Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:29 AM AWST
22/07/2026 8:29 AM 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.
Apply navigation skills in an intermediate environment
Apply navigation skills in an intermediate environment
Unit of competency
National Code
SISONAV302A
SISONAV302A
State Code
D6420
D6420
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
15/10/2014
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to navigate in uncontrolled environments within an activity-specific context. This includes areas with few obvious visible landmarks, minimal clearance and limited modifications made to the natural surface and where the changes in weather and visibility may occur.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for navigation.
- 1.1. Obtain and become familiar with appropriate map or maps for the activity.
- 1.2. Identify symbols and information contained on the map that may be used in navigation.
- 1.3. Apply information contained on the map to plan an efficient route or course according to specific activity requirements, contextual issues, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.4. Obtain and identify essential features of a compass and how it is used to maintain a designated course.
- 1.5. Calculate grid and magnetic bearings using a map and compass.
- 1.6. Prepare a navigation data sheet, and identify emergency or contingency escape routes.
2. Navigate in uncontrolled environments.
- 2.1. Apply navigation techniques to orientate map to surroundings with a compass and identify factors that affect accuracy.
- 2.2. Follow a route in remote, uncontrolled environments, demonstrating use of navigation aids according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 2.3. Apply techniques for estimating distance travelled.
- 2.4. Maintain, where necessary, a compass course while bypassing an obstacle.
- 2.5. Identify unknown features in the field using map and compass.
- 2.6. Demonstrate technique to fix position and identify unknown features when lost.
3. Evaluate navigations
- 3.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of navigation.
- 3.2. Identify improvements or modifications for future navigations in uncontrolled environments.
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.
Map or maps may include:
cadastral and topographic maps
charts
hydrographic
aerial photographs
guide books and diagrams
satellite imagery
digital map
sketch maps.
Symbols and information may include:
grid lines and numbers
contour lines
magnetic variation
scale
map legend
topographic features
markers and beacons
water depth.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
communication protocols
use and maintenance of equipment
code of ethics.
Navigation data sheet may include:
grid reference points
grid and magnetic bearings
distances
estimated travelling times
height gain or loss
gradient
identifiable features
escape routes.
Navigation techniques may include:
use of compass
linear features
point features
attack points
aiming off
collecting features
spiral search
sweep search
backbearings and resections
use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
Surroundings may include:
ground or terrain
snow conditions
bodies of water
beacons and markers
natural formations
landmarks
man-made features.
Uncontrolled environments may include:
limited modifications to the natural surface
minimal clearance along the track and signage
terrain and man-made hazards
tracks align with Class 5 Tracks within the Australian Standards for Walking Tracks
areas of water where there are few obvious visible landmarks.
Navigation aids may include:
track and creek junctions and crossings
survey markers
beacons
track markers
cairns
paths
lines
signs
arrows
watch
weather charts
man-made objects or features
transits.
Techniques for estimating distance may include:
time
observation of surroundings
relation to features
pacing.
Obstacles may include:
logs
rocks
gullies
trees
varying snow conditions
exposed areas
thick vegetation
drops and climbs
marshes and bogs
fog
rivers, lakes and dams.
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.
Map or maps may include:
cadastral and topographic maps
charts
hydrographic
aerial photographs
guide books and diagrams
satellite imagery
digital map
sketch maps.
Symbols and information may include:
grid lines and numbers
contour lines
magnetic variation
scale
map legend
topographic features
markers and beacons
water depth.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
communication protocols
use and maintenance of equipment
code of ethics.
Navigation data sheet may include:
grid reference points
grid and magnetic bearings
distances
estimated travelling times
height gain or loss
gradient
identifiable features
escape routes.
Navigation techniques may include:
use of compass
linear features
point features
attack points
aiming off
collecting features
spiral search
sweep search
backbearings and resections
use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
Surroundings may include:
ground or terrain
snow conditions
bodies of water
beacons and markers
natural formations
landmarks
man-made features.
Uncontrolled environments may include:
limited modifications to the natural surface
minimal clearance along the track and signage
terrain and man-made hazards
tracks align with Class 5 Tracks within the Australian Standards for Walking Tracks
areas of water where there are few obvious visible landmarks.
Navigation aids may include:
track and creek junctions and crossings
survey markers
beacons
track markers
cairns
paths
lines
signs
arrows
watch
weather charts
man-made objects or features
transits.
Techniques for estimating distance may include:
time
observation of surroundings
relation to features
pacing.
Obstacles may include:
logs
rocks
gullies
trees
varying snow conditions
exposed areas
thick vegetation
drops and climbs
marshes and bogs
fog
rivers, lakes and dams.
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 a route in uncontrolled environments and demonstrates navigation techniques to orientate and follow directions
navigates around obstacles in uncontrolled environments while maintaining a compass course
evaluates and reflects on own navigation performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in navigation activities in uncontrolled environments that are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a suitable outdoor location with uncontrolled environments within an activity-specific context that align with Class 5 Tracks within the Australian Standards for Walking Tracks
navigation equipment such as map or maps, compass, GPS and activity-specific 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:
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of navigation techniques used to maintain a course in uncontrolled environments
observation of safe participation and demonstration of navigation skills, such as maintaining a compass course while bypassing an obstacle and identifying unknown features when lost
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:
SISOBWG302A Apply intermediate bushwalking skills.
or
SISOMBK302A Apply advanced off-road cycling skills.
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 a route in uncontrolled environments and demonstrates navigation techniques to orientate and follow directions
navigates around obstacles in uncontrolled environments while maintaining a compass course
evaluates and reflects on own navigation performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in navigation activities in uncontrolled environments that are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a suitable outdoor location with uncontrolled environments within an activity-specific context that align with Class 5 Tracks within the Australian Standards for Walking Tracks
navigation equipment such as map or maps, compass, GPS and activity-specific 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:
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of navigation techniques used to maintain a course in uncontrolled environments
observation of safe participation and demonstration of navigation skills, such as maintaining a compass course while bypassing an obstacle and identifying unknown features when lost
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:
SISOBWG302A Apply intermediate bushwalking skills.
or
SISOMBK302A Apply advanced off-road cycling skills.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C6227 | SRONAV002B | Navigate in difficult or trackless areas | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBF36 | SISOFLD007 | Navigate in difficult tracked environments | Unit of competency |