PUADEFDV001B - Dive using selfcontained underwater breathing apparatus in open water to 30 metres

PUADEFDV001B
Dive using selfcontained underwater breathing apparatus in open water to 30 metres

This unit covers the competency required to dive using self contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) in an open water environment to a depth of 30 metres.The unit includes planning the dive (including using decompression tables); selecting, inspecting and fitting equipment; entry to the water from a range of platforms; conducting descent to, and servicing time at, the required depth; the ascent (including using decompression techniques); exiting from the water to the original platform; and removing and refurbishing equipment.During the dive, divers must demonstrate situational awareness of their position and orientation, their equipment (including depth, time and air gauges), and other divers. They must be able to communicate (verbally by radio and non-verbally through signalling methods), to navigate underwater, and to manage the range of surface and sub-surface hazards inherent to diving.The unit also covers divers' ability to perceive, both in themselves and others, the signs and symptoms of diving induced medical problems, and to take necessary corrective action/s; and to appropriately react to, and manage, a range of individual and group contingencies/emergencies.Note: This Unit of Competency has been aligned with the existing standards of the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS). This Unit of Competency relates, in part, to the minimum standard for a diver using SCUBA to a depth of 30 metres. ADAS refers to this as 'restricted'. Further experience is required to gain an ADAS 'unrestricted' rating.Tables for both of these ADAS ratings are provided in the Evidence Guide. All information was correct at the time of development of this Unit of Competency; however, any diver seeking ADAS accreditation should consult ADAS and not rely only on the information contained in this unit.

Application

The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite Unit/s

HLTFA1A Apply basic first aid

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1. Plan a decompression dive	1.1 Dive plan is constructed using decompression tables 1.2 Dive plan is discussed and cleared, as necessary, by the supervisor
2. Select, inspect and fit equipment	2.1 Equipment is selected, inspected for serviceability, fitted and tested if required 2.2 Any unserviceable equipment is quarantined and defects are reported according to organisational procedures 2.3 Independent check of fit and function of equipment by a diver's attendant or dive supervisor is ensured
3. Enter and exit the water	3.1 Markers are positioned in the water to identify the presence of divers 3.2 Water is entered from sea-borne and land-borne platforms 3.3 An in-water leak test is conducted at the surface to ensure the integrity and functionality of the equipment 3.4 In-water checks are conducted 3.5 Buoyancy is adjusted to commence the dive and as required throughout the dive
4. Descend to, and ascend from, a 30 m bottom	4.1 Measured and controlled breathing is maintained throughout the dive operation 4.2 Measured and controlled finning is maintained throughout the dive operation 4.3 Discomfort is prevented and safety is ensured by descending and ascending at an appropriate rate in accordance with dive plan, using appropriate decompression techniques 4.4 Diving descent and ascent techniques are implemented 4.5 Relevant factors are monitored throughout the dive 4.6 Threats posed are avoided or managed to ensure personal safety 4.7 Effects of open water environment are considered and managed during the dive to prevent impact against rocks, hulls or interference with other divers 4.8 Spatial awareness is recovered when balance is lost under conditions of zero visibility 4.9 When lost and/or separated, recovery is ensured 4.10 Adequate awareness of, and distance from, surface and sub-surface hazards is maintained 4.11 Minimal disturbance to bottom is ensured to enable maximum visibility and a safe work environment 4.12 Safesurfacingisensured
5. Identify and manage dive-specific medical problems	5.1 Signs and symptoms of compression related problems are recognised (in self and others) and immediate corrective procedures are taken 5.2 Signs and symptoms of decompression related problems are recognised (in self and others) and immediate corrective procedures are taken 5.3 Heat and cold related problems are recognised (in self and others) and immediate corrective procedures are taken
6. Communicate through underwater radio devices	6.1 Electronic communications device and accessories are inspected for serviceability and fitted 6.2 Messages are transmitted and received in accordance with radio telephone procedures (RTP) 6.3 Electronic communications device transmission safety requirements are adhered to when working around dangerous items 6.4 Electronic communications device and accessories are de serviced and stowed
7. Communicate non-verbally with other divers	7.1 Diver-to-diver hand signals are used appropriately throughout the dive operation 7.2 Written and diagrammatic communications on underwater writing boards are used appropriately throughout the dive operation 7.3 Standard single line signals are used appropriately throughout the dive operation
8. Perform a simple navigation leg underwater	8.1 Compass bearing is maintained underwater using a compass 8.2 Distance for a constant swim rate underwater is estimated and maintained 8.3 Distance travelled is estimated using a watch
9. React to individual and group contingencies/ emergencies	9.1 Flooded face mask is resolved by clearing and refitting 9.2 Blocked mouthpiece is resolved by clearing and refitting 9.3 Failed primary breathing system is resolved through switching to the alternate sources 9.4 Irrecoverable malfunctions are managed through buddy breathing and/or emergency surfacing 9.5 Lost/severed safety line/s are managed through surfacing 9.6 Significant systemic failures are managed through the ditching drill and emergency surfacing drill 9.7 Surfacing is accomplished with the optimum safe speed on hearing the emergency recall signal 9.8 Other divers are assisted
10. Maintain equipment	10.1 Equipment is maintained during the dive 10.2 Post-dive, equipment is de-serviced, and tested (if required) and stowed 10.3 Unserviceable equipment is quarantined and defects are reported in accordance with organisational procedures

