SISOSCB009
SCUBA dive to depths between 18 and 40 metres


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to plan and complete deep recreational SCUBA dives to a maximum depth of 40 metres using equipment, diving and risk management techniques specific to deep diving.

It applies to dive leaders, usually known as divemasters, or instructors and to assistant instructors who use these skills when leading participants during 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 air, equipment, and other services to engage in recreational open water 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 for deep recreational dives.

1.1. Determine specific and realistic objectives for deep recreational dives, accounting for time limits at depth.

1.2. Determine site, depth and duration of dives suited to own and buddy abilities.

1.3. Identify specific site hazards and medical problems associated with diving at depths beyond 18 metres and assess risks.

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

1.5. Calculate no-decompression limits.

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

2. Complete deep dives.

2.1. Select and assemble dive equipment suitable for use at depths beyond 18 metres.

2.2. Execute controlled descents and ascents holding a reference line as a tactile guide.

2.3. Execute controlled free descents and ascents using a reference point as a visual only guide.

2.4. Adjust buoyancy to account for diminishing cylinder weight.

2.5. Utilise deep diving breathing techniques to conserve air, and regularly monitor air supply and pressure gauges.

2.6. Maintain close physical and visual contact with buddy throughout all diving activities and share data from gauges or computer.

2.7. Use depth gauge and timing device or dive computer to measure and control ascent rate.

2.8. Complete appropriate safety stops during ascents 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 with diving buddy.

Numeracy skills to:

interpret and calculate 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