ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Prepare for dive off boat.

1.1. Select, inspect and pack personal and dive equipment in a dive bag for carrying to and from the boat.

1.2. Use boatterminology to identify areas and layout of a dive boat.

1.3. Locate emergency equipment carried on board a boat and demonstrate its use according to relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures and industry technical and safety criteria.

1.4. Outline entry and exit hazards and safety procedures involved in boat diving according to organisational policies and procedures and industry technical and safety criteria.

1.5. Fit and adjust SCUBA equipment with assistance from buddy.

2. Complete dive off boat.

2.1. Use a dive flag according to industry technical and safety criteria.

2.2. Match water entry to boat type, diver ability and sea condition.

2.3. Signal buddy and boat crew, and check that equipment is secured before completing dive according to industry technical and safety criteria.

2.4. Match exit techniques to boat type, sea condition and diver ability.

2.5. Pack and secure dive equipment, once on board.

3. Evaluate dive off boat.

3.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the boat dive.

3.2. Identify improvements for future dives off boats.

Required skills

planning and organising skills to:

select and pack dive equipment prior to boarding boat

clear equipment from the deck to maintain safety of other divers

problem-solving skills to:

determine entry and exit techniques that suit boat type, sea conditions and diver's ability

negotiate boat diving hazards

communication skills to:

signal buddy and boat crew upon entering the water and surfacing

use boat terminology with the skipper, crew and other divers to identify areas of boat

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to boat and dive site 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 diving off boat activities

selection and use of SCUBA and emergency equipment on board a dive boat

water entry and exit techniques used to dive off boats according to sea conditions, diver's ability and type of boat

hazards and safety procedures commonly associated with entering and exiting a dive boat in open water to a depth of 18 metres

boat terminology and layout to enable safe and efficient movement on boats

emergency, first aid and rescue procedures appropriate to the boat and location 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 select and use SCUBA and emergency equipment on board a dive boat

negotiates entry and exit hazards and applies boat terminology to communicate with boat crew and other divers according to industry technical and safety criteria, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures

evaluates and reflects on own boat diving performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple dives off boats to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information to prepare and complete dives off boat

a suitable open water dive site to a maximum depth of 18 metres

a buddy to participate in boat dives

a suitable diving boat

SCUBA diving and emergency 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:

observation of safe participation and demonstration of dive techniques

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of entry and exit hazards, safety procedures and boat terminology

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Boat terminology may include:

bow

stern

starboard

port

windward

leeward

aloft

below

above deck

amidship

head

galley

bridge

wheelhouse

transom

rail

cockpit

stowage

dry and wet areas

out of bounds areas.

Emergency equipment may include:

life preservers

fire extinguishers

distress signals

bilge pump or bailer

first aid kit

marine radio

personal flotation device

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

boat procedures

communication protocols

code of ethics

minimal impact codes.

Industry technical and safety criteria may include:

British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC)

Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)

SCUBA Schools International (SSI).

Entry and exit hazards may include:

movement of boat and water

ladders

duckboards

access

other divers

equipment on deck.

Water entry may include:

giant stride

controlled seated or back roll.

Signal may include:

the 'ok' sign

wave for help.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.