Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:56 PM AWST
22/07/2026 4:56 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.
Take local weather observations
Take local weather observations
Unit of competency
National Code
PUAFIR319
PUAFIR319
State Code
WG120
WG120
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/06/2013
Field of Education
010701 - Atmospheric Sciences
Original Release Date
19/06/2013
Nominal Hours
8
Description
This unit covers the competency required to take, assess, record and report simple weather observations for a specified area. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Gather field-based weather observations
- 1.1 Weather instruments that can be used for taking weather observations are identified.
- 1.2 Area specific information is accessed.
- 1.3 Meteorological observations are collected from the field using handheld weather instruments.
2. Assess the influence of topography on local weather conditions
- 2.1 Local topographical influences most likely to affect weather conditions are identified.
- 2.2 Most likely affect that local topographical influences will have on weather conditions is determined.
3. Assess local weather signs to identify likely changes
- 3.1 Weather signs that may be used to interpret and predict local conditions are identified.
- 3.2 Weather signs for monitoring and interpreting current and future conditions are evaluated.
- 3.3 Trends in the weather recordings are identified.
- 3.4 Short- and long-term implications of weather signs are assessed.
4. Record and report weather observations
- 4.1 Meteorological observations are recorded in accordance with agency procedures.
- 4.2 Meteorological observations are reported to relevant personnel in accordance with organisational requirements.
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Weather instruments must include:
electronic handheld weather meter
sling psychrometer
and may also include:
anemometer
Beaufort scale
portable automatic weather station (PAWS)
rain gauge
Meteorological observations may include:
air temperature
atmospheric stability
cloud (amount and type)
dewpoint
inversions
precipitation
relative humidity
wind (speed, direction and gusts)
wind changes (cold fronts, sea and land breezes, thunderstorms)
Local topographical influences may include:
altitude
bodies of water
distance from coast
local air masses
local land masses
maritime influences
slope and aspect
vegetation
Weather signs may include:
air temperature
barometric pressure changes
cloud formation and patters (fronts, inversions)
columns
convections
firewhirls
lightning
rainfall
wind direction and velocity
Trends may include:
anticipated changes
deteriorating conditions
improving conditions
Relevant personnel may include:
incident management teams
supervisors
Weather instruments must include:
electronic handheld weather meter
sling psychrometer
and may also include:
anemometer
Beaufort scale
portable automatic weather station (PAWS)
rain gauge
Meteorological observations may include:
air temperature
atmospheric stability
cloud (amount and type)
dewpoint
inversions
precipitation
relative humidity
wind (speed, direction and gusts)
wind changes (cold fronts, sea and land breezes, thunderstorms)
Local topographical influences may include:
altitude
bodies of water
distance from coast
local air masses
local land masses
maritime influences
slope and aspect
vegetation
Weather signs may include:
air temperature
barometric pressure changes
cloud formation and patters (fronts, inversions)
columns
convections
firewhirls
lightning
rainfall
wind direction and velocity
Trends may include:
anticipated changes
deteriorating conditions
improving conditions
Relevant personnel may include:
incident management teams
supervisors
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
take representative weather observations in two different locations
take weather observations using handheld weather instruments
take basic visual weather observations
record observations and pass these on to relevant authorities
make basic interpretations of current weather effects in localised areas for an emergency management incident
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in an agency approved simulated and/or workplace environment.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in an agency approved simulated and/or workplace environment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
agency procedures
weather instruments
Method of assessment
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
take representative weather observations in two different locations
take weather observations using handheld weather instruments
take basic visual weather observations
record observations and pass these on to relevant authorities
make basic interpretations of current weather effects in localised areas for an emergency management incident
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in an agency approved simulated and/or workplace environment.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in an agency approved simulated and/or workplace environment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
agency procedures
weather instruments
Method of assessment
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an agency-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAY75 | PUAFIR323 | Take local weather observations | Unit of competency |
