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.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards
slippery or unstable shore
poor posture, poor technique
poor carrying techniques
loose or insecure craft when being transported.
other craft.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure.drowning
water immersion
injury
entrapment
loss of equipment or person or persons downstream.
Rescue method may include:
X rescue
Swimmer Assisted Rescue
Wedge Rescue
flip and pump in sea kayaking
bow or paddle rescues
deck carries
tows.
Situational variances may include:
paddling abilities of the group
conditions
water and air temperature
number of potential rescuers
number of potential rescuees.
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
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
group management procedures
emergency procedures
code of ethics.
Equipment may include:
other craft
paddles
first aid equipment
rescue equipment.
Craft may include:
canoes
kayaks
rafts.

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:
identifies hazards and risks associated with deep water rescues and applies knowledge of water systems to select a suitable rescue method
demonstrates suitable craft position and rescue techniques suitable to the conditions
adapts to problems or issues that may arise during deep water rescues, such as change in current and or weather conditions, and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure safety of self and others.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in rescues in deep water locations that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
suitable deep water locations
rescuees
crafts, paddles, first aid 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:
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to apply safe rescues
observation of hazard and risk assessment before performing deep water rescue
observation of performing deep water rescues and dealing with contingencies such as changing conditions
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:
SISOCNE303A Apply canoeing skills.