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

compile briefs and clear messages

conduct decompression stops

conduct predetermined decompression requirements

conduct unplanned decompression procedures arising from the onset of (simulated) compression related problems

navigate

signalling:

hand signalling

line signalling

written signalling

switch from primary to the reserve air system

use the phonetic alphabet

use words twice procedures

Required Knowledge

decompression calculations

dive equipment

dive physics

dive physiology and medicine:

heat and cold illnesses

compression illnesses

decompression illnesses

general occupational/diving safety awareness:

diving in harbours

diving in tidal waters, currents and tides

diving on/near a ship's bottom (e.g. boats, propellers, etc.)

lost/separated

entrapment/foul lines

marine animal threats

pollution/weed

working in confined spaces

general precautions to be taken against the range of hazards

hand signals

handling procedures for non-functional items

line signals

literacy

marine animal threats

marine hazards

navigation theory

oceanography

radio frequency hazards

radio telephone procedures (RTP)

relevant references and Australian Standards

phonetic alphabet

principles of underwater communication systems and diver intercom systems and their limitations

safe operating ranges for air-supplies

surfacing procedures

use of (air) decompression tables to determine decompression time/s and depth/s for a range of dive profiles

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

safely enter and exit the water appropriate to the launch platform, equipment and conditions

avoid and manage medical complications during dives

avoid and manage hazards during dives

comply with assigned callsigns

act as a relay between two callsigns

receive a number of hand signal messages, demanding acknowledgement, interpretation and appropriate responses from the diver

relay hand signal message to other divers

receive a number of written messages including diagrams, demanding acknowledgement, interpretation and appropriate responses from the diver

draft a number of written messages including diagrams

receive a number single line signal messages, demanding acknowledgement, interpretation and appropriate responses from the diver

navigate underwater, using a compass only, a complete triangle, of side length not less than 30 m (waypoints only to be distinguishable within 8 m).

Consistency in performance

Competency will be demonstrated over a minimum of 12 (ADAS Pt 1 Restricted) dives with the diver diving to 30 m using SCUBA (air) in open water that includes the following requirements:

day and night

subsurface conditions:

current (0–2 knots)

visibility (0 metre +)

temperature (0 degrees +)

range of surface and subsurface hazards.

Table 1 (below) outlines the minimum dives required by this Unit of Competency. At the time of printing, this contributed to the achievement of an ADAS Pt 1 (restricted) license, however divers seeking ADAS licensing need to confirm details with ADAS.

Table 1

Condition	No of Dives	Bottom time (mins)	Remarks
Between 030m	12	325	Represents total accrued – refer ADAS Pt 1 Restricted (Science Diver)
Special Qualifiers
2530m dive	1	15
Zero visibility	1	20	Depth: 29 m
Night (+30 mins sunset/ sunrise)	1	20	Depth: 10 m

Table 2 (below) outlines the minimum dives required for an ‘unrestricted’ ADAS Pt 1 license, however divers seeking ADAS licensing need to confirm details with ADAS.

