SITTTOP403
Operate tours in a remote area

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.

Application

This 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.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and 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. Use bush craft and survival techniques.

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

1.2 Read maps and use navigation and communication equipment.

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

1.4 Use bush craft 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 passengers.

3.2 Conduct activities according to 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.

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to use remote area communications equipment effectively

literacy skills to interpret complex remote area maps

numeracy skills to calculate distances between various declinational points

planning and organising skills to coordinate different service and operational elements of a remote area tour

problemsolving skills to independently respond to varied and unpredictable operational challenges.

Required knowledge

bush craft and survival techniques, including:

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, including international radio call signs

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

sustainability considerations for remote area operations, including those related to:

environmentally or culturally sensitive areas and associated minimal impact practices

industry codes of practice

handling and disposal of waste, including human wast

use of water sources

laws, regulations and land management requirements and guidelines, including

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

restrictions on camp site operations and use of open fires.

Evidence Required

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 ability to:

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

use problem-solving, bush craft and survival techniques in a remote area

respond effectively to a range of emergency situations

demonstrate knowledge of minimal impact practices and the safety and regulatory issues that relate to remote tour operation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure use of:

a remote area where bush craft and survival techniques can be demonstrated

transportation, communications, navigation and other equipment used on remote tours.

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:

direct observation of the individual using bush craft and survival techniques

direct observation of the individual receiving and relaying communications

review of operational plans, checklists and posttour reports prepared and completed by the individual

written or oral questioning and roleplays to asses ability to respond to a range of remote area emergency situations

written or oral questioning to assess knowledge of safety issues, bush craft and survival techniques, regulatory issues and minimal impact practices

review of portfolios of evidence and thirdparty workplace reports of onthejob performance by the individual.

Guidance information for assessment

The assessor should design integrated assessment activities to holistically assess this unit with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role, for example:

SITTTOP301 Load touring equipment

SITTTOP402 Set up and operate a camp site.


Range Statement

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.

Hazardsmay include:

animal or insect infestation

blocked roads

civil uprising

damaged facilities

disease

flooding

inclement weather

lack of available supplies

landslips.

Navigation and communication equipment may include:

compass

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

Global Positioning System (GPS)

radio communication equipment.

Tour experiences may include:

adventure activities

aerial sightseeing

boating and cruising

fishing

four-wheel drive sightseeing

walking.

Bush craft and survival techniques may involve:

building temporary shelter

navigating when lost

navigating when maps and navigation equipment fail

signalling for help when communications equipment fails

sourcing food

sourcing water.

Emergency situations in a remote area may involve:

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.

Negative environmental impact may include:

damage to camp sites and surrounding areas

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.


Sectors

Tourism


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.