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.
Key features of dive computers may include:
no-decompression status
time
depth
duration
dive planning
dive profile recall
water temperature
compass
ascent rates programming for special considerations.
Hazards of computer aided diving may include:
sawtooth profile, variable depth profile
bounce dives
strenuous activity
cold or flu
computer failure
decompression diving
altitude diving
flying after diving
sources of computer error.
Risks may include:
decompression sickness
hypothermia
getting lost or separated from group
barotrauma
cramps
exhaustion.
Computer aided diveplan may include:
a computer assisted multi level dive
a series of computer assisted multi level dives
using no-decompression diving
ascending at industry recommended rates
pre and post dive maintenance checks of computer
back up plan with no decompression calculations from dive tables.
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
Agency Standards.
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.

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, use and maintain computer aided dive equipment
participates in a range of SCUBA diving activities using computer aided diving equipment according to dive plan and industry technical and safety criteria, and safely negotiates potential hazards and risks
evaluates and reflects on own computer aided diving performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple computer aided dives to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information to plan and select appropriate equipment
a suitable open water dive site to a maximum depth of 18 metres
SCUBA diving and computer aided 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:
observation of use and maintenance of computer aided diving equipment during multi level dives
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of computer aided diving, hazards and risks
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.