DEFWDV009
Conduct an underwater search of a ship's hull


Application

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to conduct an exterior search of the underwater component of a ship’s hull.

It includes defining a ship’s hull search area and searching the underwater component of a ship’s hull.

This unit relates, in part, to existing standards in the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS). All information was correct at the time of development; however, any diver seeking ADAS accreditation should consult ADAS and not rely on the information contained in this unit.

This unit applies to persons working as Defence personnel with diving duties. 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 in a small team and perform routine 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

Define search area of ship’s hull

1.1

Determine and analyse search task and worksite data to define search area

1.2

Develop a search plan consistent with dive plan, ensuring scope addresses task requirements

1.3

Prepare and position search control devices on ship’s hull in accordance with search and dive plan

2

Refurbish search site

2.1

Apply manual or visual search methods in accordance with visibility levels, search plan and task requirements

2.2

Refurbish search site in accordance with search plan

2.3

Recover, disconnect, refurbish and stow search control devices on completion of search activity

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, organisational policies and procedures

conducting an underwater dive to search ship’s hull in accordance with dive plan, organisational procedures and search plan

locating an object (such as a mine) that is attached to a ship’s hull and is of a minimum underwater length of 30 metres during a search conducted under poor visibility (maximum of 0.5 metres) that demands the use of manual search techniques

planning to conduct a ship’s hull manual search

using search control devices in accordance with manufacturer specifications

working safely throughout dive operation.


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 equipment and search control devices

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

marine, ship and dive hazards

oceanography

relevant industry standards, and organisational policies and procedures

relevant occupational/diving safety awareness

relevant search device manufacturer specifications

search techniques.


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, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry

a ship

ocean with a range of oceanic, diurnal and nocturnal environments

relevant documentation including organisational procedures, regulations, 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