This unit applies to current or aspiring specialty SCUBA dive guides or instructors working in altitude conditions, 300 metres above sea level. This may include those working at mountain lakes or at other altitudes greater than 300 metres.

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

SISOSCB303A Complete deep dives to between 18 and 40 metres

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for altitude dives.

1.1. Identify factors affected by altitude and compare the differences between diving at altitude and at other sites.

1.2. Calculate no-decompression limits for single and repetitive altitude dives according to industry technical and safety criteria.

1.3. Determine first aid procedures for potential altitude related diving incidents, hazards and risks.

1.4. Select and use SCUBA equipment and altitude diving equipment according to industry technical and safety criteria, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

2. Perform dives at altitude greater than 300 metres.

2.1. Adjust depth gauge readings for altitude-induced errors.

2.2. Demonstrate SCUBA diving techniques at altitude according to industry technical and safety criteria, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

2.3. Monitor gauges and keep between limits due to increased risk involved in altitude diving.

2.4. Respond to emergencies and negotiate altitude dive hazards and risks according to industry technical and safety criteria.

2.5. Demonstrate safe ascent rate, allowing for reduction of pressure, according to no decompression limits.

3. Evaluate dive at altitude.

3.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the altitude dive.

3.2. Identify improvements for future dives at altitude.

Required skills

planning and organising skills to prepare for additional risks involved in diving at an altitude greater than 300 metres

numeracy skills to:

calculate and adjust no decompression limits for single and repetitive altitude dives

determine factors affected by altitude and the differences between diving at sea level and diving at an altitude greater than 300 metres

problem-solving skills to:

negotiate altitude hazards and risks

adapt to fresh water conditions

communication skills to inform progress and interact with buddy throughout altitude dive

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to altitude dive location 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 altitude diving activities

selection of SCUBA and altitude diving equipment, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment and its use, care and maintenance to ensure prolonged life span

no decompression limits for altitude diving and the affect of altitude on diving

hazards and risks commonly associated with diving at an altitude greater than 300 metres in open water to a depth of 40 metres

emergency, first aid and rescue procedures appropriate for potential altitude induced diving incidents 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 prepare for single and repetitive dives at an altitude greater than 300 metres and calculates no-decompression limits suitable for such dives

identifies specific factors affected by altitude which can impact on diving and negotiates hazards and risks associated with diving at altitude, and determines first aid procedures for potential altitude diving incidents

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple SCUBA diving activities performed at altitude to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information to plan and select appropriate equipment for the altitude diving activity

a suitable altitude diving location, greater than 300 metres

SCUBA equipment and altitude diving 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:

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of differences between sea level and altitude diving, factors affected by altitude, and hazards and risks associated with altitude diving

observation of safe participation in altitude diving activities and planning of no decompression limits

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.

Factors affected by altitude may include:

buoyancy

temperature

partial pressure differences

equipment needs

density

atmospheric pressure.

Industry technical and safety criteria may include:

British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC)

Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)

SCUBA Schools International (SSI).

Risks may include:

hypothermia

group management hazards

decompression illnesses

hypoxia

narcosis.

Altitude diving equipment may include:

altitude decompression tables

dive computers

exposure protection

navigation equipment

first aid equipment.

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

minimal impact codes.

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.