Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:04 PM 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.

Demonstrate bushwalking skills in a controlled environment

Demonstrate bushwalking skills in a controlled environment

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOBWG201A
State Code
D6271
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
28/09/2011
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
28/09/2011
Nominal Hours
15
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to participate in supervised bushwalks. This unit focuses on the demonstration of bushwalking skills through the participation in planned bushwalks and associated activities under the supervision of a suitably qualified leader.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for a bushwalk.
  • 1.1. Identify food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the duration of the walk to maintain physiological well being during activity.
  • 1.2. Identify an appropriate activity location according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.3. Obtain and become familiar with appropriate map for the intended walk.
  • 1.4. Access relevantsources to interpret weather and environmental information.
  • 1.5. Identify potential hazards associated with the activity.
2. Select equipment.
  • 2.1. Select, fit and adjust equipment to ensure comfort and safety according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 2.2. Ensure pack weight is appropriate to body weight and level of fitness.
  • 2.3. Select personal clothing and footwear and identify the design and or construction features that make it appropriate.
3. Apply bushwalking skills.
  • 3.1. Adopt appropriate posture when lifting and carrying backpack.
  • 3.2. Approach obstacles and hazards in a safe manner and minimise risks to self and group where possible.
  • 3.3. Apply ascendingtechniques and descending techniques on slopes.
  • 3.4. Follow a route in tracked or easy untracked areas, demonstrating use of navigation aids.
4. Evaluate the bushwalk.
  • 4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the walk.
  • 4.2. Identify improvements for future walks.
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.
Principles of nutrition may include:
food groups
dietary guidelines
essential nutrients
individual food requirements and allergies.
Duration of the walk may include:
short walks of up to two hours
day walks
two day walks.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Organisational procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
emergency procedures
communication protocols
use and maintenance of equipment
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.
Equipment may include:
bushwalking equipment
navigation equipment
safety and first aid equipment
overnight equipment.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Obstacles may include:
rivers
logs
rocks
gullies
exposed areas.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure.
Ascending techniques may include:
zig-zagging
placing feet down flat with a deliberate step
resting heels on any available projections.
Descending techniques may include:
placing toes against projections to avoid overstriding
avoiding placing feet down heavily
using flat-footed or stiff-heeled technique.
Tracked or easy untrackedareas include:
those that align with Class 4 Tracks within the Australian Standard for Walking Tracks.
Navigation aids may include:
maps
compass.
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 bushwalk
demonstrates bushwalking techniques including ascending and descending techniques
seeks advice and feedback from leader to improve skills and ensure safety of self and group
evaluates and reflects on own bushwalking performance to identify strengths and weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in bushwalking activities in tracked and untracked areas that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information, such as maps and meteorological data, to plan for the bushwalk
a suitable outdoor location with tracks that are reliably marked on maps, are obvious on the ground and are inspected on a regular basis
a qualified leader or supervisor
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 safe participation and demonstration of bushwalking skills
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all bushwalking activities
written 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:
SISOOPS202A Use and maintain a temporary or overnight site.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C6077 SROBWG001A Demonstrate bushwalking skills in tracked or easy untracked areas Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBF95 SISOBWG001 Bushwalk in tracked environments Unit of competency