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

Survive emergency situations making use of natural resources for survival 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115461  Survive emergency situations making use of natural resources for survival 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Special Combat Capabilities 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  30 
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
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 
Qualifying learners are prepared for emergency situations during which they may be required to make use of available natural resources or improvised methods to ensure their survival.
Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Prepare for an expedition into an area of interest.
  • Locate and utilize natural resources to aid survival.
  • Manage water resources to aid survival.
  • Communicate during emergency situations.
  • Navigate using natural features and improvised aids.
  • Apply natural resources to construct improvised aids to enhance survival.

    This unit standard will enhance the survivability of persons during emergency situations allowing rescue organisations sufficient time to locate and evacuate them. Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to support the community by assistance during emergency situations i.e. natural disasters. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners applying to enter this programme are assumed to be competent in:
  • English literacy skills required.
  • Use a hand held compass for navigational purposes NQF level 4.
  • Interpreting a topographical map for navigational purposes NQF level 4.
  • Basic swimming skills required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare for an expedition into an area of interest. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    According to organisational prescripts 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The influence of eco-regions on the planning and execution of the expedition is analysed, according to the area of interest of the expedition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate equipment required for the expedition into the area of interest (this includes the planning of necessary emergency rations for the duration of the expedition) is identified and prepared. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Contingencies that may occur during an expedition, taking the eco-region and area of interest into account (this includes medical hazards and communal diseases and socio-political influences) is planned and prepared for. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Mental and physical preparedness for the demands of the expedition (this includes survival stresses, fitness levels, group dynamics and the sequence of events that occur during emergency situations) is evident. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Utilize living natural resources to aid survival. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The scope on living natural resources covered in this unit standard includes marine animals, birds, reptiles, animals, insects and plants found in the area of interest of the expedition. The influence of the eco-region and climate must be taken into consideration when determining competence. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Natural living resources are identified and the dangers posed by habits and uses of these resources in the area of interest are interpreted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The trapping of various natural living resources found in the area of interest is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Application of the edibility rules pertaining to the various natural living resources found in the area of interest is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The resources are prepared and preserved for later use or consumption. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The use of natural resources for medicinal purposes is described. (This includes locating and preparation thereof). 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Manage water resources to aid survival. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The management of water resources applicable to the area of interest. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic rules that are applied with regards to the preservation and consumption of water in general are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to locate and purify water in the area of interest is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The preserving and transportation of water for later consumption to aid survival (this includes the application of water discipline) is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The various health risks associated with water (poisoned, waterborne diseases, bacteria) and how to treat the water to make it useable is analysed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Communicate during emergency situations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The ability to communicate in emergency situations during day and night will be assessed in terms of the learners' use of radio signals, visual signals (fire, heliograph, Day-Glo panels, pyro techniques, body signals, information signals, ground to air signals) and Morse code. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to communicate successfully with other parties (aircraft, ships, vehicles, people) using the range of available methods and taking environmental conditions into consideration is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Navigate using natural features and improvised aids. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The scope of natural features includes the sun, moon, stars, plants, insects, animals and birds. The ability to determine direction and navigate must be confirmed during the day and night, taking environmental conditions into consideration. Learners must be found competent across the range of methods to be credited with this unit standard. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Wind directions are determined within a 10 degrees margin of error. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to navigate on a heading and arrive at a pre-determined point in the area of interest is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Apply natural resources to construct improvised aids to enhance survival. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Learners must only use natural resources found in the area of interest in conjunction with their survival kit to construct or manufacture the various aids inclusive of spears, fishing nets, axes, spoons, knives and clubs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The improvisation of a makeshift compass with generally available material is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Building a fire, using natural resources is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The construction of a shelter that provides protection from exposure to the elements is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The weaving of string and rope that is fit for purpose, using natural resources, is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The creation of clothing (including footwear and headgear) from the surroundings to provide effective protection from the elements is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The manufacturing of improvised survival implements is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The construction of improvised floatation to maintain buoyancy for the negotiation of water obstacles is demonstrated. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or will assess this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the applicable ETQA.
    2. The applicable ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures will oversee moderation of assessment.
    3. Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any relevant assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is accredited by the applicable ETQA.
    4. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.
    5. For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills, subject matter experience and assessment experience.
  • As a minimum requirement, the assessor needs to be competent the unit standard "Plan and Conduct assessment of learning outcomes" NQF level 5.
  • The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Qualifying learners will:
  • Have a broad understanding of the requirements for the effective planning and preparation of an expedition including contingency planning for emergencies that may occur during the expedition.
  • Have a broad understanding of the habits and dangers posed by living natural resources. Learners will have a general understanding of trapping and how to prepare and preserve natural resources for later consumption to ensure their survival.
  • Understand and demonstrate the ability to locate, purify, preserve and transport water found in an area of interest. The learner will further have a comprehensive understanding of the application of water discipline and its importance to survival.
  • Have a broad knowledge and ability to demonstrate the use of various emergency communication methods to aid their recovery or survival during emergency situations.
  • Understand and demonstrate the ability to navigate by making use of the natural resources that are available in the area of interest.
  • Have a broad understanding of the possible uses of natural resources to improvise aids to enhance their survival abilities during emergency situations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. This critical cross-field outcome is achieved through the learner having to identify problems prior to and during an expedition or emergency situation; which will have to be successfully addressed to ensure survival. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community. Learners are required to survive as individuals. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. Learners will be capable of planning and preparing themselves for an expedition to an area of interest. Learners will further be capable of managing emergency situations that occur during an expedition. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual and language skills in modes of oral and written persuasion. Learners will be able to effectively communicate during emergency situations by making use of visual and oral signals. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others. Learners are able to apply science and technology to their advantage in an emergency situation to enhance their survival abilities. Examples of these include the making of fires, building of shelters, implements and fabrication of ropes using only the available natural resources. Learners will have been capable of navigating without instruments, using only the available natural features. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep in mind the following general guidelines and principles when designing and conducting assessments:

    3.1 Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the specific outcomes of the unit standard and ensure that the assessment is integrated rather than fragmented.
    3.2 Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
    3.3 Assessment must include practical demonstration either in the workplace or through simulation. A range of assessment methods should be used, including:
  • Direct observation - watch the learner build a shelter or trap.
  • Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task to be demonstrated (e.g. demonstrating the use of the heliograph to make contact with an aircraft).
  • Questioning (verbal or written) - ask the relevant questions linked to the unit standard. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary information

    Credits

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes:
    Activity Hours
    Classroom learning 40
    On-the-job learning 130
    Self directed learning 30
    Coaching required 70
    Other 30
    Total 300 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48879   National Diploma: South African Special Forces Operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2010-04-07  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  50500   National Diploma: Electronic Warfare  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    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.