Elements and Performance Criteria

The range of variables places the competency in context and allows for differences between enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. The range of variables also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The following variables may be present.

Procedures:
· communication techniques
· duration of submersion.

Operations:
· collecting sea animals:
· abalone
· molluscs
· beche-de-mer
· crayfish
· sea urchin
· tending aquacultured animals
· collecting lost tools and equipment, dead animals, debris
· checking underwater equipment
· installing, servicing and maintaining ponds and associated equipment.

Diving practice:
· checking for underwater dangers
· eliminating ear drum barotrauma
· eliminating reverse blockages
· eliminating the danger of cold water cramp and hypothermia.

Equipment:
· wetsuit
· weights
· face mask and snorkel
· fins
· catch bag
· safety line.

Physical condition:
· ear problems:
· ear drum barotrauma
· colds, influenza and ear, nose and throat infections
· squeezes
· near drowning, salt water aspiration
· shock from bleeding
· burns
· hypothermia
· hyperventilation.

Hazards:
· underwater dangers or snags
· ear drum barotrauma
· reverse blockages, squeezes
· cold water cramp
· hypothermia
· aquatic animals
· hyperventilation
· lack of swimming ability
· underwater terrain.

Assessed:
· hazards are listed
· causes of hazards is described
· an indication of when hazards might occur is given
· likelihood of the hazard occurring is described.

Systems:
· briefings
· check in and out
· direct supervision.

Checks:
· seals:
· face mask
· wetsuit
· deterioration of rubber and straps
· presence, suitability and operability of:
· diving equipment
· safety and emergency equipment
· pre-dive
· post-dive.

Each unit of competency has an evidence guide that relates directly to the performance criteria and the range of variables. Its purpose is to guide assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program. The following components provide information to assist this purpose.

Underpinning knowledge
The underpinning knowledge identified for this unit is comprehensive due to its likely inclusion in a group of units that may be used as the basis for the issue of licences by regulatory bodies.

The essential knowledge and understanding a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· dangers of barotrauma, and squeezes
· dangers of cold water
· breath holding limitations
· dangers of hyperventilation
· organisational procedures.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standards include:
· conforming with breath hold dive procedures as used by the diver:
· donning and doffing gear above and below water
· clearing water from mask
· clearing squeezes
· swimming without the effects of current
· snorkelling
· identifying occupational hazards underwater
· perform the work specified in the range of variables applicable to the diving operation
· diagnosing one's own physical condition as a result of a dive.

Critical aspects of competence
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
· perform a dive in an occupational setting from either a vessel or from shore using breath holding techniques to perform work in the fishing or aquaculture sectors of the seafood industry
· perform breath hold diving
· using diving equipment:
· mask clearing
· clearing squeezes
· donning and doffing weights, fins, mask and wetsuit
· devise and implement systems and procedures that reduce underwater hazards.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
· content of the pre-dive plan that forms the basis of dive briefings
· self diagnosis of diving medical conditions
· hazards associated with the operation
· safety procedures associated with the operation.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit is to be assessed after/with:
· No recommendation.

Context of assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
· written or oral short answer testing
· practical exercises
· project work
· observation of practical demonstration.

Resources required for assessment
Resources are to include:
· suitable swimming area
· diving equipment listed in range of variables.