This unit applies to current or aspiring specialty SCUBA dive guides or instructors working in a range of open water conditions to a maximum depth of 18 metres. This may include those working for private dive schools or companies operating at coastal sites or through holiday resorts.

SISOSCB301A SCUBA dive in open water to a maximum depth of 18 metres

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for dry suit dive.

1.1. Identify features of dry suit construction according to industry technical and safety criteria.

1.2. Access information on the dive site and identify potential hazards associated with dry suit diving and implement procedures to minimise risks according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

2. Select and use equipment.

2.1. Select dry suit and equipment according to dry suit dive criteria and industry technical and safety criteria.

2.2. Assess dry suit and equipment for safety and suitability and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort.

3. Dive wearing a dry suit.

3.1. Maintain neutral buoyancy during dive.

3.2. Adjust buoyancy on the surface and underwater according to industry technical and safety criteria.

3.3. Perform a controlled descent, adding air to prevent suit squeeze.

3.4. Undertake a controlled ascent, removing air to prevent ballooning.

3.5. Wash, check and store dry suit according to industry technical and safety criteria and organisational policies and procedures.

4. Evaluate dry suit dive.

4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the dry suit dive.

4.2. Identify improvements for future dry suit dives.

Required skills

planning and organising skills to:

check and assess dry suit and equipment prior to dive

repair faults

operate dry suit and equipment during dive

problem-solving skills to:

perform controlled descent and ascent by adding or removing correct amount of air

negotiate hazards and risks associated with dry suit diving

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the 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 of dry suit diving activities

principles, features, construction and characteristics of dry suits to enable appropriate selection, use and maintenance of dry suits

hazards and risks associated with dry suit diving to a depth of 18 metres

emergency, first aid and rescue procedures appropriate to the 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 dry suit and equipment and undertakes pre and post dive equipment assessment and maintenance

performs a range of dry suit diving techniques, such as maintaining neutral buoyancy and demonstrating controlled descents and ascents, while negotiating hazards and risks

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple dry suit dives demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information to plan and select appropriate dry suit and equipment

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

SCUBA diving and dry suit 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 the planning and review process with evidence of reference to resources

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of dry suit diving techniques, hazards and risks

observation of use and maintenance of dry suit and equipment

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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

Guidance information for assessment

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.

Dry suit construction may include:

closure

seals

valves

construction material.

Industry technical and safety criteria may include:

British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC)

Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)

SCUBA Schools International (SSI).

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

communication protocols

code of ethics

manufacturer's recommendations

minimal impact codes.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

group management hazards

slippery or unstable shore

rough conditions

rocks and reefs

water depth

barotrauma

panic

aquatic animals and plants.

Risks may include:

excessive air in the suit or in the feet

loss of neutral buoyancy

broken seals, zips and or valves

dropped weight belt

flooded suit

diving without a buoyancy control vest

squeeze

ballooning

inversion

loss of control

suit leak.

Dry suit and equipment may include:

dry suit shell

seals

waterproof entry

thermal undersuits

gloves

hoods

boots

attachment rings

valves.

Dry suit dive criteria may include:

access

hazards

environmental conditions

accessory equipment.

Assess may include:

inspect seals, valves and zippers

check for damage

trim and adjust neck and or wrist seals

repair or report any faults prior to diving.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.

Unit sector

Outdoor Recreation

This unit contains employability skills.