Required skills

communication skills to inform progress and interact with buddy via underwater hand signals

teamwork skills to

check assemble and fit buddys dive equipment

negotiate maximum time and depth limits

SCUBA dive with and look out for buddy

swimming skills to swim metres on the surface wearing SCUBA equipment

problemsolving skills to

determine time depth and air supply limits

navigate underwater

adapt to changing weather and sea conditions

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

Required knowledge

legislation organisational policies and procedures and industry technical and safety criteria to enable safe conduct of all SCUBA diving activities

minimal impact interactions and techniques to minimise negative impact on aquatic animal and plant life

selection use and maintenance of SCUBA equipment characteristics and technology the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment to enable safe performance

weather and environmental information to interpret forecast conditions and their effect on the diving activity

sea features such as currents waves and tides and how these might impact on the dive

factors affecting buoyancy and how to control sinking and floating

nodecompression dive tables to determine air requirements

physics and physiology such as the direct and indirect effects of pressure and signs symptoms prevention and treatment of common SCUBA diving risks such as decompression illness to enable safe performance

hazards and risks commonly associated with open water SCUBA diving to a depth of metres

underwater communication systems such as signs and signals used to communicate with buddy and navigation techniques 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 relevant process to select maintain and fit SCUBA dive equipment and calculates maximum dive time and depth using a nodecompression table

demonstrates a range of safe SCUBA diving and out of air techniques according to industry technical and safety criteria relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures

negotiates hazards and risks and minimises negative impact on aquatic animal and plant life throughout dive

communicates with and monitors buddys progress throughout the dive and performs self and buddy rescues including towing in open water

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple SCUBA diving activities to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

resources and information to plan and select appropriate equipment for the SCUBA diving activity

a suitable open water SCUBA dive site

a buddy to participate in dive process

a suitable diving boat if required

SCUBA navigation communication and safety 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 open water SCUBA diving techniques hazards and risks

observation of safe participation and communication with buddy throughout diving process

written and or verbal self evaluation

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

SISOOPSA Interpret weather for marine environments

SISOOPS303A Interpret weather for marine environments.

Guidance information for assessment

Factors affecting site selection may include:

Industry technical and safety criteria may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Hazards may include:

Physics and physiology may include:

Risks may include:

Weather and environmental information may include:

Plan may include:

SCUBA dive equipment may include:

Diver's needs and characteristics may include:

Entries to and exits from water may include:

SCUBA diving techniques may include:

Buddy system may include:

Emergency out of air techniques may include:

Self and buddy rescue may include:

Relevant aspects may include: