NNAV

NAV2017

INFORMATION

PACKAGE

Marramarra NavShield

Organised by: Bush Search and Rescue NSW (BSAR NSW)

Please read the following information carefully.

Thank you!

AUSTRALIAN EMERGENCY SERVICES NAVIGATION SHIELD - NavShield 2017

29 years serving the rescue community!

Dear Participant,

Thank you for entering NAVSHIELD 2017!

Please read this information package carefully.

Record Your Team Number(s) here:

All teams will receive the information pack electronically on Sunday night 18th June 2017.

The team list will be available on our website (www.bsar.org.au/navshield) from Monday night 19th June 2017.

You will need to quote your team number at the Registration Desk when you arrive at NavShield.

This will be the final information pack, and in it we have included:

o General Information. o Driving Directions to NavShield 2017. o Specific Information for the day. o Registration Procedure. o A Program Timetable. o NavShield Rules. o NavLight Electronic Punching. o Special Thanks.

This event will use NavLight electronic punching.

Please read the section at the end of this information package to familiarise yourself with the NavLight system before you arrive at NavShield.

There are 328 participants entered in this year’s NavShield!

NavShield will be on regardless of weather so be sure to bring warm and waterproof gear. This time of year can be cold and wet. (See Minimum Equipment Rules).

NavShield 2017 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners: NavShield 2017 is being held on the traditional lands of the Darug people, and we wish to acknowledge them as the traditional custodians of the land, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water, and community. We would like to pay respect to the elders past, present, and emerging.

Location: This year’s NavShield will be held in , and on surrounding Crown Land. The area is close to Arcadia, and it can be accessed via Galston Gorge, Berowra Waters, or from Old Northern Road near Middle Dural.

Base Site: The NavShield Base will be on a lot of Crown Land which is accessed via the Marramarra Ridge Track, in Marramarra National Park.

The location of the base site can be found on the Land & Property Information map: o COWAN 1:25 000 topographic map. o Auto-Generated Series: 9140-4-N, 2016 edition. o Note Datum: GDA94 o Grid Reference: 2186 8678 o Lat / Long: S33.544407914 and E151.081091489

The Base Site will be open from 12:00pm on Friday 23rd June 2017.

Access to Base: The entrance to Marramarra National Park is on Bloodwood Ave, Fiddletown. Access to NavShield then requires a 2.5km drive from the National Park entrance along the Marramarra Ridge Track. Due to the condition of the track progress is slow (maximum 20km/h). Vehicles with a higher ground clearance are recommended. Please consider carpooling to minimise the amount of traffic of the road. Drive slowly and carefully to avoid damage to the track.

Approved arrival times: Friday 23rd June 2017: Participants may arrive at the National Park entrance between 1130am – 1030pm. Saturday 24th June 2017: Participants may arrive at the National Park entrance between 630am – 800am.

Please plan your journey so that you arrive within the times mentioned above.

There will be other National Park users in Marramarra National Park on Saturday 24th June 2017 who also require access to the Marramarra Ridge Track. Therefore NavShield participants who do not arrive at the National Park entrance by 800am on Saturday 24th June 2017 may have to wait at the National Park entrance before proceeding along the Marramarra Ridge Track to the Base.

Cancellation: NavShield is a rugged outdoor event designed to test the ability of the emergency services to operate in variable conditions. Therefore the NavShield is normally held regardless of weather. However, in the event of extreme weather, bushfire, damage to the main entry and egress trail resulting in blocked access, criminal activity, terrorist attack, or other circumstances beyond the control of the organisers, NavShield may be cancelled or postponed. NavShield 2017 2 Camping: ➔ Self-sufficient camping. ➔ BSAR NSW marshals will direct you to available camping when you arrive at NavShield. ➔ Please ensure that you only camp in authorised camping areas. ➔ Please minimise unnecessary traffic around the base site during NavShield. ➔ No open campfires are permitted at Base this year. ➔ Fires may be lit at Base in BYO portable fire boxes or fire pits only. So please come prepared if you want to have a campfire. You will also need to supply your own firewood, because the collection of firewood from the surrounding bush is prohibited. ➔ No fires are permitted on the course this year. ➔ Fuel stoves only are permitted in Marramarra National Park. ➔ The organisers of the event would like to encourage you to use fuel stoves for all of your cooking needs. ➔ Please take all rubbish out with you. ➔ Please leave all areas as you found them. ➔ The noise curfew is 10pm. Excessive noise, including generators, must be quiet by 10pm.

Alternative Accommodation: Marramarra National Park is within 1½ hours’ drive of the CBD. Therefore teams may prefer to consider seeking alternative accommodation during NavShield 2017.

Toilets: Portable toilets will be provided at the NavShield Base.

We recommend that you bring your own personal toilet paper, because supplies may run low. Please also bring hand sanitising lotion to ensure your personal hygiene.

A toilet will also be provided close to each of the Radio Checkpoints on the course.

Water: ➔ We ask that each team brings potable drinking water for use at Base. ➔ Drinking water will be provided close to each Radio Checkpoint on the course. ➔ Any water that you collect from creeks on the course must be purified and boiled.

Food: ➔ Catering will be provided at Base by Iron Cove District Scouts. ➔ Meals need to be pre-ordered during online registration. However a limited number of additional meal vouchers will be available for purchase at NavShield. ➔ Additional food and supplies can be obtained from Galston and Glenorie. ➔ All teams should carry their own spare food during the event, even if you are planning on returning to base on the Saturday night. ➔ No food will be served or supplied on the NavShield course.

Fuel: The nearest fuel is available at Galston and Glenorie.

Mobile phones: There is limited mobile phone coverage from the ridge tops in Marramarra National Park. Please do not expect any mobile phone coverage in the gullies or creeks.

NavShield 2017 3 Media: Crisis Media Management In the event of an serious injury, accident, or other acute event taking place during the weekend, all media inquiries will be directed to the BSAR NSW Squad Captain, Paul Campbell-Allen, 0418 457 059.

General Media Management For media stories of a general nature, regarding the event, it’s history and outcomes, all media inquiries will be directed to the NavShield Event Co-ordinator, Steven Rutten, 0401 066 105.

Other Agencies Media Any inquiries that relate to other agencies such as NSW Police, SES, RFS, etc who are in attendance at the event, will need to be directed to their most senior personnel on site, and in line with those agencies’ own media protocols.

Support Crews: All support crew members are required to sign in at the administration tent. Team Leaders are asked to ensure that this happens.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (drones): Remotely piloted aircraft (drones) are banned from NavShield this year. Only the organisers of the event have permission for a drone.

Accessibility: Unfortunately the Base site is not wheelchair accessible this year.

Minimum Impact Bushwalking: Minimum Impact Bushwalking is a conservation ethic that has been adopted in , and in many other countries. It means that whilst bushwalking we strive to ensure that our activity results in no damage to the environment. Ideally another party following you should not be able to tell that you have been there.

All participants are asked to practice minimum impact bushwalking whilst at NavShield. This includes: o Do not feed any animals in the bush. o Be especially careful when walking near environmentally sensitive areas. For example, Marramarra National Park has fragile soil ecosystems on some open rock platforms. Please minimise your activity in these areas, and tread lightly. o Take any rubbish out with you. o Two day teams may choose to overnight on the course. However, please choose your campsite carefully, and minimise damage to flora and fauna. o Remember that fuel stoves only are permitted on the course this year. o Minimise noise at all times, and be respectful of other participants and other National Park users. NavShield does not have exclusive use of the National Park during the event. o Marramarra National Park contains a number of sites which have notable Aboriginal artefacts. If you see any artefacts on the course please treat them with respect, and avoid any unnecessary disturbance. Further information will be provided during the event briefing, o If you need to toilet in the bush chose a site which is at least 100m from all creeks and watercourses. Dig a shallow 10cm hole and cover the site with soil. Obviously more care is required in higher density areas. Use the toilets provided whenever possible.

NavShield 2017 4 o Remember your personal hygiene. Handwashing is recommended. o Do not use detergents or soaps in any of the creeks. o Be as self-sufficient as possible.

