Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to plan and complete recreational SCUBA dives using Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx). It also requires the ability to assemble and dissemble equipment and to complete basic maintenance at the water’s edge.
EANx diving can be completed using dives tables but contemporary diving is usually completed using computerised equipment, and this is a requirement for this unit.
It applies to dive leaders, usually known as divemasters, or instructors and to assistant instructors who use these skills when leading participants in SCUBA diving activities. Leadership skills are provided in complementary units.
This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers SCUBA diving activities and dive instruction including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.
In order to procure gas mixes, enriched air equipment, and other services to engage in recreational Enriched Air Nitrox diving without supervision, divers must hold certification (C-Card) issued by an industry authorised organisation. That industry certification may or may not be issued concurrently with an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) qualification or Statement of Attainment identifying achievement of competency in this unit. C-Card certification would be required to gain employment as a divemaster or instructor.
Those delivering training and assessment to support this unit should consult the relevant industry bodies to determine any partnership arrangements for courses, trainers and assessors that can lead to joint AQF and industry regulated C-Card certification.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCECRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Plan EANx dives. | 1.1. Determine site, depth and duration of dives. 1.2. Identify hazards and assess risks associated with use of EANx equipment, blend, site, depth and duration of dives. 1.3. Prepare EANx dive plans according to industry technical and safety criteria. 1.4. Use dive computer or dive tables, as required, to plan requirements. 1.5. Select and order EANx blend to meet dive requirements. |
2. Analyse blend, select and assemble equipment. | 2.1. Analyse supplied EANx blend using equipment according to manufacturers' calibration and analysis recommendations. 2.2. Complete all required pre-dive analysis logs. 2.3. Select and assemble dive equipment suitable for use with EANx gas blend. 2.4. Utilise EANx compatible dive computers to finalise details of dive, according to industry technical and safety criteria. |
3. Dive using EANx. | 3.1. Complete EANx dive according to dive plan and EANx industry technical and safety criteria. 3.2. Monitor depth and time throughout dive, according to dive plan using dive computer data. 3.3. Take remedial action to avoid hazards. |
4. Disassemble and maintain equipment. | 4.1. Maintain positive pressure in cylinder to avoid entry of atmospheric air. 4.2. Disassemble regulators and gauges according to industry technical and safety criteria. 4.3. Complete basic post dive maintenance of equipment compatible with elevated oxygen mix according to industry technical and safety criteria. |
Foundation Skills
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 |
Oral communication skills to: | use clear and unambiguous verbal and non-verbal communications to make intent known. |
Numeracy skills to: | interpret and calculate complex and changeable numerical data involving pressures, percentages and depths. |
Teamwork skills to: | work in harmony with a buddy diver to complete safe dives. |
Planning and organising skills to: | manage own timing to complete activities within planned timeframes. |
Sectors
Outdoor Recreation
Competency Field
SCUBA Diving