Required skills

problemsolving skills to

check equipment serviceability prior to use

identify and negotiate potential hazards risks restrictions and stressful situations

apply sump diving specific navigation and antisilting techniques

maintain buoyancy control

planning and organising skills to

access information on sump diving site

prepare a dive plan

select and fit equipment

apply minimal impact techniques

apply independent or solo diving procedures

communication skills to convey information regarding dive to other participants and to implement safety systems

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the site to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all sump diving activities

types and characteristics of equipment to enable its safe and efficient selection use and maintenance

features of a waterfilled sump and safe negotiation methods

factors affecting buoyancy to control sinking and floating

hazards risks restrictions and sources of stress commonly associated with sump diving

communication systems commonly used in a sump diving environment

sump diving specific navigation techniques including line placement and use of a cave reel to avoid getting lost under water

emergency first aid and rescue procedures appropriate to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group

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 processes to devise a suitable dive plan and select maintain and fit equipment for the specific sump dive

negotiates hazards risks restrictions and features using various techniques causing minimal environmental impact

applies sump diving specific navigation techniques to move through the waterfilled sump efficiently

evaluates and reflects on own sump diving performance to identify strengths weaknesses and areas that need improvement

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in sump diving activities in sumps that reflect local conditions and are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

information on the sump dive site to plan a sump dive and select appropriate equipment

suitable locations including fresh water for the conduct of sump diving activities

diving safety and rescue communication and navigation 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 the planning and review process

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of sump diving techniques and techniques to minimise environmental impact

observation of safe participation and negotiation of sump restrictions hazards and risks

copy of dive plans

thirdparty reports from a supervisor detailing performance

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

Guidance information for assessment

Dive plan may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Hazards may include:

Risks may include:

Sources of stress may include:

Dive team may include:

Personal equipment may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Group equipment may include:

Underwater breathing systems may include:

Sump diving skills may include:

Buoyancy control may include:

Anti-silting techniques may include:

Minimal impact techniques may include:

Features may include:

Strategies to reduce risk may include:

Techniques to deal with stress may include:

Navigation aids may include:

Use of a cave reel may include:

Relevant aspects may include: