Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to use self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) to dive to a maximum depth of 30 metres and complete occupational post-dive activities. It includes the ability to check and prepare equipment, prepare a dive plan, carry out an open water SCUBA dive and complete post-dive equipment checks.
This unit applies to individuals who work as occupational divers in the seafood industry undertaking tasks in collecting or tending aquatic animals, cleaning and maintenance, environmental surveys, retrieval and water sampling and pest control during diving operations.
Occupational licensing, legislative and certification requirements apply to this unit but vary according to state/territory requirements. Occupational diving is regulated independently by each state and territory work health and safety authority. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority to confirm current requirements.
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. Prepare for SCUBA diving operations | 1.1 Select, check and prepare equipment for a SCUBA diving operation 1.2 Ensure defective equipment is marked and removed from service by the person in charge of the diving operation 1.3 Don personal protective equipment and diving equipment appropriate to the type and duration of the dive in the correct sequence 1.4 Plan dive, select and check necessary tools, and conduct a risk assessment 1.5 Ensure the dive is recorded by the person in charge of the diving operation |
2. Perform open water SCUBA diving operations | 2.1 Undertake open water SCUBA diving operations to a maximum depth of 30 metres according to accepted industry occupational diving guidelines 2.2 Follow decompression and emergency procedures according to industry occupational diving guidelines 2.3 Undertake tender duties in a SCUBA operation according to industry occupational diving guidelines 2.4 Establish and maintain effective communication with surface and dive team |
3. Maintain an effective work relationship in a dive team | 3.1 Maintain effective teamwork during dive operations 3.2 Follow routine instructions according to dive plan and directions from team members |
4. Complete activities after SCUBA dive | 4.1 Remove personal protective equipment and diving equipment on completion of the SCUBA diving operation 4.2 Carry out post-dive equipment checks and report faults 4.3 Decontaminate, clean and store equipment according to workplace procedures |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Numeracy | Makes calculations involving pressure, volume and temperature relationships Interprets decompression tables and data |
Reading | Reads and identifies required information from diving-related instructions, procedures, regulations, guidelines and texts Interprets emergency action plan |
Writing | Communicates underwater via slate |
Navigate the world of work | Interprets and follows regulatory requirements, and seeks clarification or other assistance when required |
Interact with others | Uses appropriate terminology, hand and lifeline signals specific to SCUBA and general diving operations |
Sectors
Diving (DIV)