Required skills

planning and organising skills to prepare for additional risks involved in diving at an altitude greater than metres

numeracy skills to

calculate and adjust no decompression limits for single and repetitive altitude dives

determine factors affected by altitude and the differences between diving at sea level and diving at an altitude greater than metres

problemsolving skills to

negotiate altitude hazards and risks

adapt to fresh water conditions

communication skills to inform progress and interact with buddy throughout altitude dive

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to altitude dive location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care

Required knowledge

legislation organisational policies and procedures and industry technical and safety criteria to enable safe conduct of all altitude diving activities

selection of SCUBA and altitude diving equipment the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment and its use care and maintenance to ensure prolonged life span

no decompression limits for altitude diving and the affect of altitude on diving

hazards and risks commonly associated with diving at an altitude greater than metres in open water to a depth of metres

emergency first aid and rescue procedures appropriate for potential altitude induced diving incidents 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 relevant process to prepare for single and repetitive dives at an altitude greater than metres and calculates nodecompression limits suitable for such dives

identifies specific factors affected by altitude which can impact on diving and negotiates hazards and risks associated with diving at altitude and determines first aid procedures for potential altitude diving incidents

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple SCUBA diving activities performed at altitude to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

resources and information to plan and select appropriate equipment for the altitude diving activity

a suitable altitude diving location greater than metres

SCUBA equipment and altitude diving 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 differences between sea level and altitude diving factors affected by altitude and hazards and risks associated with altitude diving

observation of safe participation in altitude diving activities and planning of no decompression limits

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

Factors affected by altitude may include:

Industry technical and safety criteria may include:

Risks may include:

Altitude diving equipment may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Relevant aspects may include: