Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:23 AM AWST

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Apply snowcraft skills when performing search operations

Apply snowcraft skills when performing search operations

Unit of competency
National Code
PUASES016A
State Code
AVL10
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
17/08/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
Field of Education
080399 - Business And Management, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
Nominal Hours
0
Description
This unit covers the competency required to operate safely, perform search operations and apply survival techniques for self and others in an alpine environment.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for operation in alpine environments
  • 1.1 Operational and task information is obtained from search coordinator or delegate
  • 1.2 Specific hazards and equipment requirements for environment and operational requirements are identified
  • 1.3 Personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected and used
  • 1.4 Food and water requirements for environment, operations and physical activity as outlined by organisational procedures are identified and selected
  • 1.5 Environment/weather conditions and effects for anticipated period of operational response are determined
  • 1.6 Own ability to meet anticipated physical and psychological requirements of operation is evaluated and any issues anticipated are reported to team leader
2. Undertake operations in an alpine environment
  • 2.1 Deployment to operational response area is undertaken using transportation in a safe and timely manner
  • 2.2 Specified team role and functions are carried out safely as directed by team leader
  • 2.3 Search safety is maintained as required by organisational procedures
  • 2.4 Search formation and spacings are undertaken and maintained as outlined by team leader and organisational procedures
  • 2.5 Search boundaries are marked in line with task requirements under the direction of team leader
  • 2.6 Observation skills are applied and any clues or objects located are immediately reported in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 2.7 Communication within the team is maintained
  • 2.8 Safety and well being of self and others is monitored and any concerns are reported to team leader
  • 2.9 Hazards are continually monitored, and any concerns are identified and reported as required by organisational procedures
3. Perform survival techniques
  • 3.1 Emergency shelter is constructed that is appropriate for current and future factors and conditions
  • 3.2 Weather conditions and/or information is interpreted and actions are taken to minimise effects of weather on self and others
  • 3.3 First aid is applied to self and others as required
  • 3.4 Lost searcher drills are conducted as required by organisational procedures
  • 3.5 Welfare of self and others is sustained
  • 3.6 Situational awareness is maintained and changing environment and weather conditions are responded to in a timely manner
4. Complete recall and stand down procedures
  • 4.1 Search equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and organisational procedures
  • 4.2 Operational debriefing is participated in and required documentation is completed to organisational standards
  • 4.3 Symptoms of operational stress in self and others are recognised and reported
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.
Hazards may include:
avalanches
blizzards
bold wet conditions
cornices
extreme wind
hidden vegetation
human structures e.g. culverts, drain pipes, weirs, star
pickets
ice
partially frozen waterways
recreational users
rising water
rock wells
snow bridges
snow drifts
steep, slippery or unstable terrain
UV radiation e.g. sunburn, snow blindness
vegetation debris
white outs
wind chill
Equipment may include:
activity specific equipment e.g. snowshoes
alpine specific PPE
communication devices
cordage
EPIRB/PLB
first aid kit
global positioning system
head lamp
map and compass
matches or equivalent
sleeping bag
snow shovel
space blanket/ground sheet
stove
tent/bivi
whistle
Food and water requirements may include:
additional personal food requirements e.g. cultural, dietary
appropriate energy foods
drinking water e.g. carried, field sourced
emergency ration packs Sufficient for the potential duration of the operation
Physical and psychological requirements may include:
being sufficiently rested
current capacity to fulfil operational requirement
fitness level sufficient for the task and environment
hydration and nutritional levels
illness
personal fears and phobias
stress level
Communication within the team may include:
hand signals
mobile/satellite telephone
radios
torches/flashlights
verbal and non-verbal
whistles
Emergency shelters may include:
dugout
igloo
improvised shelter e.g. tarp
snow cave
snow mound/quin-zhee
storm shelter - fabric shell
tent/bivi
trench
Current and future factors and conditions may include:
availability of time
available resources
construction time
environmental conditions
factors affecting people e.g. physical and mental states
location
potential moving snow drift
prevailing winds
suitability of snow and location
timeframe for survival
visibility
Interpreting weather conditions and/or information may include:
air temperature
barometric pressure
barometric pressure changes
cloud formation and patterns
electrical storms
meteorological data such as:
daily and four day forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
rainfall
satellite images
synoptic charts
personal observation
rain/hail/sago/freezing rain
snowfall
storm
UV levels
warnings
wind
wind direction and velocity
Sustaining welfare of self and others includes:
Sourcing, preparing and monitoring intake of food and water, which includes:
cooking food in the field
dehydrated foods
field sourced water
fresh foods
high energy foods
prepared meals
water/energy drinks
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:
participate in a search in an alpine environment in a safe and effective manner
apply survival techniques (for self and/or others) in an alpine environment.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated in a simulated operational situation under varying conditions.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency must be assessed covering a variety of hazards which are reflective of the workplace environment and context and are applicable to taking part in activities in variable weather and conditions.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
incidents, exercise, or series of assessment activities
equipment used in alpine operations
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 industry-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
OAX51 PUASES016 Apply snowcraft skills when performing search operations Unit of competency
No information