Modification History
Not Applicable
Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to bushwalk in tropical areas and conditions, with no supervision on trips greater than two day's duration. This unit focuses on the demonstration of advanced bushwalking techniques in extreme environmental conditions.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to those working as specialist bushwalking guides in more extreme and challenging conditions, such as tropical areas. This unit may also apply to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Pre-Requisites
Nil
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
1. Plan a bushwalk. |
1.1. Identify and plan food and water requirements for tropical areas and conditions according to principles of nutrition and the duration of the walk . 1.2. Identify an appropriate location according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures . 1.3. Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activities. 1.4. Obtain and become familiar with detailed maps for the intended walk. 1.5. Identify possible hazards and changing conditions associated with the activity. 1.6. Identify the signs, symptoms, prevention and treatment of possible risks , such as hyperthermia and hypothermia. |
2. Select equipment. |
2.1. Select equipment according to contextual issues and check to ensure that it is in good working condition. 2.2. Adjust and fit equipment to ensure comfort and safety according to organisational policies and procedures. 2.3. Ensure pack weight is appropriate to body weight and level of fitness. 2.4. Select personal clothing and footwear, and identify the design and or construction features that make it appropriate. 2.5. Identify the importance of sun and eye protection in tropical environments. |
3. Apply advanced bushwalking skills. |
3.1. Approach obstacles and hazards in a safe manner and minimise risks to self and group where possible. 3.2. Apply ascending techniques and descending techniques on slopes. 3.3. Maintain an appropriate walking rhythm and pace according to conditions. 3.4. Select a campsite appropriate to the team members and conditions according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 3.5. Pitch tents according to site and anticipated weather. 3.6. Repair and or improvise items of essential equipment in the case of breakage or loss. 3.7. Identify possible emergency food and water sources from animal tracks and bird flight patterns in the bushwalking location. |
4. Navigate in a tropical environment. |
4.1. Apply information contained on maps to plan a suitable route or course. 4.2. Obtain additional information to assist in navigation from the map. 4.3. Calculate grid and magnetic bearings using a map and compass. 4.4. Follow a route in tropical areas and conditions, demonstrating use of navigation aids . 4.5. Apply techniques for estimating distance travelled. 4.6. Maintain a compass course whilst bypassing an obstacle. |
5. Evaluate the bushwalk. |
5.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the walk. 5.2. Identify improvements for future walks. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
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Required knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
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. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the following is essential:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure participation in a bushwalking activity in tropical areas and conditions that is of a minimum three day duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance. Assessment must also ensure access to:
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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:
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
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Range Statement
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. |
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Food and water requirements may include: |
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Tropical areas and conditions may include: |
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Principles of nutrition may include: |
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Duration of the walk may include: |
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Relevant legislation may include: |
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Organisational policies and procedures may include: |
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Relevant sources may include: |
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Weather and environmental information may include: |
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Hazards may include: |
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Changing conditions may include: |
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Risks may include: |
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Equipment may include: |
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Contextual issues may include: |
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Obstacles may include: |
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Ascending techniques may include: |
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Descending techniques may include: |
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Walking rhythm may include: |
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Additional information may include: |
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Navigation aids may include: |
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Techniques for estimating distance may include: |
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Relevant aspects may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Outdoor Recreation
Competency Field
Bushwalking