Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
24/07/2026 7:21 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Employ hand tools in an underwater environment

Employ hand tools in an underwater environment

Unit of competency
National Code
DEFDV008B
State Code
AVV09
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
24/01/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
Nominal Hours
0
Description
This unit covers the competency required to use hand tools in an underwater environment.The unit also includes selecting the appropriate hand tools for the work task and inspecting them for serviceability. The diver must ensure the tools are secured on own body throughout the dive, and correctly employ the tools during the work task, with particular attention to safety.The diver will be responsible for the recovery of any waste arising from the work task. Finally, the hand tools must be de serviced and stored appropriately for ongoing use. Note: This Unit of Competency relates, in part, to the existing standards of the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS). All information was correct at the time of development of this Unit of Competency; however, any diver seeking ADAS accreditation should consult ADAS and not rely on the information contained in this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Select and prepare hand tools
  • 1.1 Work task and worksite data are determined and analysed to determine the specific requirements for hand tools.
  • 1.2 Work plan is developed consistent with the dive plan.
  • 1.3 Hand tools and protective equipment are selected, inspected and prepared.
  • 1.4 Hand tools are secured safely to/from the dive site.
  • 1.5 Access obstructions and other hazards are assessed and action is taken to remove/reduce the risk.
  • 1.6 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied in accordance with standard procedures, manufacturers' instructions and legislation.
2. Operate hand tools underwater
  • 2.1 Hand tools are secured on self during the dive for ease of accessibility and lack of interference with mobility and dive equipment.
  • 2.2 Work-safe area is established and the location and safety of divers is confirmed prior to commencing work task/s.
  • 2.3 Hand tools are employed underwater ensuring management of their associated hazards.
3. Maintain hand tools
  • 3.1 Environmental impact arising from use of hand tools is minimised and waste products are recovered.
  • 3.2 Hand tools and protective equipment are de-serviced after use.
Work task may include:
bending
chiselling
cleaning/derusting
cutting
fastening
grinding
hammering
nailing
stapling
tightening and loosening bolts and screws
twisting
Worksite data may include:
composition of work object
condition of work object
current
depth
gradient
hazards
obstacles
Hand tools may include:
augur
bars
bolt cutters
chisel
clamps
feeler gauge
file
hammer
pliers
poker gauge
rasp
saws
screwdrivers
wire brush
wrench
Protective equipment may include:
boots
gloves
Selecting, inspecting and preparing hand tools and protective equipment may include:
honing
loading (stapler/riveter)
oiling/greasing
sharpening
Hazards may include:
impact of hand tool on dive equipment (e.g. hoses, gauges, communications lines)
fall zone of objects being worked on
operational zone of hand tool (e.g. knife)
release of fuels and associated chemical contaminants resident at the work site
Action to remove/reduce the risk may include:
erecting signage
using patrol/sentry craft
Employment of hand tools may include:
bending
chiselling
cleaning/derusting
cutting
fastening
grinding
hammering
nailing
stapling
tightening and loosening bolts and screws
twisting
Environmental impact includes:
contamination of surrounding water (e.g. leaking oil)
physical damage to reef and associated floor ecosystems (e.g. coral)
visual pollution of waste material (e.g. concrete and metal parts)
Deservicing may include:
drying
logging work details into equipment logs
oiling/greasing
refurbishing edges
washing in fresh water
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to attend to personal and collective safety; and to consider the environmental impact as part of the dive plan.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated during a number of work tasks where the diver employs not less than four different hand tools in underwater work tasks for a total usage time of not less than 60 minutes.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in the ocean supported by questioning on shore or aboard vessels.
When practicable, assessment should relate to the diver’s vocational focus.
Specific resources for assessment
Access to a complete range of diving, safety and accessory equipment; and hand tools.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BBC71 DEFWDV008 Employ hand tools in an underwater environment Unit of competency
No information