This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to dive using closed-circuit breathing apparatus (CCBA) (O2) in an open water environment to a maximum depth of 10 metres.

It includes operating the oxygen compressor/handbooster pump, inspecting and operating CCBA (O2) equipment, and conducting CCBA (O2) specific contingency drills.

This unit applies to persons working as Defence divers, but can apply to others working as work divers.

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

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Operate an O2 compressor/hand-booster pump

1.1

Inspect compressor and associated equipment for serviceability

1.2

Fit appropriate protective equipment in accordance with organisational procedures

1.3

Connect leads and hoses to compressor

1.4

Charge gas cylinders to maximum working pressure and record details in relevant logs in accordance with organisational procedures

1.5

Conduct operator level maintenance on compressor in accordance with operational procedures

1.6

Undertake de-service the compressor after use, in accordance with operational procedures

2

Conduct dive operations

2.1

Select, inspect and fit CCBA (O2), and conduct apparatus test prior to entering water and in water, in accordance with dive plan

2.2

Use CCBA (O2) during dive operations and demonstrate relevant dive contingencies in accordance with organisational procedures and dive plan

2.3

Undertake activities to de-service CCBA (O2) and report defects, as required

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, organisational policies and procedures

arranging for others to check equipment

conducting closed-circuit breathing apparatus (CCBA) (O2) dive operations in accordance with dive plan

conducting inwater CCBA (O2) checks

handling nonfunctional equipment items

maintaining equipment during dive operations

monitoring CCBA (O2) equipment and gauges

operating an O2 compressor/handbooster pump in accordance with manufacturer specifications

recovering and clearing mask and mouthpiece

switching from primary to reserve air system.

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:

CCBA (O2) dive equipment specifications and limitations

CCBA (O2) characteristics and limitations

dive physics

dive physiology and medicine including:

heat and cold illnesses

compression illnesses

decompression illnesses

diving descent and ascent techniques

general 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 of oxygen

relevant industry standards, organisational policies and procedures

safe operating ranges for airsupplies.

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, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry

ocean with a range of oceanic, diurnal and nocturnal environments

applicable documentation including organisational procedures, regulations, codes of practice and CCBA (O2) operation manuals.

When practicable, assessment should relate to the diver’s vocational focus.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

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.

Not applicable.

Work Diving