Table 2

Condition	No of Dives	Bottom time (mins)	Remarks
Between 030m	21	660	Represents total accrued – refer ADAS Pt 1 Diver
Special Qualifiers
2830 m dive	1	15
Zero visibility	2	20 (per dive)	Depth: 29 m
Night (+30 mins sunset/ sunrise)	1	20	Depth: 29 m

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency will be assessed in the ocean over a range of oceanic, diurnal and nocturnal environments, supported by questioning on shore or aboard vessels.

When practicable, assessment should relate to the diver’s vocational focus.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to a complete range of diving, safety and accessory equipment; open water dive site; and dive platform.

Guidance information for assessment

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

Range Statement


The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Decompression tables may include	Defence Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine
Equipment may include	Breathing system and devices: cylinder configuration demand independent primary pressure positive single supply Buoyancy devices: buoyancy compensator weight belt Dive clothing: fins gloves wet-suit (includes booties and hood) Diving accessory equipment: communications slate compass face mask/mouthpiece ensemble knife watch Safety equipment: diver's safety lines
Entry to the water may include	Dive Forward/backward jump Roll-back Walk-in (backwards)
Platforms may include	Boats Semi-permanent platforms Ships
Decompression techniques may include	Lazy-shot and drifting stops Lazy-shot and fixed shot rope Lazy-shot and float line Lazy shot and life line Surface
Surface and sub-surface hazards may include	Anchor drop zones Cathodic protection devices Electrical cabling Inlets and sonar/radio frequency hazards Marine animals Piers and jetties Pipelines Pollutants Propellers/thrusters Trapping hazards: beams culverts gates grottoes and caves intakes and out-falls nets safety, anchor and communications lines sluices sewers submerged ships, vehicles and structures Vessel rocking and associated movement
Signs and symptoms of diving induced medical problems may include	Disablement through pain Incoherence Loss of task focus Reduction in breathing/bubbles Unconsciousness Vomiting
Medical problems may include	Compression related problems including: barotrauma (such as equalisation problems with aural/sinus canals) narcosis oxygen toxicity Decompression related problems including: anoxia and hypoxia barotraumas such as: squeeze (face, body, and lung) dental aural sinuses gastro-intestinal pulmonary (interstitial emphysema, pneumothorax, tension pneumothorax, mediastinal emphysema, subcutaneous emphysema, and arterial gas embolism) carbon dioxide retention carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide poisoning decompression illness primary and secondary drowning Heat and cold related problems including: heatstroke hypothermia
Individual contingencies/ emergencies may include	Blockage to mouthpieces Buoyancy device malfunction Communication device malfunction Complete breathing system malfunction Entrapment Flooding of mask Loss of spatial awareness Partial breathing system malfunction Severed safety lines
Group contingencies/ emergencies may include	Injured buddy Lost buddy Unconscious buddy
Buoyancy includes	Positive Negative Neutral
Diving descent and ascent techniques include	Breathing Buoyancy maintenance Equalisation Maintaining situational and positional awareness throughout the dive Monitoring equipment and gauges Propulsion Surfacing
Relevant factors may include	Air Depth Equipment Location Other divers Time
Threats may be posed by	Pollution Weed Other debris
Effects of open water environment includes	Currents Swells Wave action
Ensuring recovery may include	Employing rendezvous procedures Surfacing
Ensuring safe surfacing must include	Checking for the sounds of propellers before committing to breaching the surface Advancing the arm above the head for protection and signalling, and once surfaced, gaining 360 degree awareness
Electronic communications device may include	Topside/surface Sub-surface divers systems: hard wire through water voice
Accessories may include	Antenna Ear set Microphone
Radio telephone procedures may include	Call-signs Phonetic alphabet Pro-words Relaying messages Words twice procedures
Dangerous items may include	Explosives
Assisting other divers includes	Physically recovering a diver to the surface using the 'companion diver' drill (including unconscious companion) Searching for a lost buddy Sharing air supply through buddy breathing

Sectors

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

Not applicable.