ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCECRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Plan dives.

1.1. Determine site, depth and duration of dives.

1.2. Identify hazards and medical problems and assess risks associated with use of equipment, site, depth and duration of dives.

1.3. Prepare dive plans for single and repetitive dives according to industry technical and safety criteria.

1.4. Calculate no decompression limits and maximum operating depth.

1.5. Use dive computer or dive tables, as required, to plan requirements.

2. Prepare for the dive.

2.1. Select and assemble dive equipment suited to conditions and dive requirements, and check for safe working condition.

2.2. Utilise dive computers or dive tables, as required, to finalise details of dive, according to industry technical and safety criteria.

2.3. Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during activities.

2.4. Confirm protocols for communications between divers buddy and activity leaders.

2.5. Fit and adjust equipment and exposure suit to self, in conjunction with buddy, to ensure comfort and safety.

2.6. Complete buddy cross checks for all equipment.

2.7. Participate in pre-dive roll call.

3. Complete dives.

3.1. Utilise techniques to enter and exit the water according to conditions and own ability.

3.2. Execute controlled descents and ascents with buddy and equalise at appropriate times.

3.3. Adjust and maintain positive, neutral and negative buoyancy at appropriate times during dive.

3.4. Control underwater swimming and navigate a basic course.

3.5. Monitor depth and time throughout dive, according to planned dive tables or use of dive computer data.

3.6. Monitor air supply, check pressure gauges regularly and communicate supplies with buddy.

3.7. Use techniques that minimise damage to the diving environment throughout all activities.

3.8. Participate in post-dive roll call and ensure dive log is completed.

3.9. Disassemble SCUBA gear on completion of dive.

4. Maintain safety and complete rescues.

4.1. Safely approach, and negotiate obstacles and hazards to minimise risk of injury.

4.2. Maintain buddy contact, cooperation and communication throughout dive.

4.3. Identify problematic or emergency situations promptly, and assist buddy with rescues.

4.4. Self-rescue from problematic or emergency situations.

4.5. Use an alternate air source and make controlled air sharing ascents.

Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement.

SKILLS

DESCRIPTION

Reading skills to:

interpret detailed and familiar organisational safety and emergency response procedures.

Oral communication skills to:

use clear and unambiguous verbal and non-verbal communications to make intent known with diving buddy and support crew.

Numeracy skills to:

interpret and calculate numerical data involving pressures, percentages and depths.

Teamwork skills to:

work in harmony with a buddy diver to plan and complete safe dives.

Planning and organising skills to:

manage own timing to complete activities within planned timeframes.

Self-management skills to:

critically analyse all circumstances and implications to provide a prompt and considered response to rescue requirements.