Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Food and water requirements may include:
menu planning and preparation
range of foods
emergency food and water.
Principles of nutrition may include:
food groups
dietary guidelines
essential nutrients
individual food requirements and allergies.
Duration of the walk may include:
one day
multiple days
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Organisational procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
emergency procedures
equipment use and maintenance
communication protocols
code of ethics.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
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
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Changing conditions may include:
weather
equipment failure
injuries.
Equipment may include:
bushwalking equipment
navigation equipment
river crossing equipment
safety and first aid equipment
overnight equipment.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Obstacles may include:
rivers
logs
rocks
gullies
exposed areas.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure.
Ascending techniques may include:
zig-zagging
placing feet down flat with a deliberate step
resting heels on any available projections
using walking aids and ropes as handlines.
Descending techniques may include:
placing toes against projections to avoid overstriding
avoiding placing feet down heavily
using flat-footed or stiff-heeled technique
using walking aids and ropes as handlines.
Walking rhythm may include:
maintaining same speed of pace
keeping hands free
allowing natural body swing
avoiding jerky movements or springing.
Unmodified landscapes may include:
bushland
arid areas
alpine areas
rainforest
those that align to Class 6 tracks within the Australian Standard for Walking Tracks.
Navigation aids may include:
maps
compass.
River crossing method may include:
individual without aid
individual with a pole
mutual support using linked arms, a circle or pole
swimming, using pack as a float.
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.

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:
applies relevant processes to plan equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the bushwalk
demonstrates advanced bushwalking techniques and safety practices, such as ascending and descending techniques, navigation and river crossing skills where required
adapts to contingencies that may arise during the walk, such as change in weather conditions, and makes appropriate adjustments in response to these
evaluates and reflects on own bushwalking performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple bushwalking activities in unmodified landscapes that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information, such as maps and meteorological data, to plan for the bushwalk
a suitable outdoor location with landscapes that are unmodified so that track alignment is indistinct with no clearance or signage. The track will not be managed for public risk and the onset of extreme environmental conditions may have a significant adverse impact upon the bushwalk
bushwalking, navigation, river crossing 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 the planning and review process
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of bushwalking activities
observation of safe participation and demonstration of advanced bushwalking skills
observation of dealing with contingencies, such as changing weather conditions
review of plan for the bushwalk
written and or verbal self evaluation
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:
SISOOP303A Interpret weather conditions in the field
SISOBWG404A Apply river crossing skills.