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 route in an untrogged cave.

1.1. Obtain information to assist in the preparation of a navigation data sheet from any available map or cave plan and from other suitable sources of information

1.2. Apply information and symbols contained on the map to plan an efficient route according to navigation and caving-specific abilities.

1.3. Prepare a navigation data sheet according to organisational policies and procedures, relevant legislation and contextual issues.

1.4. Identify emergency or contingency escape routes according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.5. Select routes that minimise environmental impact.

2. Navigate in an untrogged cave.

2.1. Maintain orientation of self to surroundings.

2.2. Use a map, where available and compass to follow a route in an untrogged cave.

2.3. Apply navigation techniques for estimating the distance travelled.

2.4. Maintain the designated route while bypassing obstacles.

2.5. Interpret features implied on the map and select an efficient route according to the surroundings and conditions.

2.6. Apply techniques to fix position and identify unknown features when lost.

3. Complete post activity tasks.

3.1. Produce a cave sketch map that can be used by others for navigation purposes.

3.2. Evaluate relevant aspects of the navigation activity.

3.3. Identify improvements for future navigation experiences in an untrogged cave.

Required skills

problem-solving skills to:

orientate any available cave plan and navigate around cave obstacles

determine the most suitable route

planning and organising skills to plan a suitable route that avoids sensitive areas and minimises damage to the environment

literacy and numeracy skills to:

read and interpret maps

locate position on map

estimate distance

calculate grid and magnetic bearings

complete route plans

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 navigation activities conducted in untrogged caves

advantages and disadvantages of different map types and sources of error and interpretation of map symbols and features to enable accurate navigation and route planning

compass use and factors that affect their accuracy to enable accurate navigation

route planning and issues that should be considered when preparing a navigation data sheet

map and compass orientation to navigate in untrogged caves

techniques for estimating distance travelled in different cave conditions

different types of caves and techniques to navigate around obstacles

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

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:

selects appropriate map, where available and uses it to plan a route with minimal impact on the environment

applies information from additional sources and map to prepare a navigation data sheet that includes details required for navigation

applies navigation techniques for estimating distance travelled and maintains route while bypassing various obstacles and cave features

produces a cave sketch map that can be used by others for navigation.

evaluates and reflects on own navigation performance within an untrogged cave to identify strengths, weaknesses and improvements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure navigation in untrogged caves and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

untrogged caves with infrequently travelled routes, and or unmapped routes suitable for navigation

navigation, caving 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 applying information from map to plan safe route with minimal environmental impact

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

observation of following a route using a map, compass and navigation data sheet in untrogged caves

observation of identifying emergency or contingency escape routes and bypassing obstacles

copy of sketch map produced for others for navigation in untrogged cave.

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:

SISOCVE414A Guide vertical multi pitch caving trips.

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.

Map may include:

detailed cave maps

cave plans with only wall details and labels.

Information and symbols may include:

grid lines and numbers

magnetic variation

scale

map legend

topographic features

speleothems

survey markers

water depth.

Navigation data sheet may include:

grid and magnetic bearings

distances

estimated travelling times

pitch details and rigging

identifiable cave features

escape routes.

Suitable sources of information may include:

charts

local cavers

peers.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use, maintenance and storage of equipment

risk management

communication protocols

minimal impact environmental and caving codes

Australian Speleological Federation Codes and Guidelines

code of ethics.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Contextual issues may include:

fitness levels

time of year

availability of resources, such as rest stops, areas not subject to flooding

type of features of the location

access and escape routes

group size

land management and legislative requirements.

Environmental impact may include:

damaging sensitive areas by trampling, touching or breakage

leaving behind foreign and human waste material

disturbing cave biota, stream sediments, palaeokarst, drip holes, soil cones and crusts, bone material, fossils and tree roots.

Surroundings may include:

bodies of water and or water courses

survey or track markers

natural formations

man-made features.

Navigation techniques may include:

orientating map using a compass

collecting features

searching for cave features

locating cave breezes into or out of cave.

Estimating the distance travelled may include:

pacing

time

relation to features.

Obstacles may include:

shafts

fissures

rock piles

traverses

tight squeezes

water hazards.

Relevant aspects may include:

planning processes

selecting routes with minimal environmental impact

using map and compass to follow routes

estimating distance travelled

producing sketch maps for others to use.