ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Plan a wreck dive.

1.1. Prepare a profile of the wreck and determine a wreck dive plan according to industry technical and safety criteria, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.2. Identify potential wreck diving hazards and implement procedures to minimise risks.

1.3. Determine air supply and penetration limits for the wreck dive according to industry technical and safety criteria.

2. Select equipment.

2.1. Select equipment according to industry technical and safety criteria.

2.2. Assess equipment for safety and suitability and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort.

3. Perform wreck dive.

3.1. Locate ascent reference without surfacing.

3.2. Complete a wreck dive within pre-set air supply and penetration limits according to industry technical and safety criteria, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

3.3. Identify and maintain minimal impact on wreck features and aquatic life living in and around wreck.

4. Evaluate wreck dive.

4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the wreck dive.

4.2. Identify improvements for future wreck dives.

Required skills

planning and organising skills to:

prepare and follow wreck profile and dive plan

select specific wreck diving equipment

problem-solving skills to:

locate and navigate wreck site

negotiate hazards and risks

numeracy skills to calculate air supply and penetration limits for wreck dive

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 wreck diving activities

minimal impact interactions to minimise negative impact on the wreck and aquatic animal and plant life

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

wreck diving specific technical knowledge such as penetration diving, navigation and use of lighting underwater

hazards and risks commonly associated with wreck diving at a depth of 18 metres

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 plan safe wreck dives, including calculating air supply and penetration limits, and selecting wreck diving equipment

participates in penetration diving of a wreck while negotiating wreck hazards and risks according to industry technical and safety criteria, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple wreck dives t to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information to prepare a profile of the wreck, plan wreck dive and select equipment

a suitable open water dive site, with an appropriate wreck, to a maximum depth of 18 metres

SCUBA diving and wreck 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 the planning and review process with evidence of reference to resources

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of minimal impact wreck diving, hazards and risks

observation of use and maintenance of wreck diving equipment

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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

SISOSCB309A Complete dives off boats.

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.

Profile may include:

type of wreck

wreck site or location

wreck size and layout

hazards and risks

sea bed surrounding wreck

route in to or out of wreck

historical and ecological significance.

Wreck dive plan may include:

wreck profile and access

equipment

descent and or ascent reference

air supply and penetration limits

habitats and aquatic life living in wreck

safety or guide lines when penetration diving

navigation and lighting

SCUBA buddy checks

depths and time underwater

alternate dive plan.

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

protection of wrecks.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

communication protocols

code of ethics

minimal impact codes.

Wreck diving hazards may include:

the wreck

depth

currents

penetration

air depletion

fishing line, net and or tackle.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

lost party or party member

equipment failure

trapped diver

entanglement

disorientation

inability to ascend immediately.

Equipment may include:

exposure protection

knife

torch

protective gloves

underwater navigation equipment

communication equipment

guide lines

anchor lines

greater reserve of breathing gas.

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.