Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:47 AM AWST
22/07/2026 6:47 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.
Guide kayaking trips on Grade 3 water
Guide kayaking trips on Grade 3 water
Unit of competency
National Code
SISOKYK409A
SISOKYK409A
State Code
D6405
D6405
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
15/10/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to guide participants on day and or overnight kayaking trips on Grade 3 water. This unit focuses on the application of planning skills to make suitable arrangements to lead a group on a kayaking trip.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan a kayaking trip.
- 1.1. Conduct relevant assessments to determine the conditionofparticipants.
- 1.2. Develop a trip plan, according to participant's needs, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.3. Select a location that is suitable for participants and meets trip objectives, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.4. Identify hazards associated with kayaking on Grade 3 water and minimise risks to ensure personal safety of participants.
- 1.5. Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine trip plan.
- 1.6. Determine food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues of the trip.
- 1.7. Inform appropriate authorities before and after commencing the kayaking trip.
2. Select equipment for the group.
- 2.1. Select kayaks and equipment according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures, and check serviceability.
- 2.2. Assess kayaks and equipment for safety and suitability, and adjust and fit according to manufacturer's specifications.
- 2.3. Check safety and rescue equipment to ensure suitability to the group and planned trip.
- 2.4. Waterproof, pack and fasten equipment that is not required on hand and prepare kayak for transportation if required.
3. Brief participants.
- 3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information about the kayaking trip in a manner suitable to the participants.
- 3.2. Demonstrate correct packing of a kayak, and kayaking techniques where required.
- 3.3. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while kayaking.
- 3.4. Outline safety procedures and confirm that all participant equipment is fitted, adjusted and attached.
4. Lead the group and monitor progress.
- 4.1. Provide direction and advice to group while navigating.
- 4.2. Identify potential hazards and determine how they can be overcome or avoided throughout trip.
- 4.3. Monitor individual participant's performance and provide appropriate feedback.
- 4.4. Evaluate paddling pace and spacing between kayaks throughout trip and alter accordingly.
- 4.5. Implement appropriate modifications to trip in regard to all variable factors that are monitored.
5. Select and maintain a temporary site as required.
- 5.1. Access local area knowledge and use it to identify a suitable temporary site according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 5.2. Arrange shelter according to prevailing weather conditions, and comfort and safety of group.
- 5.3. Maintain minimal impact to environment during overnight stay, and return site to original standard on departure.
6. Complete post trip responsibilities.
- 6.1. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
- 6.2. Evaluate relevant aspects of kayaking trip.
- 6.3. Identify potential areas of improvement for future kayaking trips.
- 6.4. Review own performance and identify potential improvements.
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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Condition of participants may include:
previous experience
physical development
age
injuries and illnesses.
Plan may include:
aims and objectives
date, time and duration of trip
location, equipment and resources
guide and participant ratios
group management
risk and contingency management plans.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations
marine regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
time and budget constraints
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
confidentiality of participant information
guide and participant ratios
international river grading system
code of ethics.
Trip objectives may include:
self improvement
meeting people
fitness targets
adventure and recreation.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Grade 3 water may include:
rivers with broken, moving water
rapids with waves 1-2metre
stoppers, strong eddies, exposed rocks.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment and course failure.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
coastal patrol or coastguard
volunteer marine rescue
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts
high and low tide predictions.
Food and water requirements may include:
menu planning and preparation
range of foods.
Principles of nutrition may include:
food groups
dietary guidelines
essential nutrients
individual food requirements and allergies.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Appropriate authorities may include:
waterways departments
surf rescue
authorities
supervisors.
Kayaks may include:
single or double closed kayaks
single or double sit-on-top kayaks.
Equipment may include:
personal flotation device
paddle with leash
spray deck
wet suit or wet weather gear
ropes
tie down straps
safety and first aid equipment
pumps
sponges
paddle float.
Relevant information may include:
safety procedures
logistical details
kayaking techniques
responsible and safe behaviour.
