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

Operate as crewman in assisting in an aquatic rescue from a helicopter 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
255826  Operate as crewman in assisting in an aquatic rescue from a helicopter 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Sport, Recreation & Fitness 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 02 - Culture and Arts Sport 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
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 
The learner achieving this unit standard will be able to assist in an aquatic rescue by operating as crewman in a helicopter. The benefit to the learner will be the ability to assist in helicopter crew functions as well as supporting the aquatic rescue while not directly taking part therein. The training of lifeguards to perform the function of helicopter crewman as well as helicopter-based rescue support in the aquatic environment is a crucial addition to the range of life guarding skills. The mastery of these skills will benefit the sub-field greatly as the public enjoys the benefits of an extended service.

On achievement of this unit standard the learner will understand and be able to:
  • Support the pilot of a helicopter.
  • Assist in a helicopter-based aquatic rescue from a helicopter.
  • Maintain safety during helicopter rescues.
  • Evaluate own performance in operating as crewman during an aquatic rescue from a helicopter. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Personal water competence sufficient to swim 400 metres in the aquatic workplace environment.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Where applicable, range statements have been included under individual specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Support the pilot of a helicopter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Relevant pre-flight and in-flight safety checks are undertaken in accordance with set procedure under the direction of the pilot. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Helicopter and rescue-related equipment are utilised in order to support the activities of the pilot. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safety procedures are followed as laid out in organisational policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Navigational and other support activities are completed to support the pilot of the helicopter. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Assist in a helicopter-based aquatic rescue from a helicopter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The rescuing lifeguard is assisting from the helicopter in preparing to reach a patient in the water. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Support activities are completed to support the rescue process from the helicopter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Communication with a lifeguard base on the ground is maintained at all times during the rescue process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Post-rescue support is given to the rescuing lifeguard and patient from the helicopter. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Maintain safety during helicopter rescues. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment is utilised with due care of the impact on the flight of the helicopter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    On-board safety is maintained at all times during the preparation, take-off, flight, landing and completing of the rescue process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    All legislation and regulations related to operating as a helicopter crewman are complied with. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Evaluate own performance in operating as crewman during an aquatic rescue from a helicopter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Feedback on own performance is collated from relevant role-players following the completion of operating as crewman in undertaking an aquatic rescue from a helicopter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Feedback is compared to own evaluation of own performance needing improvement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Important areas of learning are shared with other potential helicopter crewmen. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Relevant suggestions are made to amend policy and procedure to improve helicopter-based aquatic rescue operations. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed against this unit standard (including through RPL) may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), or one with an appropriate memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU 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 one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Strategies for ensuring safety when operating in and around a helicopter.
  • Items of equipment used in helicopter rescues, and their use.
  • Role and activities of helicopter crewmen undertaking aquatic rescues from a helicopter.
  • Methods of handling each context so as to achieve best practice.
  • Techniques to guide the assistance of a helicopter pilot and a rescuing lifeguard in performing an aquatic rescue.
  • The means by which to evaluate own performance in supporting an aquatic rescue from a helicopter. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation:
  • A great deal of self organisation and discipline is required to ensure optimum performance in undertaking helicopter rescues. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information-review:
  • Information evaluation is embodied in the research of information related to the helicopter rescue techniques used. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication:
  • Communication is essential with any support resources, and with a conscious patient during helicopter rescues. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Appropriate use of science and technology:
  • The learner can be expected to develop competence in the use of rescue and helicopter equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems:
  • This is achieved by analysing the way in which many different tasks are brought together with the common purpose of ensuring effective helicopter rescues. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Personal development through responsible citizenship:
  • Supporting effective helicopter rescues reaffirms a commitment to 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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  61509   Further Education and Training Certificate: Lifeguarding  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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.