Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to both lead, and complete diver rescues using a range of dive specific techniques. It requires the ability to fully assess the situation, determine a response and complete rescues using methods and equipment appropriate for the situation. It also covers the administration of in-water rescue breathing, and oxygen.
This unit does not require the provision of first aid, which is covered in other units, but does require the recognition and assessment of common diving related illnesses and injuries.
It applies to dive leaders, usually known as divemasters or instructors who work independently in the field using discretion and judgement to manage problems and emergencies when they arise.
This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers SCUBA diving activities and dive instruction including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCECRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine rescue requirements and prepare for rescue. | 1.1. Identify divers in need of rescue and determine their condition. 1.2. Assess situation, identify hazards promptly, assess risks and manage to avoid injury to self and others. 1.3. Determine appropriate rescue methods and techniques for situation, according to degree of urgency and condition of divers in need of rescue. 1.4. Select rescue equipment according to requirements. 1.5. Assess abilities, establish a chain of command and allocate roles and responsibilities to others. 1.6. Provide clear and concise instructions and confirm rescue crew understanding of roles, communication protocols and rescue actions. 1.7. Implement rescue operations according to organisational policies and procedures for emergency response. |
2. Rescue divers. | 2.1. Use equipment and rescue techniques appropriate to situation. 2.2. Provide reassurance and clear and concise instructions to divers being rescued. 2.3. Rescue divers on surface, using techniques appropriate to situation. 2.4. Assist responsive divers to surface and to reach boat or shore. 2.5. Bring unresponsive divers to the surface, provide in-water rescue breathing, and tow to boat or shore. 2.6. Maintain safety of self, others and rescuees throughout rescue operations. 2.7. Evaluate and monitor condition of rescued divers and determine need for first aid, medical treatment or evacuation. 2.8. Utilise underwater search patterns to locate missing divers. |
3. Use supplemental oxygen. | 3.1. Assess diver casualty to identify need for supplemental oxygen. 3.2. Administer oxygen, as authorised by organisation and allowed under local law. |
4. Debrief and complete reports. | 4.1. Participate in incident management debrief and identify future response improvements. 4.2. Complete required incident reports according to organisational procedures. |
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
SKILLS | DESCRIPTION |
Reading skills to: | interpret detailed familiar organisational policies and procedures for emergency response. |
Writing skills to: | record detailed and accurate factual information about rescue responses. |
Oral communication skills to: | use clear and unambiguous verbal and non-verbal communications to make intent known. |
Teamwork skills to: | pro-actively and cooperatively direct and work within teams to coordinate rescue logistics, solve arising problems and effect efficient rescues. |
Self-management skills to: | critically analyse all circumstances and implications to coordinate a considered response to rescue requirements. |
Sectors
Outdoor Recreation
Competency Field
SCUBA Diving