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: 

Use natural resources to survive emergency situations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376368  Use natural resources to survive emergency situations 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - 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  12 
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 
    It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills:
  • Interpret a topographical map for navigation purposes.
  • Use a hand held compass for navigation purposes.
  • Use firearms in military and law enforcement environment. 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare for an expedition into an area of interest. 

    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 is identified and prepared in accordance with organisational policy. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment includes the planning of necessary emergency rations for the duration of the expedition.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Contingencies that may occur during an expedition, taking the eco-region and area of interest into account is planned and prepared for in accordance with organisational policy. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Contingencies include medical hazards, communal diseases and socio-political influences.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Mental and physical preparedness for the demands of an expedition is explained in a given scenario. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Demands include survival stresses, fitness levels, group dynamics and the sequence of events that occur during emergency situations.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Utilize living natural resources to aid survival in accordance with organisational policy. 
    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. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Use includes locating and preparation thereof.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Manage water resources to aid survival in accordance with organisational policy. 

    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 is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The various health risks associated with water and how to treat the water to make it usable is analysed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Risks include poisoned water, water-borne diseases and bacteria.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Communicate during emergency situations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to communicate successfully with other parties (aircraft, ships, vehicles and people) using the range of available methods and taking environmental conditions into consideration is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Methods include the use of radio signals, visual signals (fire, heliograph, Day-Glo panels, pyrotechnics, body signals, information signals, and ground to air signals) and Morse code.
  • Environmental conditions include situations during day and night.
     

  • 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. 

    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 RANGE 
    Clothing includes footwear and headgear.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The manufacturing of improvised survival implements is demonstrated making use natural resources found in the area of interest in conjunction with their survival kit. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Implements include spears, fishing nets, axes, spoons, knives and clubs.
     

    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 
    An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when planning an expedition. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during emergency situations is demonstrated by interacting with other survivors to pool resources and maximise survival efforts. 

    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 COLLECTING 
    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 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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  78263   National Higher Certificate: Special Combat Capabilities  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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.