Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure
carbon monoxide toxicity
panic
Decompression Illness (DCI).
Emergency procedures may include:
tired diver assist
sharing air
controlled emergency swimming ascent
unconscious diver rescue
system failure.
Relevant legislation may include:
Occupational Health and Safety
permits from land and water management authorities
environmental regulations
marine regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
risk management 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).
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size
amount of fuel available, for boat and compressor
water conditions
aquatic life or activity.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
Media
land managers or agencies
coastal patrol or coastguard
volunteer marine rescue
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
synoptic charts
high and low tide predictions.
Equipment may include:
small air compressor
air reserve tank
portable gasoline engine or electric motor
floating air hose
regulator
harness
exposure suit
hoods
gloves
masks
fins
in line pressure gauge
bail out cylinder
buoyancy compensating device
weight system
complete instrumentation to monitor depth, time and direction underwater
Maintenance procedures may include:
checking buddy's equipment
checking, cleaning and or replacing filters on compressor as per manufacturer's recommendations
checking V-belt for signs of deterioration and tension
regularly running out the diver air hose to remove twists from the hose
checking the diver air hose for cuts and abrasions
checking bail out cylinder and regulator.
Five-point descent may include:
signalling the intent to descend
orientating position in the water
ensuring regulator is correctly fitted
noting the time
descending feet first, equalising every metre.
Diving techniques may include:
adjusting weight system
clearing dive mask
sending and receiving messages from the surface
changing between surface supplied air regulator and bail out regulator
removing and refitting the surface air supplied hose and belt or harness while using the bail out regulator
removing and refitting the weight system.
Five-point ascent may include:
signalling the intent to ascend
noting the time
placing right hand over the head for protection
looking up
swimming up slowly while ensuring the air hose does not get tangled.
Dive tender duties may include:
checking diver's equipment before dive
being attentive to the diver and surface conditions
responding quickly to emergencies
communicating with diver
maintaining gas levels.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
food selection
instructional technique
assessment technique
group feedback
directing techniques
rescue techniques employed
identification of risks and emergency procedures
use of equipment and communication system
correct surface supplied air diving techniques
safe tendering of another diver.

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 plan a safe dive and select, maintain and operate surface supplied air diving equipment
demonstrates a range of safe open water dives using surface supplied air and diving techniques such as five point descents and ascents
identifies potential risks and emergency situations commonly associated with open water dives using surface supplied air and implements appropriate emergency management procedures
actively communicates with buddy and tender throughout dive and performs safe tendering of a diver by monitoring and operating surface supply air unit
evaluates and reflects on own performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in open water dives using surface supplied air that are of a sufficient duration to allow the participant to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
access to resources and information to accurately plan and select appropriate equipment for the diving activity
access to a suitable open water dive site
access to a suitable buddy and tender to participate in dive process
access to a suitable diving boat
access to surface supplied air diving equipment such as small air compressor, air reserve tank, portable gasoline engine or electric motor, floating air hose, gasoline, regulator, harness, exposure suit, hood, gloves, fins, full face mask, buoyancy compensating device, in line pressure gauge, bail out cylinder and weight system.
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 open water hookah diving techniques, risks and emergency procedures
observation of safe participation and communication with buddy and tender throughout diving process
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.