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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Plan and provide a guided canyoneering experience 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
9287  Plan and provide a guided canyoneering experience 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Tourism Guiding 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  48 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2012-07-01  2015-06-30  SAQA 0695/12 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2016-06-30   2019-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner achieving this unit standard in combination with a generic standard will be able to create and conduct a Guided Canyoneering Experience, that entertains and informs visitors.

This unit standard in combination with other context expertise standard(s) will enable the qualifying learner to be a competent Canyoneering Guide. In addition they will be well positioned to extend their learning and practice into other areas of tourism, or to strive towards guiding standards and practice at higher levels.

Competent qualifying learners in Canyoneering Guiding will provide safe and quality experiences and thus strengthen the profession and tourism in general. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The ability to communicate effectively in spoken English will be an advantage as this is, in most cases, the medium of communication. It is assumed that a learner attempting this unit standard will show competence in communication and numeracy equivalent to NQF level 4.

A learner aspiring to complete this unit standards must be in possession of a Level 5 (Basic Ambulance Assistant) First Aid certificate and a Life Saving Bronze Medallion, or equivalent. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
Guides to the scope and complexity of the specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge are provided in ranges/points beneath each. These are prefaced by "for example" since they are neither comprehensive nor necessarily appropriate to all contexts. Alternatives must however be comparable in scope and complexity. These are intended only as a general guide to scope and complexity of what is required. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Plan, organise and manage all logistics pertaining to a Canyoneering/Kloofing experience. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Access permits, fees, registers and transport,
  • Communication systems and channels,
  • Administer legalities insurances, group information and history,
  • Organise catering, equipment and other technical support,
  • Consult with group to access needs, capabilities and experience,
  • Care and maintenance in accordance to manufacturers & field requirements,
  • Select equipment appropriate to the activity and environment,
  • Demonstrate a knowledge of appropriate personal protective equipment,
  • Observe guide to client ratios. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Administer legalities insurances, group information and history. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Organise catering, equipment and other technical support. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Consult with the group to access needs, capabilities and experience. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Care and maintain equipment in accordance to manufacturer's and field requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Select equipment appropriate to the activity and environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Use personal protective equipment, appropriately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Determine guide to client ratios. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Process permits, fees, registers, transport requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Lead, organise and manage a group in a wide range of conditions (demonstrating). 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Setting and reviewing targets
  • Positive decision making
  • Appropriate delegation
  • Application of flexible leadership styles.
  • Exert proper group control and discipline by good group communication
  • Provide safe and rewarding experience for each group member
  • Impart technical skills and environmental awareness. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Set and review targets. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Display positive decision making. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Delegate duties and responsibilities to members of the group in terms of their experience, capabilities and desire to assume responsibility. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Apply appropriate leadership style according to the situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Exert proper group control and discipline by good group communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Provide a safe and rewarding experience for group members. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Impart technical skills and environmental awareness. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate a high level of mountain craft. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Move a group over difficult terrain.
  • Respond to local hazards.
  • River crossings:
  • Choose the best crossing points
  • Preparation and safety precautions
  • Crossing with and without a rope
  • Move over steep terrain
  • Safeguard the party by use of a rope
  • Movement on snow and ice
  • Campsite selection and organisation.
  • Food preparation, planning and co ordination
  • Personal and group hygiene.
  • Bivouac skills.
  • Environmental preservation considerations.
  • Apply a variety of walking skills (group & individual). 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Escourt a group over difficult terrain. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Respond appropriately to local hazards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Choose the best crossing points. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Preparation and safety precautions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Crossing with and without a rope. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Move over steep terra. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Use a rope to safeguard the party. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Display the correct movement on snow and ice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Select and organise the campsite. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Plan and co-ordinate food preparation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Supervise personal and group hygiene. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    Keep in mind environmental preservation considerations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    Apply a variety of walking skills (group and individual). 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Navigate accurately in an unmarked and unknown area in all weather conditions. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Use conventional navigation equipment and techniques.
  • Calculate time and distances over ground with high level of accuracy.
  • Navigate efficiently in restricted visibility.
  • Route planning & recording.
  • Demonstrate methods of relocation.
  • Use terrain association & dead reckoning navigation. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Use conventional navigation equipment and techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Calculate time and distances over ground with high level of accuracy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Navigate efficiently in restricted visibility. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Plan and record routes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Demonstrate methods of relocation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Use terrain association and dead reckoning navigation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Co-ordinate and implement limited emergency rescue procedures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • In the event of an accident.
  • Methods of search and evacuation.
  • Deal with common emergencies.
  • Use of throw bags.
  • Deal with entrapment. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Display the correct methods of search and evacuation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Deal with common emergencies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Use throw bags, correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Deal with entrapment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Select, identify and evaluate a suitable venue. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Identify the characteristics of a river system and special river hazards associated with it, such as:
  • cold
  • drowning
  • flooding
  • hypothermia
  • loose rock
  • potential foot entrapments
  • recirculations
  • rock falls
  • scrambling and hazard avoidance
  • strainers. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Identify the characteristics of a river system and special river hazards associated with it. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Identify signs of hypothermia. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Deal with drowning incidents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Deal with loose rock hazards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Deal with potential foot entrapments. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Deal with rock falls. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Demonstrate scrambling and hazard avoidance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Display usage of strainers. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Set up an abseil. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Set up an abseil using available anchors.
  • Use static abseils.
  • Apply techniques to protect an abseil.
  • Retrieve abseil rope.
  • Ascend & descend a rope. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Set up an abseil using available anchors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Use static abseils. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Apply techniques to protect an abseil. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Retrieve abseil rope. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Ascend and descend a rope. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
    Demonstrate a high level of river craft. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • River reading and interpretation.
  • Apply swimming techniques.
  • Apply basic self rescue techniques. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Read and interpret rivers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Apply swimming techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Apply basic self rescue techniques. 


