Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Condition of participants may include:
previous experience
physical development
age
injuries and illnesses.
Plan may include:
aims and objectives
date, time and duration
location, equipment and resources
guide and participant ratios
safety and emergency requirements
risk management plan.
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
assessment procedures
time and budget constraints
use, maintenance and storage of equipment
communication protocols
code of ethics
risk management procedures
confidentiality of participant information.
Trip objectives may include:
self improvement
meeting people
fitness targets.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards
slippery or unstable shore
poor posture, poor technique
poor carrying techniques
poor carrying techniques
loose or insecure craft when being transported
other craft.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment and course failure.
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 level
synoptic charts
high and low tide predictions.
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.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Appropriate authorities may include:
waterways departments
surf rescue
authorities
supervisors.
Equipment may include:
personal water craft equipment
tools and spare parts
safety, first aid and rescue equipment
aids to small craft navigation
navigation equipment
communication equipment.
Relevant information may include:
safety procedures
risk and hazard prevention and management
riding techniques
logistical details
responsible and safe behaviour.
Safety procedures may include:
safest line or route through hazards
spacing between participants
use of safety and rescue equipment.
Personal water craft riding techniques may include:
pre start checks
launching or retrieving
change in posture or position
sitting and standing
weight transfer and distribution
speed and throttle control
stopping and driving
turning and manoeuvring
navigating a route
towing or being towed.
Variable factors may include:
change of weather and conditions
equipment failure
participant's needs.
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:
plans within activity constraints and guides and monitors group in a safe and professional manner
applies contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems or variable factors that may arise during personal water craft trips
encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure the safe guiding of groups on multiple personal water craft tours on controlled waters to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a suitable body of water with controlled conditions that enables the demonstration and practice of personal water craft techniques
participants to take part in the personal water craft trip
resources and information regarding participants and location to plan, guide and document personal water craft activities
personal water craft equipment, tools and spare parts, safety and first aid equipment, and navigation aids
a suitable and safe method of transport, if required to drive craft 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 interaction with participants, including conveying information for safe participation
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge and the application of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all personal water craft activities
observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure
review of trip plans
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:
SISOPWC303A Ride personal water craft in moderate to difficult conditions.