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
water purification and conservation.
Arid areas and conditions may include:
unmodified natural surfaces
no clearance along the track
unsigned
steep sections of unmodified surfaces
unmanaged for public risk
risk of onset of extreme environmental conditions, such as excessive dry heat
those that align to Class 6 tracks within the Australian Standard for Walking Tracks.
Principles of nutrition may include:
food groups
dietary guidelines
essential nutrients
individual food requirements and allergies.
Duration of the walk may include:
three days
four days
five days
more than five days.
Emergency water procurement may include:
creek beds
rock formations
trees
dew
transpiration method
solar still
distilling sea water using condensation method.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Organisational policies and 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.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure.
Equipment may include:
bushwalking equipment
navigation equipment
safety and first aid equipment
camping equipment.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Obstacles may include:
creeks
logs
rocks
gullies
exposed areas.
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.
Additional information may include:
altitude gain or loss
distance
gradient
estimated travelling time.
Navigation aids may include:
maps
compass.
Techniques for estimatingdistance may include:
timing
pacing
observing surroundings.
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, and adapts to contingencies that may arise during the walk
takes precautions to maintain physical well being of self and group during a bushwalk, and identifies possible signs, symptoms and treatments of conditions such as hyperthermia and dehydration
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 a bushwalking activity in arid areas and conditions that is of a minimum three day duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information, such as detailed maps and meteorological data, to plan for the bushwalk
a suitable outdoor location with arid areas and conditions 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 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 and or written questioning and reports to assess knowledge of contingency procedures and relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of bushwalking activities
observation of demonstrating advanced bushwalking skills, such as locating water sources from animal tracks and bird flight patterns
observation of dealing with contingencies, such as repairing and or improvising items of essential equipment in the case of breakage or loss
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:
SISOOPS303A Interpret weather conditions in the field