Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:59 AM AWST

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Apply river crossing skills

Apply river crossing skills

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOBWG404A
State Code
D6274
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
15/10/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to select a suitable location and apply methods of crossing a river during a bushwalk. This unit focuses on the demonstration of various river crossing methods in safe rapids, such as those done individually and those which need mutual support.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan a river crossing.
  • 1.1. Identify river features.
  • 1.2. Identify potential hazards and risks associated with crossing rivers.
  • 1.3. Access relevant sources to interpret weather and environmental information.
  • 1.4. Waterproof backpack contents.
  • 1.5. Select and justify an appropriate location to cross a river according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedure.
2. Apply swimming techniques in moving water.
  • 2.1. Adopt the correct body position for defensive swimming.
  • 2.2. Demonstrate the negotiation of hazards using defensive swimming techniques and ferry angles.
  • 2.3. Identify and demonstrate techniques to actively free oneself from river hazards using aggressive swimming techniques.
  • 2.4. Demonstrate the ability to set a ferry angle in order to reach the bank or eddy.
3. Apply river crossing techniques.
  • 3.1. Demonstrate the ability to wade across a swift current of mid-thigh depth, using a wide variety of river crossing methods.
  • 3.2. Complete entry to and exit from river safely.
  • 3.3. Demonstrate safe retreating from a partial river crossing.
  • 3.4. Demonstrate appropriate use of upstream and downstream safety.
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.
River features may include:
eddy
current
tongue
waves
bank
rocks.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure.
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
Appropriate location may include:
narrow, straight part of the river
low banks
less than waste deep.
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
equipment use and maintenance
communication protocols
emergency procedures.
Defensive swimming techniques may include:
floating passively on back
riding with the river current
pointing feet downstream
using arms and legs to fend off obstacles
swimming to shore or safety.
Aggressive swimming techniques may include:
moving on to stomach
pointing feet downstream
stroking hard to move across the current
swimming to shore or safety.
River crossing methods may include:
individual without aid
individual with a pole
mutual support using linked arms, a circle or a pole
swimming using pack as a float.
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 knowledge of river features and hazards to select a suitable crossing site and plans for a safe crossing
applies defensive and aggressive swimming techniques to negotiate river crossings
adapts quickly to problems or issues that may arise during the river crossing, such as change in current and or weather conditions, and makes appropriate adjustments in response to these contingencies to ensure safety of self and group.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple river crossings that reflect local conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a suitable moving water location with safe rapids to minimise the danger of being swept downstream into more difficult conditions
equipment such as a pole and rope, to aid in the crossing technique.
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 process
oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of the relationship between features, hazards and risks associated with crossing moving water rivers
observation of safe participation and demonstration of swimming and river crossing techniques
observation of dealing with contingencies, such as changing weather 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:
SISOBWG404A Bushwalk in unmodified landscapes.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C5779 SROBWG004A Demonstrate river crossing skills Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBF96 SISOBWG004 Cross rivers during bushwalks Unit of competency