Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:13 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.

Measure and process medium and high flows using a range of methods and equipment

Measure and process medium and high flows using a range of methods and equipment

Unit of competency
National Code
NWPHYD014
State Code
AVZ16
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
07/12/2015
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/04/2016
Field of Education
010711 - Hydrology
Original Release Date
15/04/2016
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit describes the skills required to collect data using a range of discharge measuring methods and equipment, to measure and calculate readings and to interpret and report data for a range of clients and stakeholders.This unit applies to hydrographers employed by the water industry and water operators involved in the monitoring of all the elements of the water cycle and their impact on the related environment.The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those relating to stream discharge measurement, registration, calibration, safe operation of equipment, identification of hazards, WHS, Bureau of Meteorology, World Meteorological Organisation and Australian Standards.Those undertaking this unit would work in small teams, mostly under supervision, while performing complex tasks in a broad range of contexts, that could be unpredictable, including remote, confined spaces, near water and/or at heights.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify flow gauging
  • 1.1 Identify the monitoring objective of the site and gauging requirements.
  • 1.2 Identify appropriate methods for measuring discharge.
  • 1.3 Select equipment and confirm site conditions are within instrument specifications.
  • 1.4 Identify stream discharge and factors affecting accuracy.
  • 1.5 Identify hazards and implement risk management principles.
2. Collect depth and velocity data
  • 2.1 Perform a pre-discharge measurement check on equipment.
  • 2.2 Prepare the gauging site.
  • 2.3 Calculate the equipment configuration settings.
  • 2.4 Position equipment at pre-determined position.
  • 2.5 Take measurements during gauging.
  • 2.6 Review the data collected.
3. Calculate discharge
  • 3.1 Apply corrections where necessary.
  • 3.2 Calculate the mean velocity.
  • 3.3 Calculate the area and discharge.
  • 3.4 Calculate and record the mean stage and rate of change.
  • 3.5 Calculate the channel storage and time of travel effects.
4. Report discharge readings
  • 4.1 Compare the discharge measurements with the current rating.
  • 4.2 Record the percentage deviation from the rating.
  • 4.3 Grade and record the gauging quality with interpretation comments.
  • 4.4 Gather and document supporting information from the site.
  • 4.5 Enter gauging into ratings database.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D4828 NWP421A Collect, measure and process hydrometric stream discharge gauging Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OCW61 NWPHYD006 Measure discharge and process discharge data using a range of methods and equipment Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
AYX1 NWP40515 Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations Qualification