    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner is able to demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of:

    1. Alternate and emergency planning
    2. Altitude and environmental related illnesses and their treatment
    3. Common grids and map types
    4. Control infrastructures and access restrictions
    5. Environmental hazards such as flooding, lighting, loose rock, snow and ice, steep ground
    6. Food & nutrition
    7. Helicopter procedures
    8. Hygiene and disposal of waste materials
    9. Leadership styles and methods
    10. Local fauna & flora
    11. Lost person behaviour
    12. Macro & micro weather patterns
    13. Map scales.
    14. Measuring distance on maps and the ground
    15. Methods of groups communication
    16. Methods of planning & recording routes
    17. Methods of relocation
    18. Methods of search
    19. Methods of showing relief on a map
    20. Moral obligation and responsibility towards the clients
    21. Mountaineering Code of conduct
    22. Mountaineering ethics
    23. Navigation equipment
    24. Performance design, construction, use parameters and materials used in common equipment
    25. Relating map to ground and visa versa
    26. Rescue structures
    27. Theory of movement on difficult terrain:
  • Steep
  • Wet
  • Loose
  • Dense vegetation
  • Low visibility
    28. Topographical features
    29. Understand latest equipment technologies
    30. Usage policy of mountainous areas
    31. Weather interpretation. 
    		•


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Team work relates to the following specific outcomes:
  • Plan, organise and manage all logistics pertaining to a Canyoneering/Kloofing experience.
  • Lead, organise and manage a group in a wide range of conditions (demonstrating).
  • Co-ordinate and implement limited emergency rescue procedures.
  • Set up an abseil. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and management relates to the following specific outcomes:
  • Plan, organise and manage all logistics pertaining to a Canyoneering/Kloofing experience.
  • Lead, organise and manage a group in a wide range of conditions (demonstrating). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation relates to the following specific outcomes:
  • Plan, organise and manage all logistics pertaining to a Canyoneering/Kloofing experience.
  • Select, identify and evaluate a suitable venue.
  • Demonstrate a high level of river craft. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication relates to the following specific outcomes:
  • Plan, organise and manage all logistics pertaining to a Canyoneering/Kloofing experience.
  • Lead, organise and manage a group in a wide range of conditions (demonstrating). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology relates to the following specific outcomes:
  • Demonstrate a high level of mountain craft.
  • Navigate accurately in an unmarked and unknown area in all weather conditions.
  • Co-ordinate and implement limited emergency rescue procedures.
  • Select, identify and evaluate a suitable venue.
  • Set up an abseil.
  • Demonstrate a high level of river craft. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Values

    Demonstration of the knowledge and skills outlined in this unit standard must be consistent with the principles of the South African Bill of Rights, and in particular, accepting and maintaining a non-discriminatory attitude towards diversity including, for example, differences in gender, race, religion, physical ability and culture.
  • At this level, it is expected of an individual to demonstrate a high level of personal, moral and professional integrity.

    Assessment
  • Good leadership and social skills should include good judgement and decision-making ability.
  • Must show the ability to work under pressure and possess high levels of mental and physical fitness.
  • Navigation assessment must be rigorous and encompassing the full range of skills and techniques.
  • The emphasis during this assessment must be the activity as undertaken within a canyoneering perspective and not general mountain walking.

    Supplementary information

    As a general indication, the knowledge and insight expected at this level is unlikely to be obtained without at least 200 quality mountain days of active experience in the field.
    Of this:
  • 100 should be multi day off trail
  • 100 should be in winter
  • 50 should be as leader of a group
  • 50% of this should be active in the activity of Canyoneering and 50% can be mountain walking.

    Assessment should include logbook as part of portfolio of evidence in all weather conditions and all seasons.

    A quality mountain day should include elements of planning, exploration and navigation. They should be reasonable demanding. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.