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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare for dive
  2. Perform work during a breath-hold dive
  3. Employ techniques that reduce underwater hazards
  4. Complete post-dive activities

Required Skills

Required skills

briefing dive assistant or observer on procedures

conforming with breathholding dive procedures as used by the diver

clearing squeezes

clearing water from mask

donning and doffing gear above and below water

swimming without the effects of current

diagnosing ones own physical condition as a result of a dive

identifying occupational hazards under water

perform the work specified in the range of variables applicable to the diving operation

snorkelling

Literacy skills are used for

completing records

Numeracy skills are used for

calculations associated with dive such as depth time duration of submersion and number of dives

Required knowledge

breathholding limitations

dangers of barotrauma and squeezes

dangers of cold water

dangers of hyperventilation

signs and symptoms of medical conditions associated with diving operations

organisational procedures

Evidence Required

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 evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to

perform dives in an occupational setting from either a vessel or from shore using breathholding techniques to perform work in the fishing or aquaculture sectors of the seafood industry

use diving equipment

clearing squeezes

donning and doffing weights fins mask and wetsuit

mask clearing

devise and implement systems and procedures that reduce underwater hazards

selfdiagnosis of ones physical condition when diving

Assessment must confirm knowledge of

content of the predive plan that forms the basis of dive briefings

hazards associated with the operation

safety procedures associated with the operation

signs and symptoms of medical conditions associated with diving

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment

Resources are to include

a range of diving equipment

a suitable swimming area

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

observation of practical demonstration

practical exercises

project work

written or oral shortanswer testing

Guidance information for assessment

This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification

Range Statement

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.

Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include

biodiversity and genetically modified organisms

biosecurity, translocation and quarantine

Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) and other import requirements

business or workplace operations, policies and practices

ESD principles, environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control

fisheries or aquaculture regulations, permits and licences

food safety, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), hygiene and temperature control along chain of custody

health and welfare of aquatic animals

Indigenous land rights and cultural activities, including fishing by traditional methods

maritime and occupational diving operations, safety at sea and pollution control

OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control.

OHS guidelines may include:

appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers

codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction or industry sector

enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards

hazard and risk assessment of workplace, maintenance activities and control measures

induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner

OHS training register

safe lifting, carrying and handling techniques, including manual handling, and the handling and storage of hazardous substances

safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace

systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and exposed moving parts

the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.

ESD principles may include:

applying animal welfare ethics and procedures

controlling effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution

controlling weeds, pests, predators and diseases, and stock health maintenance

improving energy efficiency

increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources

maintaining biodiversity by sustainable fisheries or broodstock/seedstock collection

minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions

reducing emissions of greenhouse gases

reducing use of non-renewable resources

reducing energy use

reducing interactions with native and protected flora and fauna, marine or land parks or areas

reducing live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment

undertaking environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control

undertaking facility quarantine, biosecurity and translocation of livestock and genetic material

using and recycling of water, and maintaining water quality.

PPE may include:

buoyancy vest or personal floatation device (PFD)

personal locator beacon or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

sun protection (e.g. sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses).

Systems and procedures may include:

briefings

check in and out

direct supervision.

Procedures may include:

communication techniques

duration of submersion.

Diving operations may include:

checking underwater equipment

collecting sea animals:

abalone

beche-de-mer

crayfish

molluscs

sea urchin

tending aquacultured animals

collecting lost tools and equipment, dead animals, and debris

installing, servicing and maintaining ponds and associated equipment.

Diving practice may include:

checking for underwater dangers

eliminating eardrum barotrauma

eliminating the danger of cold water cramp and hypothermia

eliminating reverse blockages.

Equipment may include:

buoyancy vest

catch bag and tool kit

face mask and snorkel

fins

gloves

safety line

weights

wetsuit.

Physical condition may include:

bites, stings or punctures from aquatic organisms

burns

ear problems:

colds, influenza and ear, nose and throat infections

eardrum barotrauma

hyperventilation

hypothermia

near drowning and saltwater aspiration

shock from bleeding

squeezes.

Occupational hazards may include:

aquatic animals

cold water cramp

eardrum barotrauma

hyperventilation

hypothermia

lack of swimming ability

reverse blockages and squeezes

underwater dangers or snags

underwater terrain.

Assessed may include:

listing hazards

describing the causes of hazards

indicating when hazards might occur

describing the likelihood of the hazard occurring.

Post-dive checks may include:

deterioration of rubber and straps

presence, suitability and operability of:

diving equipment

safety and emergency equipment

seals:

face mask

wetsuit.