Required skills

problemsolving skills to

check equipment serviceability prior to use

identify and negotiate potential hazards risks and stressful situations

apply cave diving navigation and antisilting techniques

maintain buoyancy control in extended cave systems

planning and organising skills to

access information on cave diving site

prepare a dive plan

select and fit equipment

apply minimal impact and underwater cave exploration techniques

communication skills to

convey information regarding dive to other participants

inform progress and interact with buddy through established communication systems

teamwork skills to safely monitor and assist buddy throughout cave dive

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the site to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all advanced cave diving activities

types and characteristics of equipment to enable selection use and maintenance

features of a waterfilled extended cave system and how to safely negotiate and explore these

factors affecting buoyancy to control sinking and floating

hazards risks and sources of stress commonly associated with cave diving and exploring new sections of a cave

exploration techniques used for diving in extended cave systems or exploring new sections of a cave

communication systems and buddy diving procedures suitable for cave diving

cave diving specific navigation techniques including line placement and use of a cave reel to avoid getting lost under water

emergency first aid and rescue procedures appropriate to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential

applies processes to devise a suitable dive plan and select maintain and fit dive equipment for the specific cave dive

negotiates hazards risks and features of a waterfilled extended cave system using various techniques causing minimal environmental impact

applies navigation techniques to move through the waterfilled cave efficiently and communicates with and monitors buddys progress

evaluates and reflects on own cave diving performance to identify strengths weaknesses and areas that need improvement

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in advanced cave diving activities in extended cave systems that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

information on the cave dive site to plan a cave dive and select equipment

suitable locations including at least one fresh water for the conduct of advanced or extended cave diving activities

a suitable buddy to participate in dive process

diving safety and rescue communication and navigation equipment

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge The following examples are appropriate for this unit

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of cave diving techniques hazards and risks and techniques to minimise environmental impact

observation of safe participation and communication with buddy throughout diving process

copy of dive plans

thirdparty reports from a supervisor detailing performance

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended

Guidance information for assessment

Dive plan may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Hazards may include:

Risks may include:

Sources of stress may include:

Communication system may include:

Personal equipment may include:

Group equipment may include, but not be limited to:

Underwater breathing systems may include:

Cave diving skills may include:

Buoyancy control may include:

Anti-silting techniques may include:

Minimal impact techniques may include:

Features may include:

Strategies to reduce risk may include:

Buddy diving procedures may include:

Techniques to deal with stress may include:

Navigation aids may include:

Use of a cave reel may include:

Exploration techniques may include:

Relevant aspects may include: