Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:15 PM AWST

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Bushwalk in extremely difficult tracked and untracked environments

Bushwalk in extremely difficult tracked and untracked environments

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOBWG003
State Code
OBF94
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/09/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/12/2019
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
13/12/2019
Nominal Hours
65
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to complete walks in any type of environment including bushland, arid, alpine or tropical areas and according to planned routes.The unit provides the skills to walk in untracked areas and on rough unformed tracks with no modification to the natural surface. Surfaces will be variable and challenging with prolonged unstable sections. Tracks and untracked areas will feature constant and unpredictable natural obstacles such as rocky or loose tread, roots, rocks, fallen tree logs, dense vegetation and water crossings. Long steep sections and very arduous climbs may be featured.Tracks and untracked areas generally have no signage or route markers at any point. Tracks marked on maps may be very unreliable requiring walkers to use navigation skills and equipment to complete the walk. Tracks could be graded according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System and might include features of grade 5.This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.It applies to leaders, guides or instructors who use these skills when leading participants during bushwalking activities. Leadership skills are provided in complementary units.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for the walk.
  • 1.1. Select clothing, footwear, personal protective and other equipment suitable for the walk and conditions, and check for safe working condition.
  • 1.2. Calculate and prepare food and water appropriate for the distance and environment of the trip.
  • 1.3. Waterproof and pack clothing, personal resources, and food according to access requirements during walk.
  • 1.4. Interpret planned route from activity plans and maps to assist with navigation, and confirm contingency routes and emergency escapes.
  • 1.5. Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during activities.
  • 1.6. Confirm protocols for communications between walkers.
  • 1.7. Ensure pack weight is appropriate to body weight and level of fitness; fit and adjust for comfort and safety.
2. Walk in extremely difficult tracked or untracked environments.
  • 2.1. Use appropriate posture and manual handling techniques when lifting and carrying backpack.
  • 2.2. Establish and maintain an appropriate walking rhythm and pace according to conditions.
  • 2.3. Use walking techniques specific to the environmental terrain.
  • 2.4. Monitor walking pace of, and space between, party members to ensure safety of all, and completion within timelines.
  • 2.5. Maintain effective communication with party members throughout all activities.
  • 2.6. Follow the planned route and make required adjustments to route according to track or environmental conditions.
  • 2.7. Use techniques that minimise damage to equipment and the natural environment throughout all activities.
3. Negotiate environmental obstacles and arduous climbs.
  • 3.1. Safely approach, and negotiate constant and unpredictable obstacles and hazards to minimise risk of injury.
  • 3.2. Control footing to walk safely on prolonged sections of uneven and unstable surface.
  • 3.3. Utilise techniques and control pace to ascend and descend prolonged steep slopes.
  • 3.4. Set up and use a handline to negotiate steep slopes.
  • 3.5. Manage movement of equipment using pack hauls, raises and lowers.
  • 3.6. Monitor own fatigue, adjust pace, food and water intake and take breaks while maintaining contact with party members.
  • 3.7. Monitor and regulate own body temperature by adding of removing clothing layers.
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