Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to snorkel as part of a group in confined or open water. It requires the ability to use a snorkel while surface swimming and diving underwater.
It applies to leaders, guides or instructors who use these snorkelling skills when leading participants during snorkelling activities. Leadership skills are provided in complementary units. The unit can also apply to assistants or support staff.
This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers outdoor recreation activities including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCECRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for the snorkel. | 1.1. Select snorkelling equipment, exposure protection swim wear or exposure suit suitable for conditions, and check for safe working condition. 1.2. Assess conditions before entering water and move activity location, as required. 1.3. Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during activities. 1.4. Confirm protocols for communications between buddy and other party members. 1.5. Fit and adjust snorkelling equipment and exposure protection wear to ensure comfort and safety. |
2. Snorkel on surface and underwater. | 2.1. Defog mask before and during snorkelling activities. 2.2. Breath comfortably through snorkel while swimming on surface. 2.3. Maintain buoyancy and propel self using fins. 2.4. Hold breath, dive and swim under water, and clear snorkel on re-surfacing 2.5. Clear water and pressure from ears using equalisation methods. 2.6. Clear water from snorkel and mask when flooded. |
3. Maintain self-safety | 3.1. Safely approach, and negotiate obstacles and hazards to minimise risk of injury. 3.2. Maintain contact and effective communication with buddy and other party members throughout all activities. 3.3. Monitor own fatigue and effects of pressure, temperature and volume on self. 3.4. Cease activities or take breaks while maintaining contact with party members. |
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 |
Reading skills to: | interpret detailed and familiar organisational safety and emergency response procedures. |
Oral communications skills to: | use clear and unambiguous verbal and non-verbal communications to make intent known. |
Numeracy skills to: | interpret and calculate numerical data involving distances, times, pressures and temperatures. |
Planning and organising skills to: | manage own timing to complete activities within planned timeframes. |
Sectors
Outdoor Recreation
Competency Field
Snorkelling