DEFSUR006 — Navigate using celestial aids

1 Establish cardinal points by day using the sun

• 1.1Construct a sun compass in an open and level area to record complete movement of the sun over a solar day.
• 1.2Mark true north, associated cardinal points and the arc of the sun on the sun compass.
• 1.3Mark true north and associated cardinal points using a quick shadow stick method (maximum of twenty minutes of solar transit) and making allowance for the deviation arising from early morning or late afternoon siting.

2 Establish cardinal points by night using celestial aids

• 2.1Extrapolate the location of cardinal points by identifying and using celestial bodies.
• 2.2Extrapolate the location of the celestial pole by identifying and using celestial bodies.
• 2.3Extrapolate true south (or north) by using the celestial pole on the earth/sky horizon and by establishing a compass showing all cardinal points on the ground.

3 Employ improvised direction measuring techniques

• 3.1Select appropriate direction of travel to optimise survival or rescue, after analysing the survival situation.
• 3.2Construct an improvised protractor using a multi-folded sheet of paper and mark the desired angle of direction.
• 3.3Use established cardinal points and directional markings on an improvised protractor to navigate towards a recognisable feature in the distance.

4 Employ improvised time measuring techniques

• 4.1Estimate elapsed time by measuring the angle of a segment of the sun’s transit and applying an angle by rate calculation.
• 4.2Estimate elapsed time by measuring the rotation of a celestial body around the celestial pole, and applying an angle by rate calculation.

5 Employ improvised distance measuring techniques

• 5.1Estimate distance by counting number of paces taken and applying a pace by length of pace calculation.
• 5.2Estimate distance by travelling at constant estimated velocity walking pace of four km/h and applying a velocity by time calculation.

6 Determine overall position relative to start point and navigate back

• 6.1Draw grid system using a standard scale on a sheet of paper, and mark cardinal points and start point.
• 6.2Draw physical navigation movements as scaled vectors from the start point.
• 6.3Aggregate individual navigation vectors to determine final position relative to the start point.
• 6.4Determine return vector, including bearing and distance, to return to the start point.

What does an assessment tool for DEFSUR006 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for DEFSUR006 needs to address all 29 unit components: 6 elements with 17 performance criteria, 7 performance evidence requirements, 5 knowledge evidence requirements, and the foundation skills. A coverage matrix mapping each question and task to these components is what an auditor looks for.

How does Auditori generate an assessment tool for DEFSUR006?

Auditori pulls the current release of DEFSUR006 from training.gov.au and generates a complete package: candidate assessment, assessor guide with model answers and observation criteria, and a coverage matrix mapping every component. A suitably qualified person then reviews and approves the draft in a built-in workflow — consistent with ASQA's guidance on AI use in VET — before export as branded PDF and editable Word.

Is the first assessment tool really free?

Yes. Every new account includes one free credit — enough to generate the complete assessment tool for DEFSUR006 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing DEFSUR006 assessment instead of generating a new one?

Yes — upload your existing assessment or learner guide and Auditori maps it against every element, performance criterion, PE and KE of DEFSUR006, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.