Required skills

communication and teamwork skills to

inform progress during search

interact with buddy via underwater hand signals

recover and lift an object weighing up to kilograms to the surface

problemsolving skills to

determine factors affecting search underwater navigation and appropriate recovery methods according to depth size and weight of object

tie knots to secure load for safe lifting

numeracy skills to calculate weight of load and determine suitable lifting method

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 deep water SCUBA diving activities

selection use and maintenance of SCUBA and lifting equipment characteristics and technology the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment

weather and environmental information to interpret conditions and their effect on the search and recovery dive

hazards and risks commonly associated with open water search and recovery techniques to a depth of metres

underwater search patterns such as linear and circular searches to find an object

navigation techniques to search for an object under water

knots and lifting techniques suitable to the depth size and weight of the object

underwater communication systems such as signs and signals used to communicate with buddy

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

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

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 a range of underwater search techniques such as circular and U pattern searches to locate objects of different size and weight

applies processes to recover various objects weighing between and kilograms using knots and safe lifting 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 search and recovery

evaluates and reflects on search and recovery performance to identify strengths weaknesses and areas that need improvement

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in search and recovery diving activities that are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to

a suitable open water SCUBA dive site

a buddy to participate in search and recovery dive

a suitable diving boat if required

SCUBA navigation and recovery equipment and an object weighing between and kilograms to recover

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 factors affecting selection of search and recovery techniques in open water

observation of safe participation and communication with buddy throughout search and recovery dives

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

SISOSCBA Complete dives off boats

SISOSCB309A Complete dives off boats.

Guidance information for assessment

Underwater search may include:

Industry technical and safety criteria may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Factors may include:

Risks and hazards may include:

Knots may include:

Relevant aspects may include: