Being away from ‘civilization’ means you are vulnerable if you exhaust yourself, your supplies or you suffer an injury. And whether it’s on a day or overnight trip, adventurers need to be supported by people with an adequate level of survival skills… just in case! This course is ideal for those with a recreational interest in wilderness exploration including tour guides, scout leaders, rangers, campground managers, outdoor equipment suppliers and eco-tour business owners.
The Certificate of Bushcraft and Survival is an online professional development program that will prepare you for challenges you and others are likely to encounter when you take an excursion into a natural area.
In this online bushcraft course, you will gain an understanding of wilderness areas, natural resources, camping and the equipment required, and how to navigate, gain protection from the elements and deal with emergencies.
You will also study a range of water-based and passive and active land-based activities, including orienteering, horse riding, mountain biking, abseiling, snow skiing, snorkelling, sailing and white-water rafting.
On completion of this course, you will have the skills, knowledge and self-confidence to be prepared to survive in the wilderness, no matter what challenges our natural world throws at you!
Course Structure
Unit - Bushcraft and Wilderness Activities (Survival Skills)
Unit 1 – Understanding Wilderness Areas
- Living things
- Ecological relationships
- Climatic zones
- Climate/soil/vegetation interrelationships
- Plant associations
- Continental drift
- Understanding impacts of weather on wilderness activities – highs and lows, thunderstorms, atmospheric pressure changes in storms, guide to weather symbols.
- Terminology
- Participant fitness levels – testing current physical fitness and further tests
Unit 2 – Equipment
- Equipping to survive – minimum essential items for the survival kit, additional items, individual medical kit
- Essential items for wilderness travel
- Clothing
- Nutrition
- Food packaging
- Liability and insurance
- Risk assessment
Unit 3 – Protection From the Elements
- First Aid Procedures
- Hypothermia (exposure)
- Hyperthermia (heat exhaustion)
- Building a wilderness shelter
- Lighting a fire
- Mental strength
Unit 4 – Natural Resources
- Finding water – plan ahead to find water, how much water do you need? Landscape vegetation and animal signs, things to avoid, making an above ground still, soakage water, water from tree roots
- Case study – survival story
- Bush tucker or survival food – Australian bush tucker foods.
- Preparation of plant food.
- Animals for food
- Use of bush tucker food
Unit 5 – Navigation
- Navigation and direction finding – how to use a compass, map reading, longitude and latitude, scale, contour lines, estimating distances, pacing.
- Navigation by the sun, moon and stars
Unit 6 – Dealing with Emergencies
- Venomous creatures – snakes – symptoms of a poisonous bite, first aid, arachnids – first aid, marine creatures – jelly fish, cone shell, first aid, scorpionfish, lionfish and stonefish – first aid, other dangerous marine creatures.
- Carnivorous mammals – bears, big cats
- Poisonous plants
- Bushfires
Unit 7 – Camping
- Setting up camp
- Camping – different styles of camping
- Successful camp programming
- Waste disposal
Unit 8 – Passive Land Based Activities
- Introduction
- Observing nature
- Orienteering
- Environmental activities for children
- Plant collection
Unit 9 – Water Based Adventure Activities
- Some water-based activities – snorkelling, scuba, sailing, speed boating and jet skiing, canoeing, white-water rafting, water skiing
Unit 10 – Active Land Based Adventure Activities
- Activities – abseiling, hang gliding, rock climbing, snow skiing, snowboarding
- Motorised Vehicles – landscape impact, safety, considerations
- Mountain Bikes
- Horse Riding
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Great support, great course, and learnt a lot from this course
D. Rees, Ho Chi Minh City | Certificate of Bushcraft and Survival
Enjoyed the course info and the assignment was well structured
Melanie | Woodberry, NSW | Certificate of Bushcraft and Survival
Good I enjoyed it and learned heaps and it was fun to do.
Taran | West Pymble, NSW | Certificate of Bushcraft and Survival
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for BPAY, Bank Transfer and Afterpay.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Afterpay: Within 1-2 working days
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Ecotour Business Operator
- Adventure Tour Guide
- Camp Ground Manager
- Camping Supplies Retailer
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