Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to dive from either a vessel or from shore using breath-holding techniques to perform work in the fishing or aquaculture sectors of the seafood industry. It requires the ability to plan systems, procedures and contingencies, identify hazards, check and use equipment, descend and ascend using breath-holding techniques and maintain diving equipment components.
The unit applies to individuals who use basic diving techniques to perform work in the fishing or aquaculture sectors.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety, biosecurity and environmental regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
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. Prepare for dive | 1.1 Plan dive, systems and procedures and work schedule including hazard identification and contingencies according to workplace procedures 1.2 Check equipment to confirm suitability for planned work and serviceability 1.3 Brief diving assistant or observer on procedures to be used during diving operation as required |
2. Perform work during a breath-hold dive | 2.1 Enter water and make a descent to the required depth according to industry diving guidelines 2.2 Use personal and safety equipment to establish working environment 2.3 Perform work tasks underwater according to dive plan 2.4 Monitor signs and symptoms of injury, including other information relevant to the situation, on a continuous basis and use to assess own physical condition 2.5 Make ascent from the dive and access the shore or vessel according to industry diving guidelines |
3. Employ techniques that reduce underwater hazards | 3.1 Assess occupational hazards that cause injury or harm and take action to remove or minimise hazards according to dive plan 3.2 Ensure dive procedures are according to dive plan 3.3 Devise and implement systems and procedures to reduce hazards |
4. Complete post-dive activities | 4.1 Perform post-dive checks on equipment according to workplace procedures 4.2 Maintain components of diving equipment, ensuring they are working efficiently and safely 4.3 Clean, dry and stow equipment according to workplace procedures 4.4 Complete records in a legible manner and forward to supervisor, industry or regulatory body, or store as required |
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 | Understands the role of a breath-hold diver and how it contributes to the work of others in the immediate work context |
Interact with others | Uses appropriate terminology and hand signals specific to breath-hold diving operations |
Get the work done | Maintains industry standards and adheres to work health and safety principles Implements standard solutions and responses to familiar problems, incidents and emergencies |
Sectors
Fishing Operations (FSH)