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

Use a hand held compass for navigational purposes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115465  Use a hand held compass for navigational purposes 
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 4  NQF Level 04 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2007-10-14  2010-04-07  SAQA 0480/09 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2011-04-07   2014-04-07  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
376420  Navigate with a hand held compass  Level 4  NQF Level 04   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner is capable of understanding the principles of using a hand held compass in conjunction with a topographical map to navigate in different terrain conditions. The learner will be able to use effectively a compass and understand the functionality of the different components of a hand held compass.
Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Understand the principles of operation of a magnetic hand held compass.
  • Understand the functions of the different components of a compass.
  • Take a magnetic bearing of a distant object with a magnetic hand held compass.
  • Determine compass error.
  • Maintain a hand held magnetic compass.

    Persons credited with this unit standard will have the ability to participate in activities across the spectrum of learning fields in the RSA, which requires navigation between geographical positions. This competency will enhance the capabilities of security organisations to maintain peace and security within the community and the sovereignty of the RSA. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • English literacy.
  • Basic mathematical skills at NQF level 1
  • Basic Geography skills (grids scale, contours, magnetic north, true north).
  • Interpreting a topographical map for navigational purposes. 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Understand the principles of operation of a magnetic hand held compass. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Magnetic North is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The different environmental influences on the operation of a magnetic hand held compass and ways to minimize these effects is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Understand the functions of the different components of a compass. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Functional parts of a hand held magnetic compass. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different components of the compass are identified and the functioning of the components is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reticulation standard (degrees or mills) of the specific compass in use is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Take a magnetic bearing of a distant object with a magnetic hand held compass. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    This must be determined within a 20 degree range of accuracy, either side of the sighting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The possible magnetic influences in the vicinity are explained and how to overcome these to improve the accuracy of the compass when taking a bearing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to determine an accurate bearing to a given geographical point within sighting range is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The difference between a bearing and a back bearing is described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Determine the compass error. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    This must be determined on a calibration range where the magnetic bearing between two points is a given. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons for determining compass error are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The compass error is calculated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Maintain a hand held magnetic compass. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to determine the serviceability of the compass is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The storage requirements of the magnetic hand held compass are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    During- and after-use maintenance of the compass, as specified in the operating instructions, are explained. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:

    1.
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills, subject matter experience and assessment experience.
  • As a minimum requirement, the assessor needs to be competent in the planning and conducting assessment of learning outcomes as described in 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.
  • Assessors need to be registered with the applicable ETQA for this particular field of learning.

    2. 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.
    3. The applicable ETQA will oversee moderation of assessment.
    4. 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. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Qualifying learners are able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of:
  • The use of a hand held magnetic compass.
  • The determination of a compass error.
  • Bearings and back-bearings.
  • The use of a hand held compass for navigational purposes. 

  • 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 has been made. Learners are capable of determining the compass error to ensure accurate navigation between two points. Learners are also capable of determining their position by means of a compass and map. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. Learners are capable of collecting, analysing and critically evaluating information necessary to effectively use a map and compass in a coordinated manner to aid accurate navigation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual and language skills in modes of oral and written persuasion. Map work requires a thorough understanding of universally accepted terms in order to communicate efficiently with others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others. Navigation by means of a compass requires a thorough understanding of mathematics and natural sciences. This understanding allows the individual to identify possible navigation problems and there effects and correct them. 

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

    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.
    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 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 applying the hand held compass in the field during exercises.
  • Simulation of a specific task - set a specific scenario for the learner to demonstrate (e.g. demonstrating the taking of a bearing).
  • Questioning (verbal or written) - ask the relevant questions linked to the unit standard. 

  • UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 376420, which is "Navigate with a hand held compass", Level 4, 2 credits.

    Supplementary information

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes:
    Activity Hours
    Classroom learning 3
    On-the-job learning 10
    Self directed learning 2
    Coaching required 5
    Other
    Total 20 

    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  49852   National Diploma: Applied Military Intelligence  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  49853   National Diploma: Defensive Mission Control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered" 
    2008-09-17  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.