Application
This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to dive using surface-supplied breathing apparatus (SSBA) in an open water environment to a depth of 30 metres. It includes operating a surface-supply panel, and inspecting and operating SSBA equipment. This unit has been aligned with existing Defence and Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) standards. It relates, in part, to the minimum standard for a diver using SSBA to a depth of 30 metres. ADAS refers to this as a Part 2 restricted qualification. Further experience is required to gain an ADAS Part 3 licence, based, in part, on SSBA diving to 50 metres. This unit was developed for Defence divers but may be applicable to anyone in this field. The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to. Persons undertaking this unit work independently and perform specific tasks in a range of contexts that could be unpredictable. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA | ||
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Operate a surface-supply panel | 1.1 | Inspect surface-supply panel and associated equipment for serviceability and check all gauges to ensure they are in date |
1.2 | Connect main and reserve air supplies and confirm supply | ||
1.3 | Check seals and connections for integrity, correct function and correct line up | ||
1.4 | Ensure each umbilical from the surface-supply panel is supplying a specific diver | ||
1.5 | Perform operator level maintenance on surface-supply panel at the work site | ||
1.6 | De-service surface-supply panel after use | ||
2 | Conduct dive operations | 2.1 | Select, inspect, fit and test SSBA in accordance with manufacturer specifications |
2.2 | Conduct dive/s using SSBA and demonstrate dive contingencies in accordance with organisational procedures | ||
2.3 | De-service SSBA and report defects in accordance with organisational procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include: applying relevant industry standards, and organisational policies and procedures arranging for others to check equipment and maintain equipment during dive conducting inwater checks diving using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SSBA) in open water to 30 metres entering and exiting the water appropriate to the launch platform, equipment and conditions implementing contingency and emergency response plan preparing equipment for dive preparing surface control panel for dive recovering and clearing mask and mouthpiece switching from SSBA primary to reserve air system. |
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of: dive physics dive physiology and medicine including: heat and cold illnesses compression illnesses decompression illnesses diving descent and ascent techniques general occupational/diving safety awareness including: diving in harbours diving in tidal waters, currents and tides diving on and/or near a ship’s bottom lost/separated entrapment/foul lines marine animal threats pollution/weeds working in confined spaces hazards to the umbilical marine hazards including marine animal threats oceanography relevant industry standards, and organisational policies and procedures safe operating ranges for air supplies SSBA dive equipment characteristics and limitations surface-supply panel characteristics and limitations. |
Assessment Conditions
As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment. As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment. Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions. Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate. Resources for assessment must include access to: a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulations relevant and appropriate materials, tools, SSBA equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry ocean with a range of oceanic, diurnal and nocturnal environments relevant documentation including organisational procedures, regulations, relevant industry standards, codes of practice and operation manuals. When practicable, assessment should relate to the diver’s vocational focus. |
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |
Range Statement
Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment. Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide. |
Sectors
Not applicable. |
Competency Field
Work Diving |