SITTTOP005
Operate tours in a remote area


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work on tours visiting remote areas. It requires the ability to use bushcraft and survival skills, operate communications equipment and conduct tours with minimal impact. There is also a focus on the ability to respond to emergency situations.

The unit applies to tour operators taking customers to remote areas. Those experiences may be day or extended tours. People working independently in the field, within established organisational procedures undertake this role. This could include owner-operators or guides.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Use bushcraft and survival techniques.

1.1.Identify current remote area hazards, assess risks, and action contingency plans to eliminate or control risks.

1.2.Read maps and use navigation and communication equipment.

1.3.Share bushcraft knowledge with participants to enhance tour experiences and use their help as required.

1.4.Use bushcraft and survival techniques in emergency situations to source water, food and shelter and to signal for help or rescue.

2. Operate remote area communications equipment.

2.1.Tune and adjust equipment for clear transmission.

2.2.Obtain and select correct address to make outgoing communication.

2.3.Operate communications equipment according to organisational procedures and safety requirements.

2.4.Relay and receive messages using appropriate volume, tone and radio call signs and conventions.

2.5.Provide appropriate response and information to caller, and confirm that requests have been actioned.

3. Conduct remote area touring activities with minimal impact.

3.1.Conduct tour to ensure minimal negative environmental impacts and maximum comfort and safety of customers.

3.2.Conduct activities according to any special permit requirements and report incidents to the relevant agency.

3.3.Monitor status of culturally or environmentally sensitive areas and report deficiencies or damage to the relevant agency.

3.4.Minimise the effects of noise on local communities.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:

safely operate at least three tours in remote areas with minimal negative environmental and social impact

operate at least two of the following experiences while on above remote tours:

adventure activities

aerial sightseeing

boating and cruising

fishing

four-wheel drive sightseeing

walking

use the following types of navigation and communication equipment according to organisational procedures and safety requirements while operating above tours:

compass

emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)

global positioning system (GPS)

radio communication equipment

demonstrate problem-solving, bushcraft and survival techniques in a remote area during above tours

identify procedures to respond effectively to at least one emergency situation from each of the three groups below:

accidents:

falls

vehicle or vessel accident

equipment failure:

communications

transport

injury or illness to self or customer:

dangerous bites or stings

heat exhaustion

heat stroke

hypothermia.


Evidence of Knowledge

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

bushcraft and survival techniques:

building temporary shelter

navigating when lost

navigating when maps and navigation equipment fail

signalling for help when communications equipment fails

sourcing food

sourcing water

map reading and use of navigational equipment

operational features of remote area communication methods and equipment and, international radio call signs

key features and operational aspects of equipment and supplies needed for remote area touring

sustainability considerations for remote area operations:

environmentally or culturally sensitive areas and associated minimal impact practices

industry codes of practice

handling and disposal of waste and, human waste

use of water sources

laws, regulations and land management requirements and guidelines:

need for permits in national parks or on land under control of traditional owners

restrictions on camp site operations and use of open fires

safety and regulatory issues that relate to remote tour operation

remote area hazards:

animal or insect infestation

blocked roads

civil uprising

damaged facilities

disease

flooding

inclement weather

lack of available supplies

landslips

potential environmental impacts:

damage to culturally sensitive areas or sites

disturbance or injury to fauna

instigation of bush fire due to incorrect management of open fires

noise disturbance to the local community

physical damage to flora

pollution from waste.


Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in a remote area where bushcraft and survival techniques can be demonstrated. This can be:

a real tour

a simulated industry activity or tour set up for the purposes of assessment.

Assessment must ensure access to:

customers and remote tours sufficient in number to reflect typical experiences; these can be:

customers in an industry workplace who are assisted by the individual during the assessment process; or

individuals who participate in role plays or simulated activities, set up for the purpose of assessment, in a simulated industry environment operated within a training organisation

camping equipment

navigation and communication equipment:

compass

EPIRB

GPS

radio communication equipment

transportation and other equipment used on remote tours.

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors; and:

have worked in industry for at least three years where they have applied the skills and knowledge of this unit of competency.


Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement.

SKILLS

DESCRIPTION

Reading skills to:

interpret complex remote area maps.

Oral communication skills to:

use remote area communications equipment clearly and succinctly.

Numeracy skills to:

calculate distances between various declinational points.

Problem-solving skills to:

independently respond to varied and unpredictable operational challenges.

Initiative and enterprise skills to:

apply bushcraft and survival skills to emergency situations and other challenges that arise during tours in remote areas.

Planning and organising skills to:

coordinate different service and operational elements of a remote area tour.

Technology skills to:

troubleshoot simple issues with communications equipment while on tours in remote areas.


Sectors

Tourism


Competency Field

Tour Operations