Safety procedures may include:
capsizing procedures
boundaries
symptoms, treatment and prevention of common kayaking risks
communication systems
use of safety and rescue equipment.
Variable factors may include:
change of weather and conditions
equipment failure
participant's needs.
Temporary site may include:
rest stops
activity sites
temporary or overnight shelter
tent.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
food selection
instructional content
instructional technique
assessment technique
group feedback
directing techniques
rescue techniques employed.
Condition of participants may include:
previous experience
physical development
age
injuries and illnesses.
Plan may include:
aims and objectives
date, time and duration of trip
location, equipment and resources
guide and participant ratios
group management
risk and contingency management plans.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations
marine regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
time and budget constraints
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
confidentiality of participant information
guide and participant ratios
international river grading system
code of ethics.
Trip objectives may include:
self improvement
meeting people
fitness targets
adventure and recreation.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Grade 3 water may include:
rivers with broken, moving water
rapids with waves 1-2metre
stoppers, strong eddies, exposed rocks.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment and course failure.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
coastal patrol or coastguard
volunteer marine rescue
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts
high and low tide predictions.
Food and water requirements may include:
menu planning and preparation
range of foods.
Principles of nutrition may include:
food groups
dietary guidelines
essential nutrients
individual food requirements and allergies.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Appropriate authorities may include:
waterways departments
surf rescue
authorities
supervisors.
Kayaks may include:
single or double closed kayaks
single or double sit-on-top kayaks.
Equipment may include:
personal flotation device
paddle with leash
spray deck
wet suit or wet weather gear
ropes
tie down straps
safety and first aid equipment
pumps
sponges
paddle float.
Relevant information may include:
safety procedures
logistical details
kayaking techniques
responsible and safe behaviour.
Safety procedures may include:
capsizing procedures
boundaries
symptoms, treatment and prevention of common kayaking risks
communication systems
use of safety and rescue equipment.
Variable factors may include:
change of weather and conditions
equipment failure
participant's needs.
Temporary site may include:
rest stops
activity sites
temporary or overnight shelter
tent.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
food selection
instructional content
instructional technique
assessment technique
group feedback
directing techniques
rescue techniques employed.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
plans within activity constraints and guides and monitors group in a safe and professional manner
applies contingency management techniques to make adjustments to deal with a range of problems or variable factors that may arise during kayaking trips
encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure the safe guiding of groups on kayaking trips in locations that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information regarding participants and location to plan, guide and document kayaking trip
a body of Grade 3 water suitable for the participants
a suitable overnight site, if required
participants to take part in the kayaking trip
a suitable and safe method of transport, if required, to drive kayak to and from activity location
kayaking, navigation, overnight, first aid and safety and rescue equipment.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of planning and guiding processes and interacting with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation
oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of kayaking trip
observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure
review of kayaking trip plans
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISOOPS204A Use and maintain an overnight or temporary site.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
plans within activity constraints and guides and monitors group in a safe and professional manner
applies contingency management techniques to make adjustments to deal with a range of problems or variable factors that may arise during kayaking trips
encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure the safe guiding of groups on kayaking trips in locations that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information regarding participants and location to plan, guide and document kayaking trip
a body of Grade 3 water suitable for the participants
a suitable overnight site, if required
participants to take part in the kayaking trip
a suitable and safe method of transport, if required, to drive kayak to and from activity location
kayaking, navigation, overnight, first aid and safety and rescue equipment.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of planning and guiding processes and interacting with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation
oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of kayaking trip
observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure
review of kayaking trip plans
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISOOPS204A Use and maintain an overnight or temporary site.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C6211 | SROKYK009A | Guide kayaking trips on Grade 3 water | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBF22 | SISOKYK008 | Lead kayaking activities on grade 3 rivers | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC358 | SISSS00065 | Kayaking Guide White Water Grade 3 | Skill set |
| AB639 | SISSS00069 | Kayaking Instructor White Water Grade 3 | Skill set |
| J768 | SIS40313 | Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |
| D445 | SIS50310 | Diploma of Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |