This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to move submerged objects using air-lift devices.

It includes preparing, selecting and inspecting air-lift bags appropriate to the lift, securing bags to the object and inflating bags to required buoyancy to manoeuvre object under control.

This unit relates, in part, to existing standards in the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS).

This unit applies to persons working as Defence Work Divers, but may apply to others working 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

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Prepare for underwater air-lift operation

1.1

Identify and analyse load metrics and worksite data to determine specific requirements for air-lift bags

1.2

Develop a work plan consistent with dive plan

1.3

Select, inspect and prepare air-lift bags in accordance with manufacturer specifications and safe weight limits

1.4

Secure air-lift bags to/from dive site

1.5

Assess obstructions and other underwater hazards to determine risks and manage risk control measures in accordance with dive plan

2

Operate air-lift devices

2.1

Secure air-lift bags to object’s lift point/s

2.2

Determine a safe work area, confirm location of other divers and nearby vessels and/or structures prior to commencing and during air-lift operation, in accordance with work plan

2.3

Inflate air-lift bags in accordance with work plan

2.4

Control buoyancy and movement in accordance with work plan

3

Complete air-lift operations

3.1

Minimise environmental impact arising from work task and recover waste products

3.2

Carry out de-servicing and storage requirements for air-lift bags

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 centre of gravity of lifted object

applying relevant legislation, standards and organisational policies and procedures

applying underwater risk control measures and work plan requirements

controlling neutrally buoyant objects

coordinating with other operators during lift

demonstrating air-lift operations with manually inflated air bags including:

1 x vertical lift to surface

1 x lateral lift

determining hydrodynamics of object as it is raised through the water

developing underwater air-lift work plan

rigging and de rigging air-lift equipment.

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:

calculations to determination hydrodynamics, centre of gravity and mass of submerged objects

characteristics and employment of airlift bags

dive equipment

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

oceanography

relevant manufacturer specifications

relevant marine workplace hazards

relevant legislation, standards and organisational policies and procedures.

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, air-lift 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, industry standards and 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