Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:37 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Apply canoeing skills

Apply canoeing skills

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOCNE303A
State Code
D6313
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/04/2012
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
05/04/2012
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to paddle a canoe in controlled conditions. This unit focuses on the demonstration of effective and efficient canoeing skills on flat and undemanding water.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for a canoeing activity.
  • 1.1. Identify food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the conditions of the activity.
  • 1.2. Identify an appropriate activity site and course to take according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.3. Access relevant sources to interpret weather and environmental information.
  • 1.4. Identify potential hazards associated with the activity and manage risks as advised by the supervisor.
2. Select equipment.
  • 2.1. Select craft and equipment according to contextual issues and check to ensure that it is in good working condition.
  • 2.2. Fit and adjust equipment to ensure comfort, safety and suitability to the participant and canoe.
  • 2.3. Select personal clothing for the activity and identify the design and or construction features that make it appropriate.
  • 2.4. Waterproof and pack equipment that is not required on hand and stow or fasten in a suitable manner.
  • 2.5. Prepare equipment, where required, for safe transportation to activity location.
3. Apply control and manoeuvring techniques.
  • 3.1. Embark and disembark the canoe while maintaining stability.
  • 3.2. Direct the canoe in a controlled manner (both solo and as a double).
  • 3.3. Demonstrate efficient paddling techniques and strokes while directing the canoe.
  • 3.4. Apply navigation skills to determine location and follow a planned course during the activity.
4. Apply capsize procedures.
  • 4.1. Exit the canoe in a controlled manner, and recover paddles and other equipment, following a capsize.
  • 4.2. Manoeuvre the upturned canoe to shore or to rescue craft and empty out water, with assistance if required.
  • 4.3. Demonstrate deep water re-entry techniques or take the canoe ashore.
5. Perform deep water rescue
  • 5.1. Identify and negotiate hazards and their risks to self, other members of the group and capsized person or persons.
  • 5.2. Determine most appropriate rescue method to use according to situational variances, relevant legislation, and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 5.3. Select equipment and human resources available to perform a rescue according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 5.4. Deliver concise directions to the capsized person or persons and any others assisting in the rescue.
  • 5.5. Manoeuvre rescue craft into a suitable position to enable a safe rescue.
  • 5.6. Perform rescue in a safe manner according to situation, conditions and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 5.7. Assist the rescuee back into their craft as required.
6. Secure canoe.
  • 6.1. Secure the canoe to the bank, shore or jetty.
  • 6.2. Secure the canoe, where appropriate, for road transport using suitable methods.
7. Evaluate the canoeing activity.
  • 7.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the canoeing activity.
  • 7.2. Identify improvements for future canoeing experiences.
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.
Principles of nutrition may include:
food groups
dietary guidelines
individual food requirements and allergies.
Controlled conditions include:
sheltered waters
within 2 nautical miles of the from the nearest shore
winds to moderate - 11 - 16 knots, according to the Beaufort Scale
readily accessible easy landings
minimal current - chart less than 1 knot.
Activity site may include:
rivers
lakes
sheltered estuaries.
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
emergency procedures
code of ethics.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
coastal patrol or coastguard
volunteer marine rescue
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 shore
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards
slippery or unstable shore
poor posture, poor technique
loose or insecure craft when being transported
other craft.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure.
Craft may include:
C1 craft
C2 craft.
Equipment may include:
personal flotation device
paddle
spray deck
appropriate paddling clothing
navigation equipment
safety and first aid equipment.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Paddling techniques may include:
use of trunk rotation
correct posture
use of leg drive
hand placement on paddle
blade placement in water
blade depth in water
paddle blade angle throughout stroke
paddle entry and exit points
movement of top hand through the stroke
lean or edge of the craft
smooth transfer between different strokes
edging or leaning.
Strokes may include
forward and reverse
J
sweep
draw
support.
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 process to plan equipment and supply requirements according to the conditions and duration of the canoeing activity
paddles the canoe demonstrating efficient and clean strokes and manoeuvres while maintaining control of the canoe
demonstrates correct paddling techniques
applies capsize technique and follows rescue procedures
identifies hazards and risks associated with deep water rescues and select suitable rescue method
demonstrates suitable craft position and rescue techniques suitable to the conditions
adapts to situational variances or issues that may arise during deep water rescues
evaluates and reflects on own canoeing performance to identify strengths and weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple canoeing activities in controlled conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information, such as weather sources, to plan and select equipment for the canoeing activity
a suitable body of water, such as a river or lake with sheltered calm waters, minimal wind and water flow, and easy access to shore
canoeing, navigating, safety and rescue equipment
a suitable and safe method of transport, if required to drive canoe to and from activity location.
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 all canoeing activities
observation of safe participation and demonstration of all strokes and manoeuvres while maintaining control of the canoe at all times
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:
SISONAV201A Navigate in tracked or easy untracked areas
SISOOPS201A Minimise environmental impact
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C6117 SROCNE002A Demonstrate simple canoeing skills to a high standard Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBF64 SISOCNE002 Paddle a canoe on inland flatwater Unit of competency