Assessor Resource

PUASAR016A
Operate and maintain a personal water craft for rescue operations

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


The application of this unit in the workplace covers a range of open water rescue situations using PWC.

This unit is typically relevant for personnel from emergency services and/or volunteer organisations or organisations where surveillance and rescue operations in open water are undertaken.

This unit covers the competency required to operate and maintain a personal water craft (PWC) and to use PWC during aquatic rescue operations in surf or open water environments.

State maritime licensing requirements to operate a PWC apply to this unit.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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:

safely operate a PWC during rescue operations in a range of surf conditions

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual or simulated surf conditions.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed by completing PWC operations, exercises or scenarios.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

equipment used in PWC rescue operations

open water

range of challenging surf conditions relevant to the area of 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

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

handle PWC confidently and safely

read surf conditions

rescue people safely

swim in the surf in moderate conditions

use radio communications

use recognised signals

Required Knowledge

effects of wind, tide, swell and ocean floor on surf conditions

features and signs of rips, gutters, sweeps and currents

organisational craft operational procedures

organisational procedures for cleaning and discarding equipment in terms of environmental management and sustainability

search and rescue techniques

self-rescue techniques

surf awareness including beach safety zones

surf hazards

surf survival techniques

types of waves and their characteristic features

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.

Relevant logbooks may include:

Eeuipment service logs

patrol/service logs,

powercraft operations logs

Operational feedback may include:

equipment damage

new or variations to hazards in the local environment

operational readiness of equipment

Pre-operational checks may include:

correct operation of cooling system

efficient starting of motor

engine seating securely attached

ensuring sufficient fuel for proposed operation

Ancillary equipment may include:

flares

first aid kit

rescue handle

rescue sled

rescue tube

throw bag

two way radio

Transport may include:

on beach/sand

on roads

towing with an ATV or 4WD

Task information may include:

location of incident

support available

surveillance duty

Communications systems may include:

mobile phone

pager

two-way radio networks

Surf conditions may include:

calm water

choppy

large surf

plunging shorebreak

small surf

Communicator:

club/service team member

distressed swimmer

member of the public

radio operator

Personal skills and limitations

experience in prevailing conditions

knowledge of local area

qualifications/licences held

Operational base may include

communications centre

lifesaver/lifeguard patrol

service base

Emergency procedures may include

capsize drill

fire on board drill

motor stopped

Hazards may include:

adverse weather

choppy water surface condition

large surf

marine creature

people swimming

rocks

seaweed

Rescue methods may include:

conscious casualty rescue

leaving powercraft for a swimming rescue with a rescue tube

reaching over the edge of the craft to haul casualty on board

unconscious casualty rescue

using a crew person during rescue

Designated point may include:

shoreline

open water location suitable for transfer to another vessel

Casualty transfer may include:

transfer to another vessel

transfer to land based team members for first aid

transfer to medical aid

transfer to shore

Post-operational checks and maintenance may include:

correct operation of cooling system

flushing motor

refilling fuel

running of motor

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Relevant logbooks are reviewed for previous operational feedback and pre-use information is completed in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Pre-operational checks of PWC are completed in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and organisational procedures. 
Ancillary equipment is checked and securely stowed. 
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is applied or stowed as appropriate. 
PWC is transported to launching site and is launched according to manufacturer's guidelines and organisational procedures. 
Task information received verbally or through communications system is acknowledged. 
Personal capability to perform task based on surf conditions is evaluated prior to accepting task and this information is communicated to supervisor or communicator. 
PWC is operated safely according to surf conditions and within personal skills and limitations. 
Local regulations and legislation relevant to the operation of personal water craft are followed. 
Communication with operational base is maintained. 
Personal protective equipment is worn correctly. 
Emergency procedures are implemented. 
Risk analysis of rescue scene is undertaken and hazards are identified. 
Rescue method suitable to the situation is selected. 
Safe passage to and out of the rescue scenes is assessed. 
Safe passage to and out of the rescue scene is navigated. 
Powercraft is positioned at rescue scene. 
Casualty is retrieved safely and is secured in accordance with organisational processes. 
Progress is communicated to operational base. 
Casualty is handed over at designated point . 
Casualty transfer is completed in accordance with organisational procedures. 
PWC is recovered from launch site and is transported to storage. 
Post-operational checks and maintenance are completed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and organisational procedures. 
Debriefing with supervisor or other operational staff is completed. 
Relevant logbooks are completed according to organisational requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PUASAR016A - Operate and maintain a personal water craft for rescue operations
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

PUASAR016A - Operate and maintain a personal water craft for rescue operations

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: