and rescue techniques suitable to the conditions

adapts to problems or issues that may arise during deep water rescues, such as change in current and or weather conditions, and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure safety of self and others.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in rescues in deep water locations that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

suitable deep water locations

rescuees

crafts, paddles, first aid 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 apply safe rescues

observation of hazard and risk assessment before performing deep water rescue

observation of performing deep water rescues and dealing with contingencies such as changing conditions

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:

SISOCNE303A Apply canoeing skills.

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.

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

poor carrying techniques

loose or insecure craft when being transported.

other craft.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment failure.drowning

water immersion

injury

entrapment

loss of equipment or person or persons downstream.

Rescue method may include:

X rescue

Swimmer Assisted Rescue

Wedge Rescue

flip and pump in sea kayaking

bow or paddle rescues

deck carries

tows.

Situational variances may include:

paddling abilities of the group

conditions

water and air temperature

number of potential rescuers

number of potential rescuees.

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

group management procedures

emergency procedures

code of ethics.

Equipment may include:

other craft

paddles

first aid equipment

rescue equipment.

Craft may include:

canoes

kayaks

rafts.