ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCECRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for horizontal caving activities.

1.1. Obtain information on the features, formations and particular hazards for local caves.

1.2. Obtain and become familiar with cave maps, as available, and identify features that will assist with navigating the cave.

1.3. Plan a route and determine contingency routes and emergency escapes.

1.4. Select clothing, footwear and personal protective equipment suitable for caving conditions and activities.

1.5. Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures, and minimal impact caving codes to ensure compliance during activities.

1.6. Confirm protocols for communications between party members.

1.7. Complete equipment safety checks prior to caving activities.

2. Navigate in caves.

2.1. Follow a route in a cave using a map, compass and underground navigation aids.

2.2. Use techniques to estimate distance travelled.

2.3. Identify features in the cave using map and compass to maintain route.

2.4. Make minor adjustments to route according to prevailing conditions, and navigate using aids, map and compass as required.

3. Travel through caves.

3.1. Maintain close contact and effective communication with party members throughout all activities.

3.2. Safely approach, and negotiate obstacles, hazards and cave terrain to minimise risk of injury.

3.3. Select and use caving techniques suitable to circumstances to move efficiently through caves.

3.4. Utilise a range of climbing techniques to explore caves.

3.5. Use techniques that minimise damage to equipment and the cave environment throughout all activities.

Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement.

SKILLS

DESCRIPTION

Reading skills to:

interpret detailed and familiar organisational safety and emergency response procedures

interpret complex and potentially unfamiliar technical information about routes and environmental features.

Oral communications skills to:

use clear and unambiguous verbal and non-verbal communications to make intent known.

Numeracy skills to:

interpret and calculate detailed numerical data involving, distances, times, depths, gradients and degrees.

Problem-solving skills to:

readily adapt to changing situations and terrain by selecting appropriate techniques and equipment to traverse caves efficiently.

Planning and organising skills to:

manage own timing to complete activities within planned timeframes.