Prohibited: ➔ Pets are not permitted. ➔ Please contact the event organisers prior to NavShield if you need to bring an assistance animal. ➔ NSW National Parks are no-smoking areas. ➔ Chainsaws are prohibited during NavShield.

Weather: ➔ Forecast for Saturday 24th June 2017: 11° to 18°C, mostly sunny, possible late shower. Please check the weather forecast closer to the date. ➔ Average winter temperatures in the area range from 6° to 16° Celsius. ➔ Ensure that you bring sufficient warm and dry clothing. ➔ Average rainfall in the area for June is 27.8 mm. ➔ Sunrise & Sunset (Arcadia, NSW, for 24th June 2017): ➔ First light 0632 hrs ➔ Sunrise 0700 hrs ➔ Sunset 1655 hrs ➔ Last light 1723hrs ➔ There will be a new Moon on the 24th June 2017, with zero illumination forecast.

Tides: Saturday 24th June Sunday 25th June Low 2:45am 3:39am High 8:44am 9:40am approximately 1.5m Low 2:29pm 3:22pm High 9:00pm 9:51pm approximately 2.0m

Please note that these tidal forecasts are for Mooney Mooney. A delay of approximately 30 minutes may be expected between the high tides at Mooney Mooney and the high tides at Marramarra Creek.

Additional Information: ➔ NavShield 2017 is located within a popular National Park. Marramarra National Park attracts many visitors, especially on weekends and public holidays. ➔ Participants are asked to respect all members of the public and other Park users whilst participating in NavShield. ➔ The area has considerable conservation values, and it is therefore important that all participants respect the area and keep it clean and tidy. ➔ Please be respectful of all property, gates, fences, and equipment whilst you are on the course. ➔ Additional information will be provided at the event briefing, including information about the course, and information about the event safety.

NavShield 2017 5

NavShield 2017 6 DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Please drive carefully and quietly, and be respectful of other National Park users.

Driving from Sydney (approximately 1 ½ hours): If driving from Sydney we recommend that you drive via Galston Gorge, Berowra Waters, or Middle Dural.

Galston Gorge has a number of tight, steep, bends. Galston Road is therefore not suitable for trucks and buses. The maximum vehicle length permitted is 7.5m, and penalties apply for exceeding the maximum length.

The Berowra ferry crosses at Berowra Waters from Bay Road to Berowra Waters Road. This ferry is capable of carrying 15 cars with a safe load limit of 90 tonnes. Please note that trucks longer than seven metres are not able to approach the ferry due to road restrictions. The ferry service is free, and operates 24 hours per day. The trip duration is 3 minutes, but please allow 10 minutes waiting time.

Teams bringing trucks to NavShield are asked to consider travelling via Old Northern Road instead.

Driving from Galston (approximately 30 minutes):  Approach Galston on either Mid Dural Road or on Galston Road.  At the roundabout which intersects Galston Road and Arcadia Road turn onto Arcadia Road, and drive north.  Turn left onto Cobah Road.  Cobah Road merges into Bloodwood Ave.  Turn left onto the Marramarra Ridge Track. The road is unsealed from here.  The National Park entrance is approximately 400m along the Marramarra Ridge Track.  Follow the Marramarra Ridge Track to Base (approximately 2.5km)  Please drive slowly and carefully on the unsealed road (maximum 20km/h).  The road surface is generally hard underneath. However there are many potholes and rocky obstacles.  Vehicles with a higher ground clearance are recommended.

Driving from the Blue Mountains (approximately 2 hours): If driving from the Blue Mountains you may approach the area via Richmond and Windsor, or via Castle Hill and Dural.

Driving from the Newcastle (approximately 2½ hours): If driving from Newcastle you may take the Pacific Mwy (M1) to Wahroonga, and then drive via Hornsby. However, you might prefer to take the Pacific Hwy to Berowra or Hornsby Heights.

Please consider the vehicle restrictions for the Berowra Ferry and for Galston Gorge. Teams with larger vehicles might consider driving via Cherrybrook and Dural.

NavShield 2017 7 SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Course description: The course is set in Marramarra NP and adjoining Crown Land.

The terrain varies from gently undulating on the ridges to very steep on some spurs. Most spurs present some cliffs, even on what the map shows as gently sloping spurs. On the nose of spurs cliffs are usually passable but may require some route finding, sometimes with some degree of scrambling. However, we have found some impassable cliffs on the sides of spurs.

Participants will be advised to be careful, especially at night. If in doubt find a better way by following the cliff line upstream. The direct way between two checkpoints is not always the fastest, and might not even be possible at all.

All checkpoints have been set without the need for ropes. However, teams are encouraged to bring a handline for extra safety.

The scrub is dense throughout the course. There are many rock platforms and outcrops that can make progress a bit easier. Major creeks are usually good to walk along.

Please pay attention during the briefing at the start of the event, because more information will be provided.

Water quality in the local creeks cannot be guaranteed, and it is recommended that you treat or boil all water that you collect on the course. Clean drinking water is available close to the three radio checkpoints Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie. All water provided this year will be drinkable. Please carry a water bottle of sufficient size (minimum of 1 litre) at all times while on the course.

Bush Search and Rescue NSW “Bushrangers” will rove throughout the course to enforce the rules and to provide quick assistance should the need arise. They are in radio contact with base to summon additional assistance if required.

Commemorative Merchandise: There will be a limited number of NAV 2017 t-shirts, polo tops, fleece jackets, beanies, and embroidered caps available at Base for those teams that did not pre-order these popular items. Those teams which have pre-paid for merchandise should collect their vouchers from the registration desk, which can then be redeemed at the sales desk. We will also be selling some items from previous NavShields at discounted prices during the weekend.

Catering: Iron Cove District Scouts will be catering for NavShield this year. Meals need to be pre-ordered, however, some additional meal vouchers will be available for purchase at the sales desk.

Bring your own mess kit, including plate, mug, knife, fork, and spoon. Meal times and prices are as follows: Friday Late Night BBQ 19:00 to 22:00 $5 Saturday Breakfast 06:45 to 08:15 $10 Saturday Dinner 18:00 to 20:00 $20 Sunday Breakfast 07:00 to 09:00 $10 Sunday Lunch (option 1) 12:00 to 13:30 $15 Sunday Lunch (option 2) pick up after 13:30 $15

NavShield 2017 8 Those who have pre-paid for their meals should collect their meal vouchers from the registration desk, which can then be redeemed at the catering tent.

Disputes Committee: The committee of three (3) event officials will convene on site to hear all matters which relate to a contravention of the rules, and/or any problems related to the course. All decisions made by the committee will be final.

Receipts: Teams receiving their information pack electronically will have their receipt included in the registration pack on the day.

Contacts: Roles Name Mobile email NavShield Event Coordinator Steven Rutten 0401 066 105 [email protected] Event Safety Manager Keith Maxwell 0431 262 101 [email protected]

Emergency Phone Number: Bush Search and Rescue NSW will assist you with any calls which are required in an emergency.

The emergency contact number is: _0408 397 217_

NavShield 2017 9 REGISTRATION PROCEDURE

Registration will be open on Friday night from 6:00pm until 10:00pm, and then again from 6:30am on Saturday morning. Please register as early as possible. Those planning to arrive on Saturday morning should factor in the possibility of delays due to inclement weather.

Please note that access to the Marramarra Ridge Track may be restricted between 800am and 930am on the Saturday morning.

It will speed up registration if only TEAM LEADERS from each group approach the registration desk. There will be over 300 participants at base so we wish to reduce congestion during the registration process as much as possible.

This year all participants MUST sign a risk warning and risk waiver at NavShield.

One risk warning and risk waiver form will be provided to each team in the registration pack. TEAM LEADERS must have all of their team members sign this form at NavShield, and then the completed form must be returned to the registration desk by 8:00am on Saturday morning.

Teams that have not signed the risk warning and risk waiver will not be allowed to start the event.

Steps to follow: ➔ TEAM LEADER approaches the registration desk when you arrive at NavShield. ➔ Remember to bring your team number; as it will speed up registration. ➔ Ensure that your team has been registered in the correct entry division. ➔ Pay any outstanding monies, and notify us of any changes to your team, or spelling corrections relating to your team members’ names. ➔ Collect your registration package which contains: 1. A registration checklist, 2. Risk warning and risk waiver form, 3. Unmarked maps, 4. Checkpoint information, 5. Merchandise & meal tickets, 6. Additional instructions from the event organisers. ➔ Take your maps and plot the checkpoints onto them. ➔ Try to plan for 1 hour of spare time in order to mark up your maps. ➔ Have all team members sign the risk warning and risk waiver form. ➔ TEAM LEADER returns the completed risk warning and risk waiver to the registration desk. ➔ Registration will check your team’s registration checklist, and then enter your team into NavShield 2017. Good luck!

The Master Map will only be available for viewing after 9:00am Saturday.

Suggestion: We suggest that you bring a map case or other map protection for your maps. The maps provided are not weatherproof. Each team member will have one map.

NavShield 2017 10 PROGRAM TIMETABLE

Thursday 11:00 am BUMP-IN (NavShield event organisers ONLY). 11:00 am Marshals are posted at the National Park entrance. 12:00 pm Participants may start to arrive. Friday 6:00 pm Registration opens. 10:00 pm Registration closes. 10:30 pm Marshals are stood down at the National Park entrance. 6:30 am Marshals are posted at the National Park entrance. 6:30 am Registration re-opens. 8:00 am Risk warning and risk waiver forms MUST be returned. 8:15 am Assemble at the briefing area. Saturday 8:20 am Final briefing for all participants. 8:45 am NavShield 2017 STARTS 5:30 pm Marshals are stood down at the National Park entrance. 7:30 pm One Day Event FINISHES. 8:00 pm Presentation of awards for the One Day event.

7:30 am Marshals are posted at the National Park entrance. 1:30 pm Marshals are stood down at the National Park entrance. Sunday 2:00 pm Two Day Event FINISHES. 3:00 pm Presentation of awards for the Two Day event. 4:00 pm All participants to depart.

Monday 2:00 pm BUMP-OUT (NavShield event organisers ONLY).

NavShield 2017 11 NAVSHIELD RULES

Minimum Equipment Rules: The safety of all participants is taken very seriously during the event. Navshield is a winter activity and it can be extremely cold. Therefore the minimum equipment is mandatory, and it must be carried for the duration of the event.

Each participant must carry all of the personal gear listed below. Teams must also carry all of the team gear listed below.

Two Day Event: Minimum Mandatory Equipment (Two Day Event) Personal Gear Team Gear 1. Wet weather jacket (high quality outer layer). 2. Cold weather clothing, example; inner layer consisting of thermal top and underwear, mid-layer consisting of a warm, dry, jacket (fleece or wool), warm head wear. 1. Tent or shelter (minimum tent fly). 3. Compass. 2. Stove and cooking equipment. 4. Whistle. 3. Two map sets covering the entire event 5. Torch. course (Each team member is provided one 6. Pen or pencil. map set during the event registration). 7. Sleeping bag of suitable winter standard; rated for at 4. Adequate first aid kit. least -5°C (comfort) or 3-4 season rating. 8. Food for the duration of the event. 9. Minimum one litre water bottle (must be full at start of event).

One Day Event: Minimum Mandatory Equipment (One Day Event): Personal Gear Team Gear 1. Wet weather jacket (high quality outer layer). 2. Cold weather clothing, example; inner layer consisting of thermal top and underwear, mid-layer consisting of a warm, dry, jacket (fleece or wool), warm head wear. 1. Two map sets covering the entire event 3. Compass. course (Each team member is provided one 4. Whistle. map set during the event registration). 5. Torch. 2. Adequate first aid kit. 6. Pen or pencil. 7. Food for the duration of the event. 8. Minimum one litre water bottle (must be full at start of event).

Each team is issued with a control card at the start of the event which explains the penalties for not adhering to the rules. The Bushrangers will randomly stop teams that they encounter on the course and ask to check individual and team equipment.

The penalties for not adhering to the event rules include: 1. pen / pencil (all team members) – 5% reduction in team score. 2. whistle (all team members) – 5% reduction in team score. 3. torch (all team members) – 10% reduction in team score. 4. compass (all team members) – 15% reduction in team score. 5. fuel stove (2 day teams only / 1 per team) – 15% reduction in team score. 6. sleeping bag (2 day teams only / all team members) – 15% reduction in team score. 7. first aid kit (minimum 1 x adequate first aid kit per team) – 20% reduction in team score.

NavShield 2017 12 8. wet weather jacket (all team members) – 20% reduction in team score. 9. 1 litre water bottle, or equivalent (all team members) – 25% reduction in team score. 10. compass (team without a compass) – 50% reduction in team score.

General Rules:  Competition Rules  1. Checkpoints and Scoring: 1. Before the event begins participants will be informed of the location of the checkpoints by 8 figure grid references. 2. This information is provided to teams, along with unmarked maps of the course, when you arrive at Navshield and visit the registration tent. 3. It is the team’s responsibility to plot the checkpoints onto their map(s). 4. At registration all teams will be given a “Route Intentions” sheet. Completing this form is optional. However, teams that submit a completed “Route Intentions” sheet before they leave base on Saturday morning will be rewarded with bonus of 10 points. 5. The only navigation aids allowed are magnetic compasses, watches (with time functions only), pace counters, and the official event map as supplied by the organisers. 6. Radios are permitted (for communication only). Radio based tracking and GPS functions are not permitted. 7. Mobile phones are permitted. The use of mobile phone based navigation aids during the event is not permitted. 8. GPS, altimeters, electronic compasses, non-official maps and other navigational aids are not permitted. 9. Teams record a visit to a checkpoint, or radio checkpoint, by scanning all of their NavLight wristbands at the checkpoint. See the instructions for using NavLight. 10. Each checkpoint and radio checkpoint will have a points’ value. 11. Teams can score normal checkpoints once only. 12. All teams in the one day event must visit a radio checkpoint at least once during the event. 13. All teams in the two day event must visit a radio checkpoint at least once on both Saturday and Sunday. 14. Two day teams can use base as a radio checkpoint only between 06:00 and 09:00 Sunday. It scores no points, but the team will avoid the penalty for not visiting a radio check point (see rule 1.16) if no other radio check point is visited on Sunday. 15. Two day teams can score radio checkpoints twice by visiting them on Saturday and Sunday. 16. Any team not reporting to a radio checkpoint each day will incur a penalty equivalent to 25% of the team’s score. 17. Points will be deducted for every 5 minutes, or part thereof, that a team is overdue after the event finish time. The points’ value of this penalty will be announced at the start of the event. 18. Any team more than 1 hour late for the finish of their event will be retired from the event and must immediately return to the nearest radio check point or base. 19. If multiple teams have the same points score at the end of the event then they will be ranked according to their finish times.

 2. Banned Actions and Safety Breaches 1. All members of a team must stay together (within voice contact, about 100m) at all times during the event. 2. A penalty of up to 50% of your team’s score will be imposed if your team members are found not together. 3. The minimum personal and team gear must be with the team at all times. Leaving packs at a central point while looking for checkpoints is unacceptable. Not carrying the minimum personal and/or team gear at all times incurs a penalty of up to 50% of the team’s score. 4. Participants in the rogaine divisions are exempt from the minimum equipment rules, but must instead carry the minimum equipment specified by the Australian Rogaining Association. 5. Once the event has commenced all support teams, and their vehicles, must remain at the base site until the event has finished. NavShield 2017 13 6. Driving on the course is strictly prohibited for safety reasons. 7. The consumption of alcohol during the event is prohibited. 8. Any participant found to be intoxicated as a result of the consumption of alcohol or drugs; either prior to, or during, the event will be disqualified from the event.  3. Injuries 1. If any member of a team is unable to continue, the other team members must provide assistance. 2. If possible, the team should attempt to make their way to the nearest radio checkpoint or back to base. 3. The rules committee will then advise if the rest of the team is able to continue NavShield in their entry division. 4. If any team finds an injured person they must assist if required. 5. Points can be awarded in lieu of time lost helping an injured person from another team. This does not include assisting injured members from the same team.  4. General Rules 1. All teams are to be covered by their own insurances. 2. There is no insurance to participants provided by BSAR NSW or the NSW VRA. 3. Participants must sign an acceptance of risk statement and a risk waiver before they start the event. 4. All team members are to meet the membership requirements of their organisation. 5. Teams are required to follow minimum impact bushwalking principles. 6. Specific information about the event location is provided in the information pack. You are expected to read this information and to familiarise yourself with the specific hazards which have been identified for the location.  5. Rules committee 1. A rules committee will be formed prior to the start of the event. 2. The rules committee will be comprised of a minimum of three people. 3. The rules committee shall be comprised of the Event Safety Manager, Event Coordinator, and Course Setter, plus additional members as required. 4. The rules committee will determine the order of precedence for every team in each division at the completion of both events. This will be based upon team points, finish times, and any penalties imposed. 5. The winners in each division of both the one day event, and the two day event, will be only announced after the rules committee has judged the final team scores. 6. The rules committee shall hear all complaints and claims which are lodged within 24 hours after the completion of Navshield. 7. A decision will be made on all complaints and claims that are lodged within the allotted time, and prior to publishing the final team scores. 8. Decisions made by the rules committee shall be considered final.  Conduct and Behaviour 1. All teams, and those attending Navshield in a support capacity, are expected to behave in a responsible manner at all times whilst at Navshield. Please show respect and courtesy towards others at all times, and remember that you are representing your organisation. Volunteers, NPWS staff, local property owners, and members of the public, may be present at Navshield and should also be treated with respect. 2. There is an opportunity for your team to socialise on both the Friday night and Saturday night during Navshield. You are welcome to enjoy yourself at base whilst you are not participating in the event. The organisers of the event would like to encourage you to network with people from other organisations during Navshield. 3. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted during these times whilst you are not participating in the event. All alcohol must be BYO. However, the organisers of the event will not tolerate you drinking to excess, and putting yourself, your team members, and the community at risk. 4. Please keep noise to a minimum after 10pm. The organisers may prohibit your participation in the event if you are drunk and disorderly, quarrelsome, intoxicated, violent, using, or in possession of, prohibited drugs. NavShield 2017 14 NAVLIGHT electronic punching

o A minimum of two NavLight wristbands will be issued to every team at the start of the event. o To score a checkpoint all of your team’s wristbands need to be scanned at the checkpoint. o Your final team score will be the lowest wristband score from your team.

NavLight has two main components; the punches and the tags. Team members wear the tags on their wrists. A punch hangs from a cord near the flag at each checkpoint.

A Punch……. A punch and a tag……..

When you visit a checkpoint you record your visit by inserting the punch into the tag. You must hold the punch in the tag until the red light flashes to indicate that your visit was recorded.

A “Test” punch will be hanging beside a flag near the administration tent. You can use this to try your tag and see how the system works. It has no effect on your score.

Fitting the wristbands The wristbands are made from a rugged vinyl material and cannot be removed from the wrist without breaking them. Wear them quite loosely. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the band and your wrist. Over a long period a tightly fitted wristband will cause irritation.

Thread the band through your Tag, wrap it around your wrist, then close the clasp through one of the holes in the strap. There is a loose end which you can pull off carefully.

NavShield 2017 15 SPECIAL THANKS

Every year Bush Search and Rescue NSW (BSAR) organises and runs the Australian Emergency Services Wilderness Navigation Shield or NavShield. BSAR has been an affiliated squad of the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association since 1970.

Thank You to WICEN!

WICEN NSW Communications WICEN operates as a specialist support squad under the NSW State Disaster Plan (DISPLAN).

WICEN NSW Inc, is a volunteer group comprised of licensed amateur radio operators who provide emergency communications. WICEN operates as a specialist support squad of the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association. WICEN has teams of trained operators available at short notice, ready to provide emergency communications support.

To support the community WICEN also provides communication services to organisations who are operating fund raising style events in remote and difficult terrain, such as NavShield. These events provide excellent training opportunities for WICEN members.

Partner Organisation:

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is part of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH). NPWS manages more than 850 NSW national parks and reserves, covering over 7 million hectares of land. NPWS is committed to the conservation of our state's biodiversity and cultural heritage.

NavShield 2017 16