Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:09 PM AWST
22/07/2026 1:09 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.
Apply surf awareness and self-rescue skills
Apply surf awareness and self-rescue skills
Unit of competency
National Code
PUASAR012B
PUASAR012B
State Code
C6053
C6053
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
10/09/2009
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
10/09/2009
Nominal Hours
30
Description
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
No information
Hazards and environmental conditions may include
Dumping waves
Large waves
Lateral currents
Marine creatures
Other surfers or swimmers
Other equipment
Own equipment
Rips
Sandbars
Shorebreaks
Characteristics of different types of waves may include
Impact of white wash higher than wave itself
Plunging (dumping)
Steep, powerful, dangerous
Shallow water depth
Spilling (crumbling)
deeper water
wave face less steep
wave slower to break
Distinguishing features of rips include
Darker blue/green foam or debris
Lack of waves
Rippled surface
Techniques for survival may include
Attracting attention of lifesaver/lifeguard or others who may be able to help
Floating and treading water
Recognising hazards and keeping a safe distance from hazards
Swimming or paddling diagonally across rips
Personal safety/environmental hazards may include
Hydration
Hypothermia
Sun safety
Craft may include
Bodyboards
Handboards
Hard surfboards
Sit on top kayaks
Soft surfboards
Prevailing conditions are influenced by
Availability of assistance
Imminent hazards
Imminent risks
Size of the surf
Strategies when not able to self-rescue may include
Floating and treading water
Remaining with craft where possible
Using recognised signals for assistance
Dumping waves
Large waves
Lateral currents
Marine creatures
Other surfers or swimmers
Other equipment
Own equipment
Rips
Sandbars
Shorebreaks
Characteristics of different types of waves may include
Impact of white wash higher than wave itself
Plunging (dumping)
Steep, powerful, dangerous
Shallow water depth
Spilling (crumbling)
deeper water
wave face less steep
wave slower to break
Distinguishing features of rips include
Darker blue/green foam or debris
Lack of waves
Rippled surface
Techniques for survival may include
Attracting attention of lifesaver/lifeguard or others who may be able to help
Floating and treading water
Recognising hazards and keeping a safe distance from hazards
Swimming or paddling diagonally across rips
Personal safety/environmental hazards may include
Hydration
Hypothermia
Sun safety
Craft may include
Bodyboards
Handboards
Hard surfboards
Sit on top kayaks
Soft surfboards
Prevailing conditions are influenced by
Availability of assistance
Imminent hazards
Imminent risks
Size of the surf
Strategies when not able to self-rescue may include
Floating and treading water
Remaining with craft where possible
Using recognised signals for assistance
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to apply sufficient knowledge of surf conditions, factors that affect these conditions and survival techniques
In particular, assessment must confirm the ability to apply this knowledge to negotiate the surf and return through the surf
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in order to ensure consistency of performance over the Range Statement and contexts applicable to surf lifesaving
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competence should be assessed while participating in lifesaving activities or in a simulated environment and under a range of weather conditions
Specific resources for assessment
Access to a surf beach with prevailing conditions appropriate to the level of activity and suitable craft
Guidance information for assessment
Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.
Assessment must confirm the ability to apply sufficient knowledge of surf conditions, factors that affect these conditions and survival techniques
In particular, assessment must confirm the ability to apply this knowledge to negotiate the surf and return through the surf
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time in order to ensure consistency of performance over the Range Statement and contexts applicable to surf lifesaving
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competence should be assessed while participating in lifesaving activities or in a simulated environment and under a range of weather conditions
Specific resources for assessment
Access to a surf beach with prevailing conditions appropriate to the level of activity and suitable craft
Guidance information for assessment
Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C9998 | PUASAR012A | Apply surf awareness and self-rescue skills | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5517 | PUASAR012C | Apply surf awareness and self-rescue skills | Unit of competency |