Description

This unit covers the competency required to select, set up, operate and maintain a range of communications systems and equipment. The individual will be responsible for inspecting the communications equipment prior to deployment and once in location, establishing and maintaining communications. Compliance with radiotelephone procedure, including authentication procedures, is an essential part of the competency. The unit also covers the ability to manage contingencies such as lost communications, jamming and interference, and implementing the necessary protocols to maintain or re-establish communications.

Pre Requisites

Application

The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

Performance Criteria

Required Skills & Knowledge

•     operate current radio equipment, including secure equipment
•     utilise communication systems
•     use radio telephone procedure, including codes
•     employ alternative communications strategies
•     clean and service communication equipment
•     report communication faults and deficiencies
•     follow instructions/directives and report information
•     read and implement written or verbal orders and procedures

•     range of communication equipment and accessories available
•     communications protocols, policy and procedures relevant to the operation of communication equipment
•     radio telephone procedure, including the use of codes
•     principles of teamwork and teams aims and objectives
•     composition of teams and roles and responsibility of team members

Range Statement

• A range of terrain, soil and vegetation
• Under all weather conditions
• By day or night and under illumination
• Communications systems may include    Networks
• Communication protocols
• Geographical information systems

• Personal computers and modems
• HF, VHF and UHF communications systems, accessories and equipment
• Facsimile machines
• Mobile telephones
• Landline and satellite telephones
• Pagers
• Specialised communications equipment used in search tasks
• Secure and insecure systems
• Man-pack and vehicle mounted configurations
• A range of antennas

• Written and verbal orders and instructions
• Procedures manuals, job guides, communications pamphlets and other publications
• Manufacturer's handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions
• Communications protocols, policy and procedures
• Radio telephone procedure may include    Phonetic alphabet
• Voice procedure
• Call signs
• Use of abbreviations
• Emergency procedures
• Use of codes
• Submission of routine reports and returns

• Transmitting on another band or frequency
• Changing frequencies
• Changing aerials
• Changing equipment
• Use of landline
• Use of remote devices and radio relay

Evidence Guide

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit    
Assessment must confirm the ability to set up and operate selected items of communications equipment, utilise correct radio telephone procedure and maintain communications using alternative strategies when contact is lost.
Assessment should also confirm the ability to:

•     inspect and test communications equipment
•     set up equipment and establish communications
•     use radio telephone procedure
•     apply fault finding techniques
•     employ alternative communication strategies

Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated in a range of communications activities conducted over an extended time frame to provide the operating and field conditions described in the Range Statement. The individual should operate a range of equipment and deal with contingencies in a number of contexts over an extended period

Context of and specific resources for assessment    
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed under field conditions. Evidence should be gathered by observing the individual completing a number of communication tasks using a range of communications equipment.

Specific resources for assessment
Access to:

•     communications equipment and accessories relevant to the task
•     training area with a range of terrain and vegetation.