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.
Food and water requirements may include:
menu planning and preparation
range of foods
energy content.
Principles of nutrition may include:
food groups
dietary guidelines
essential nutrients
healthy dietary pyramid
food preparation
individual food requirements and allergies.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including tide times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Knowledge of the surf environment may include:
characteristics of different types of waves
distinguishing features of rips.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations
marine regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
procedures and company or enterprise policies
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 terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.rips
lateral currents
marine creatures
rocks
sandbars
other surfers or swimmers
large waves
shorebreaks
dumping waves.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure
Craft may include:
hard surfboards
soft surfboards
bodyboards
sit on top kayaks
handboards
stand up paddle boards.
Equipment may include:
wetsuit
swim suit
rash vest
craft
fins.
Techniques may include:
swimming or paddling diagonally across rips
attracting attention of lifeguard
floating and treading water
recognising hazards
keeping a safe distance from hazards.
Prevailing conditions may include:
size of the surf
availability of assistance
imminent hazards
imminent risks.
Strategies may include:
using recognised signals for assistance
remaining with craft where possible
floating and treading water.
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 and select appropriate craft and equipment suitable for the rescue
demonstrates self rescue and survival techniques in prevailing conditions
evaluates and reflects on own surf survival performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in surf survival and self rescue activities in different surf conditions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must ensure access to:
resources and information, such as weather sources, to accurately plan and select appropriate equipment for the surf survival activity
a surf beach
a qualified leader or supervisor
equipment such as a suitable craft.
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 with evidence of reference to resources
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of surf environments, including types and features of waves and rips
observation of safe participation and demonstration of surf survival and self rescue techniques in prevailing conditions
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:
SISOSRF202A Demonstrate basic surfing manoeuvres in controlled conditions.