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 kayaking trip.

1.1. Conduct relevant assessments to determine the conditionofparticipants.

1.2. Develop a trip plan, according to participant's needs, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Select a location that is suitable for participants and meets trip objectives, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Identify hazards associated with kayaking on Grade 2 water and minimise risks to ensure personal safety of participants.

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

1.6. Determine food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues of the trip.

1.7. Inform appropriate authorities before and after commencing the kayaking trip.

2. Select equipment for the group.

2.1. Select kayaks and equipment according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures, and check serviceability.

2.2. Assess kayaks and equipment for safety and suitability, and adjust and fit according to manufacturer's specifications.

2.3. Check safety and rescue equipment to ensure suitability to the group and planned trip.

2.4. Waterproof, pack and fasten equipment that is not required on hand and prepare kayak for transportation if required.

3. Brief participants.

3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information about the kayaking trip in a manner suitable to the participants.

3.2. Demonstrate packing of a kayak, and kayaking techniques where required.

3.3. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while kayaking.

3.4. Outline safety procedures and confirm that all participant equipment is fitted, adjusted and attached.

4. Lead the group and monitor progress.

4.1. Provide clear and concise direction and advice to group while navigating.

4.2. Identify potential hazards and decide how they can be overcome or avoided throughout trip.

4.3. Monitor individual participant's performance and provide appropriate feedback.

4.4. Evaluate paddling pace and spacing between kayaks throughout trip and alter accordingly.

4.5. Implement appropriate modifications to trip in regard to all variable factors that are monitored.

5. Select and maintain a temporary site as required.

5.1. Access local area knowledge and use it to identify a suitable temporary site according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

5.2. Arrange shelter according to prevailing weather conditions, and comfort and safety of group.

5.3. Maintain minimal impact to environment during overnight stay, and return site to original standard on departure.

6. Complete post trip responsibilities.

6.1. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.

6.2. Evaluate relevant aspects of kayaking trip and identify areas requiring improvement.

6.3. Review own performance and identify required areas of personal improvement.

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan a kayaking trip that meets their needs

convey information about the safety aspects of the trip

interact with participants to create a safe and positive kayaking environment

problem-solving skills to:

make decisions affecting trip

respond appropriately to non-routine situations

manage the group effectively

planning and organising skills to source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and a suitable body of Grade 2 water with access to land for possible overnight stay

language and literacy skills to:

produce a plan for the kayaking trip

complete post trip participant and self evaluations

numeracy skills to navigate a route and or chosen destination

personal kayaking skills on Grade 2 water to a high level of technical correctness to demonstrate and explain kayaking techniques to participants

swimming skills to remove self from danger after a capsize and to manoeuvre kayak while in paddling gear

river reading skills, such as direction and speed of flow, currents, eddies and other hydrological features that may impact on paddling and safety

first aid and emergency response and rescue 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 activities

minimal impact codes to enable protection of the environment

international river grading system to understand conditions and appropriateness of the river to the level of participants

information about local area to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential kayaking hazards, and any special restrictions applying to the area

equipment types, characteristics and technology used for kayaking on Grade 2 water, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

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

care and maintenance of kayaking equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements

waterproofing techniques used to keep equipment, that is not required on hand, dry during kayaking

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

stroke, rolling and capsizing techniques used on Grade 2 water

hydrology and river features such as currents, banks, change in gradient and volume, and how these might impact on the kayaking experience

swimming techniques to swim out of trouble and manoeuvre kayak while in water

communication systems and signals used on rivers

navigation applicable to river trips

principles of nutrition to maintain health during kayaking

setting up and removal of camping equipment, if required to stay overnight

weather and environmental information to identify forecast conditions and their effect on the kayaking trip

hazards, obstacles and risks commonly experienced when kayaking on Grade 2 water, and ways to avoid or negotiate these

emergency response and rescue procedures appropriate for kayaking, 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:

plans within activity constraints and guides and monitors group in a safe and professional manner

applies contingency management techniques to make adjustments to deal with a range of problems or variable factors that may arise during kayaking trips

encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure the safe guiding of groups on kayaking trips that are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information regarding participants and location to plan, guide and document kayaking trip

Grade 2 water suitable for the participants

a suitable overnight site if required

participants to take part in the kayaking trip

a suitable and safe method of transport, if required to drive kayak to and from activity location

kayaking, navigation, overnight, first aid 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:

observation of planning and guiding processes and interacting with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation

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

observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure

portfolio of kayaking trip plans

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:

SISOOPS204A Use and maintain a temporary overnight site.

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.

Condition of participants may include:

previous experience

physical development

age

injuries and illnesses.

Plan may include:

aims and objectives

date, time and duration of trip

location, equipment and resources

guide and participant ratios

safety requirements

risk and contingency management plans.

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

time and budget constraints

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

confidentiality of participant information

guide and participant ratios

international river grading system

code of ethics.

Trip objectives may include:

self improvement

meeting people

fitness targets

adventure and recreation.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Grade 2 water may include:

rivers with moving water

rapids with waves less than 1metre

low ledges and drops, and easy eddies.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment and course failure.

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.

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.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Appropriate authorities may include:

waterways departments

surf rescue

authorities

supervisors.

Kayaks may include:

single or double closed kayaks

single or double sit-on-top kayaks.

Equipment may include:

kayaking equipment

safety, first aid and rescue equipment

navigation equipment

communication equipment

repair equipment

camping and overnight equipment.

Relevant information may include:

safety procedures

logistical details

risk and hazard prevention and management

kayaking techniques

responsible and safe behaviour.

Safety procedures may include:

capsizing procedures

boundaries

symptoms, treatment and prevention of common kayaking risks

communication systems

use of safety and rescue equipment.

Variable factors may include:

change of weather and conditions

equipment failure

participant's needs.

Temporary site may include:

rest stops

activity sites

temporary or overnight shelter

tent.

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.