This unit applies to current or aspiring specialty SCUBA dive guides or instructors working in a range of conditions that include computer aided dives to a maximum depth of 18 metres. This may include those working for private dive schools or companies operating at coastal sites or through holiday resorts.

SISOSCB301A SCUBA dive in open water to a maximum depth of 18 metres

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan computer aided dive.

1.1. Identify key features of dive computers.

1.2. Determine potential hazards of computer-aided diving and implement procedures to minimise risks.

1.3. Devise computer aided diveplan according to industry technical and safety criteria, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

2. Select and use equipment.

2.1. Select, check and practice reading a dive computer according to manufacturer's recommendations.

2.2. Use and maintain dive computer according to industry technical and safety criteria, manufacturer's recommendations and organisational policies and procedures.

3. Complete dives using a dive computer.

3.1. Perform a single, and series of, computer aided multi-level dive or dives, according to dive plan and industry technical and safety criteria.

3.2. Monitor dive progression using dive computer throughout dive.

3.3. Log computer data after dive.

4. Evaluate computer aided dive.

4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the computer aided dive.

4.2. Identify improvements for future computer aided dives.

Required skills

planning and organising skills to:

determine computer aided dive plans for single, and a series of, multi level dives

check and familiarise self with dive computer prior to dive

devise back up plans in the case of computer failure

self management and problem-solving skills to:

anticipate possible computer failure

implement back up plan

negotiate computer aided diving hazards and risks

technology skills to use and maintain dive computer

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the site to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge

legislation, organisational policies and procedures and industry technical and safety criteria to enable safe conduct of all computer aided diving activities

selection, use and maintenance of computer aided dive equipment, characteristics and technology, and factors affecting appropriate selection of equipment

key features of dive computers and potential hazards and risks commonly associated with computer aided diving to a depth of 18 metres

no-decompression dive tables to calculate air requirements as a back up plan to computer

emergency, first aid and rescue procedures appropriate to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

applies relevant process to select, use and maintain computer aided dive equipment

participates in a range of SCUBA diving activities using computer aided diving equipment according to dive plan and industry technical and safety criteria, and safely negotiates potential hazards and risks

evaluates and reflects on own computer aided diving performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple computer aided dives to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information to plan and select appropriate equipment

a suitable open water dive site to a maximum depth of 18 metres

SCUBA diving and computer aided diving equipment.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of use and maintenance of computer aided diving equipment during multi level dives

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of computer aided diving, hazards and risks

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Guidance information for assessment

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Key features of dive computers may include:

no-decompression status

time

depth

duration

dive planning

dive profile recall

water temperature

compass

ascent rates programming for special considerations.

Hazards of computer aided diving may include:

sawtooth profile, variable depth profile

bounce dives

strenuous activity

cold or flu

computer failure

decompression diving

altitude diving

flying after diving

sources of computer error.

Risks may include:

decompression sickness

hypothermia

getting lost or separated from group

barotrauma

cramps

exhaustion.

Computer aided diveplan may include:

a computer assisted multi level dive

a series of computer assisted multi level dives

using no-decompression diving

ascending at industry recommended rates

pre and post dive maintenance checks of computer

back up plan with no decompression calculations from dive tables.

Industry technical and safety criteria may include:

British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC)

Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)

SCUBA Schools International (SSI).

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations

Agency Standards.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

communication protocols

code of ethics

minimal impact codes.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.

Unit sector

Outdoor Recreation

This unit contains employability skills.