Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to paddle a sea kayak as part of a group in enclosed waters and according to planned courses. It requires the ability to self-rescue from a capsize and to rescue others in deep water.
This unit provides skills to paddle in enclosed waters defined as bays and harbours where no surf is present. Water would feature small breaking white capping waves up to 0.5 metre. Paddlers at this level can paddle in moderate winds of 11 - 16 knots (Beaufort Scale).
It applies to leaders, guides or instructors, who use these skills when leading participants during sea kayaking activities. Leadership skills are provided in complementary units. The unit can also apply to assistants and support staff.
This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
• complete three group sea kayak trips
• complete at least one solo paddle for one of the above trips
• during each trip:
• consistently follow safety procedures and safely negotiate hazards
• consistently control direction of sea kayaks forward, in reverse and sideways using edging and this range of strokes:
• forward and reverse paddle
• forward and reverse sweeps
• bow draw strokes - feathered and sculling
• stern rudder
• support using back of blade
• emergency stop
• participate in simulations to:
• complete two self-rescues following a capsize, swimming self and craft a maximum distance of 50 metres to shore
• complete three deep water rescues to assist a single capsized paddler, using at least two techniques appropriate to the type of kayak craft in use provide one contact tow
• provide one tow using a towline with a quick release system.

Knowledge Evidence

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
• organisational safety and emergency response procedures for sea kayaking activities
• suitable clothing and footwear for sea kayaking activities:
• types of clothing and fabrics that protect against the effects of weather and water conditions including sun, temperatures, winds, and precipitation of different levels and extremes
• reasons for layering clothes
• effective design and construction features of waterproof gear and exposure suits
• types of footwear suitable for sea kayaking including specialist sandals, water shoes and booties and their advantages over other types of footwear
• features and uses of gloves and mittens, and advantages and disadvantages
• features and functions of lifejackets and helmets suitable for enclosed water conditions and how to fit and adjust these for comfort and safety
• types of single and double sea kayaks suitable for use in enclosed waters and:
• location and function of different parts of the kayak
• different construction materials, effects on performance, advantages and disadvantages
• design features, handling characteristics and limitations: manoeuvrability, stability and speed
• types of paddles suitable for use with sea kayaks used in enclosed waters, different construction materials and designs, effects on performance, advantages and disadvantages
• techniques used to effectively stow items:
• for ease of access and maximum usage of space
• for stability of craft and minimal effect on trim
• to waterproof clothing, food and resources
• safe manual handling techniques used to lift and carry sea kayaks
• equipment features and techniques used to secure sea kayaks for transportation
• communication protocols for group sea kayaking activities to include:
• calls
• hand and paddle signals
• whistles
• hydrological features of bays and harbours including currents, waves and tides sufficient to understand the impacts on sea kayaking activities
• typical hazards associated with paddling and swimming in enclosed water conditions, and techniques used to safely negotiate these:
• currents
• built objects – piers, navigation markers
• steep, slippery or rocky shores
• sections of dark, deep or cold water
• marine animals
• other boating traffic
• exposure to lightning, storms and strong winds
• prolonged emersion in cold water
• techniques used in enclosed waters to embark, launch, land and disembark sea kayaks from shore
• a range of strokes used in enclosed water conditions to direct sea kayaks forward, in reverse and sideways:
• forward and reverse paddle
• forward and reverse sweeps
• bow draw strokes - feathered and sculling
• stern rudder
• support using back of blade
• emergency stop
• for each of the above strokes:
• how to use them when solo paddling and when padding as a double
• correct posture and trunk rotation
• correct hand placement on paddle
• wrist movement required to enable correct blade placement in water
• correct paddle entry and exit points in relation to craft and body position
• appropriate paddle depth in water to achieve effective stroke
• correct paddle blade angle throughout stroke
• for self rescues:
• methods used to extricate self from inverted sea kayaks
• methods used to control and manoeuvre the paddle and sea kayak to shore
• appropriate swimming strokes and techniques to use while in paddling gear in enclosed water conditions
• how to empty water from sea kayaks, and equipment used to assist
• techniques used to re-establish upright sea kayak and re-enter in deep water
• for deep water rescues, the specific application of the following to enclosed water conditions and sea kayaks:
• features, functions and operation of equipment used for rescues, advantages and disadvantages
• roles and responsibilities that can be allocated to team members and participants to effectively complete a rescue
• raft up techniques
• rescue techniques specific to sit in kayaks
• rescue techniques specific to sit on top kayaks
• techniques for contact tows and those using a towline with a quick release system
• when different knots are used, advantages and disadvantages, and how to tie them:
• knots for tying on
• rope joining knots
• quick release knots.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in enclosed waters which can be bays or harbours where no surf is present. The environment must feature the following:
• water with small breaking white capping waves up to 0.5 metre
• ideally moderate winds of 11-16 knots (Beaufort Scale); winds could vary but warnings should not exceed moderate wind conditions.
The following resources must be available to replicate industry conditions of operation:
• first aid equipment
• communication equipment for emergency response.
Assessment must ensure use of:
• a group of participants with whom the individual interacts during sea kayaking activities
• clothing and footwear suitable for the conditions
• Australian Standard, or equivalent, compliant lifejackets of a grade that meets maritime regulator requirements for the location
• helmets as required
• pea-less whistles not affected by water
• kayaks which can include:
• single or double sit in kayaks
• single or double sit on top kayaks
• sea kayak paddles
• ropes and tie down straps
• rescue equipment:
• towlines
• knives
• activity plans to include details of planned route
• template safety checklists
• organisational safety and emergency response procedures for sea kayaking activities.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations requirements for assessors, and:
• have a collective period of at least three years’ experience as a sea kayaking leader, guide or instructor, where they have applied the skills and knowledge covered in this unit of competency; the three years’ experience can incorporate full and or part time experience.

Foundation Skills

• {'skill': 'Reading skills to:', 'description': 'interpret detailed and familiar organisational safety and emergency response procedures; interpret straightforward but potentially unfamiliar information on maps; interpret factual activity plan information in familiar formats.'}
• {'skill': 'Oral communications skills to:', 'description': 'use clear and unambiguous verbal and non-verbal communications to make intent known.'}
• {'skill': 'Numeracy skills to:', 'description': 'interpret and calculate numerical data involving distances, times and speed of currents.'}
• {'skill': 'Teamwork skills to:', 'description': 'pro-actively and cooperatively work within teams of operational personnel to solve arising problems and effect efficient rescues.'}
• {'skill': 'Planning and organising skills to:', 'description': 'manage own timing to complete activities within planned timeframes.'}
• {'skill': 'Self-management skills to:', 'description': 'critically analyse all circumstances and implications to provide a prompt and considered response to rescue requirements.'}

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