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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Handle firearms safely and efficiently 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253960  Handle firearms safely and efficiently 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Nature Conservation 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 
This competence enables the qualifying learner to assist conservation managers and staff in using firearms effectively, and will therefore contribute to the effective management of a conservation area. The aim of the unit standard is to ensure effective application of weapons skills through the enhancement of the handling and using of dangerous weapons judiciously and safely under varying conditions within the constraints of the law.

The qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Safely handle and maintain a firearm in accordance with prescribed rules, procedures and conditions.
  • Safely secure a firearm in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Shoot a firearm accurately in accordance with prescribed rules, procedures and circumstances. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in:
  • Relevant SASSETA Weapons unit standards.
  • Communication Literacy at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Safely handle and maintain a firearm in accordance with prescribed rules, procedures and conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relevant firearm is stripped and the component parts are identified in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The functioning of the safety action is described and demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The firearm is assembled in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An understanding of the safe handling of the firearm is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pointing of a firearm, habitual safety, care of a firearm and ammunition.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An understanding of the conditions of readiness in terms of situations with which the carrier of the firearm might be confronted is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Rough terrain, reed-beds, low light, thickets, proximity of threatening species, above to be subject to prescribed rules, procedures and conditions and in relation to the Field Ranger's weapon/s; strict safety to be adhered to throughout.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Safely secure firearm in accordance with legal requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Cleaning procedures are demonstrated according to manufacturer's guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Firearm and ammunition storage procedures are explained in relation to legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Use of the storage facilities and completion of any prescribed recording procedures for accessing and returning it are demonstrated according to legislative and organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The control of ammunition and firearms according to prescribed procedures are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The application of legislation relating to safes and firearm control is explained and demonstrated according to legal and organisational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Shoot a firearm in accordance with laid down rules, procedures and conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The weapon is fired according to agreed-upon accuracy standards in accordance with laid down rules, procedures and conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    During all firing exercises, the firearm is handed confidently and surely, with all necessary safety and maintenance rules strictly observed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Successful, safe and relevant simulations are carried out to demonstrate appropriate reactions to a range of possible threatening situations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Where applicable, the reaction must demonstrate an understanding of the habitual behaviour patterns of the "threat species". 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An explanation is given of the balance of concerns between preservation of the wild creatures of the natural environment weighed against the need for safety of the humans implicated in any use of firearms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An explanation is provided of the calibre of the weapon used, the range of ammunition weights available and reason for the choice of ammunition for the relevant conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Under operating conditions, alternately, operating environment to be simulated as closely as possible.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing an individual against this unit standard must meet the assessor requirements of the relevant ETQA. In particular, such assessors must demonstrate that they assess in terms of the scope and context defined in all the range statements.
  • Any institution offering learning towards this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • External moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Legal requirements of the use and possession of firearms, firearm control etc.
  • The parts and functions of relevant firearms.
  • The components of ammunition, relevant calibres and gauges, how main types of cartridge work optimally and its basic ballistic capabilities.
  • Safe handling rules and drills as per procedures under different circumstances.
  • Importance of ear and eye protection.
  • Conditions of readiness, while in different terrain and while facing different threats.
  • Methods of carrying firearms safely under a wide variety of diverse conditions.
  • Field stripping and assembling the firearm.
  • Loading and emptying a magazine and the checking of cartridges for defects.
  • Loading and unloading the firing chamber of the firearm.
  • Identifying and correcting malfunctions and stoppages.
  • Correct method of cleaning and maintaining a firearm.
  • Range commands and safety procedures.
  • Firing of an accurate shot combining all of the necessary fundamentals in the basic shooting positions of standing, lying, kneeling, squatting.
  • Correct shot placement on static and moving targets at the required level of competence that shows knowledge of the anatomy of main "threat species".
  • Making a weapon safe for the purpose of storage in accordance with legislation.
  • Use of suitable equipment for carrying in the wild, and porterage in public places (e.g. holsters, cleaning equipment). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Methodical and systematic work processes as well as adherence to safety regulations and ensuring that firearms are always in perfect working order support self-organisation and management in the operational environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Understanding and evaluating conditions of readiness that may be required under operating conditions and assessing the correct use of the firearm, related to its specifications, to meet different challenges successfully requires the evaluation of a broad range of information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Dealing with contingencies and giving and following instructions correctly is essential to safe and successful operations involving firearms and require effective communication in the operational environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Proper operation and maintenance of equipment such as firearms require knowledge and utilisation of science and technology. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Compliance with firearm legislation and other relevant rules and regulations enhances responsible citizenship. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    In terms of the Firearms Control Act of 2000 (Act 60 of 2000), all licensed firearm owners will be required to obtain a competency certificate from an accredited training institution. Refer to the Act for full details.

    It is thus assumed that all persons embarking on this unit standard will have the required Certificate of Competency when, and as required by the Act.

    Demonstration of the knowledge and skills outlined in this unit standard must be consistent with the principles of:
  • Maintaining essential ecological processes and life-support systems.
  • Maintaining genetic, species and ecosystem diversity.
  • Considering ecological and social rights and responsibilities, whilst ensuring sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems, thereby yielding the greatest sustainable and equitable benefit to present generations whilst maintaining the potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59949   National Certificate: Natural Resource Management: Terrestrial  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 


    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.