Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:25 AM AWST

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Paddle a sea kayak in exposed coastal waters

Paddle a sea kayak in exposed coastal waters

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOKYS003
State Code
OBF19
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/09/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/12/2019
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
13/12/2019
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to paddle a sea kayak as part of a group in exposed coastal waters, and according to planned courses. It requires the ability to self-rescue from a capsize and to rescue others in deep water.This unit provides skills to paddle in exposed coastal waters defined as areas of exposed coastline with surf but without overfalls and tidal races present.Water would feature breaking white capping waves up to 1.0 metre and difficult landings may be involved. Paddlers at this level can paddle in fresh winds of 17-21 knots (Beaufort Scale). It applies to leaders, guides or instructors, who use these skills when leading participants during sea kayaking activities. Leadership skills are provided in complementary units.This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for the paddle.
  • 1.1. Select clothing, footwear, personal protective and other equipment suitable for the paddle and conditions, and check for safe working condition.
  • 1.2. Carry, prepare craft and complete safety and serviceability checks.
  • 1.3. Waterproof, pack and stow clothing, personal resources, and food according to access requirements during paddle.
  • 1.4. Interpret planned course from activity plans and maps to assist in following the course.
  • 1.5. Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during activities.
  • 1.6. Confirm protocols for communications between paddlers.
  • 1.7. Fit and adjust personal protective equipment to ensure comfort and safety.
2. Paddle and manoeuvre sea kayaks in exposed coastal waters.
  • 2.1. Embark and launch sea kayak from shore in surf while maintaining stability.
  • 2.2. Control direction of sea kayak forward, in reverse and sideways using a range of appropriate strokes, leans, edges and combinations.
  • 2.3. Maintain appropriate posture, use of trunk rotation, paddle and blade to efficiently paddle the sea kayak.
  • 2.4. Utilise appropriate paddling strokes and techniques to manoeuvre sea kayaks across, into and down wind.
  • 2.5. Utilise waves to assist in turning sea kayaks.
  • 2.6. Avoid or negotiate obstacles and hazards using a combination of strokes and paddling techniques.
  • 2.7. Maintain visual contact and effective communication with party members throughout all activities.
  • 2.8. Monitor party formation, paddling pace and space between sea kayaks and make required adjustments.
3. Rescue self following a capsize.
  • 3.1. Execute a roll using techniques appropriate for situation to avoid a wet exit and re-establish paddling position promptly.
  • 3.2. Exit the sea kayak in a controlled manner when unable to roll following a capsize, and recover paddle.
  • 3.3. Manoeuvre the paddle and upturned sea kayak to shore or to rescue craft and empty out water.
  • 3.4. Use techniques when in deep water to empty water and re-enter sea kayak.
4. Perform deep water rescues in exposed coastal waters.
  • 4.1. Identify immediate hazards, assess risks and negotiate to avoid injury to self and others.
  • 4.2. Select and use other leaders or party members, equipment and rescue techniques appropriate to situation.
  • 4.3. Manoeuvre rescue craft to capsized party member, forming a raft-up as required.
  • 4.4. Provide clear and concise instructions to person being rescued and others assisting.
  • 4.5. Assist rescuee to return to their craft using rescue technique appropriate to situation.
  • 4.6. Assess ability of rescuee to continue and tow to nearest safe landing, as required.
5. Land and secure sea kayaks.
  • 5.1. Land and disembark sea kayak on shore in surf while maintaining stability.
  • 5.2. Secure sea kayak for road transport using suitable methods.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D6410 SISOKYS304A Demonstrate sea kayaking skills in moderate to difficult conditions Unit of competency