Description

Pre-Requisites

Performance Criteria

1. Determine current location, destination and resources
1.1 Incident and/or task location/requirements are obtained
1.2 Relevant maps and navigation equipment are gathered and checked
1.3 Cartographic information and navigation techniques are applied to plot positions on a map, and determine current location and destination within accepted tolerances

2. Determine and plan a safe route
2.1 Navigation records are prepared according to organisation’s practices
2.2 Cartographic information, navigation techniques, local and environmental conditions are interpreted to determine and plan a safe and timely route
2.3 Potential access restrictions which may limit thoroughfare are identified and arrangements made to gain access in accordance with organisation’s policies and practices and regulatory requirements

3. Navigate to destination
3.1 Record of proposed route and navigation aids are used to maintain compliance with planned route
3.2 Driver is directed to follow indicated route as required
3.3 Current location is regularly verified within accepted tolerances
3.4 Route is modified to address prevailing conditions and, if required, alternate strategies are initiated
3.5 Lost en-route procedures are implemented if required
3.6 Unanticipated access difficulties are reported in accordance with organisation’s policies and procedures
3.7 En-route and arrival reporting information is communicated in accordance with organisation’s policies and procedures

4. Complete post navigational activities
4.1 Navigation or nominated reports are completed in accordance with organisation’s policies and procedures
4.2 Navigational equipment is recovered, reset, updated and serviced according to operational standards and
manufacturer’s specifications

Key Competencies

• Collect, Analyse & Organise Information
• Communicate Ideas & Information
• Plan & Organise Activities
• Work with Others & in Teams
• Use Mathematical Ideas & Techniques
• Solve Problems
• Use Technology

Range Statement

Use of maps may include

• defining or plotting incident location
• delineation of search areas
• planning access and egress routes
• plotting of areas subject to hazard impact such as flood
• inundation
• plotting and calculation of areas of fire damage

Navigational maps may include

•  street directories
• topographic maps
• aerial photographs
• local authority maps
• navigational charts
• cadastral maps
• orthophoto maps
• satellite imagery

Map features include

• date of map
• legend
• contours
• scale
• north Point
• grid references
• latitude and longitude
• magnetic variation
• contour intervals
• datum information
• northings and eastings
• hill shading
• vegetation types
• cultural information
• transport routes

Navigational equipment may include

• protractors
• scale rules
• global positioning systems (GPS)
• geographical information systems (GIS)
• magnetic compasses
• planimeters
• romers
• area plotters
• watch/stopwatch
• communications equipment
• computers
• writing equipment

Incident and task information may include

• search operation
• data gathering
• establishing radii
• areas of probability
• plotting fire fronts
• flood height predictions
• rates of fireline constructions

Communication may include

•  verbal instructions
• radio system
• intercom system
• hand signals
• written instructions
• en-route and arrival information

Navigation techniques may include

• resection and triangulation
• plotting
• route-time calculations
• magnetic conversions
• grid and latitude/longitude conversions
• bearings and back bearings

Potential access restrictions may include

• military areas
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sacred sites
• other areas of cultural significance
• seasonal factors
• wilderness areas
• hazardous areas
• other areas requiring permission and/or authorisation to enter
• agency and regulatory requirements

Environmental conditions may include

• flood or fire
• road conditions including vehicle height and/or width clearance
• requirements
• time of day
• need to match transportation mode to terrain
• atmospheric conditions
• hazardous materials
• storm damage

Accepted tolerance may include

• relating the margin of error allowable as determined by the nature of the task/incident terrain
• prevailing weather and environmental conditions

Cartographic information

• the interpretation of cartographic symbology including contour
• lines
• scale
• magnetic variation information

Organisational arrival procedures include

• confirmation of timely
• safe arrival appropriate to the incident/task

Alternate route strategies may include

• lost procedures
• dispatch of additional teams
• use of additional/alternate vehicles

Reporting requirements may include

• pre-departure briefing
• input to debriefs
• completion of logs
• sitreps
• journal records
• assessment of safety procedures utilised

Evidence Guide

Critical aspects of evidence

• It is essential for this unit that competence be demonstrated in practical plotting of a navigation route maintaining accuracy within accepted tolerances when following a route, and indemonstrated ability to maintain positional awareness.
• Evidence should also be sought concerning the ability to effectively react to changes in the operating environment necessitating re-planning of course

Underpinning knowledge

• cartographic symbols and legends
• grid/magnetic conversion
• map and chart types
• methods for determining current location
• route planning techniques and calculations

Underpinning skills

• identifying natural and cultural features for transport modes
• problem solving
• using navigation aids
• verbal communication

Resource implications

• Access to equipment used in operational navigation is essential

Consistency in performance

• Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated workplace environments

Context of assessment

• A real life incident, exercise or simulation or series of tasks are required to demonstrate competence in this unit
• Urban or rural navigation
• Navigation with electronic aids