Application
As agreed in the creation of this Training Package, applications for units transferred from the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package will be developed as part of continuous improvement plans, and taking into account the change in Unit of Competency format as detailed in templates for Streamlined Training Packages.
Prerequisites
HLTFA311A Apply first aid.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Plan a decompression dive | 1.1 Dive plan is constructed using decompression tables. 1.2 Dive plan is discussed and cleared, as necessary, by the supervisor. |
2. Select, inspect and fit equipment | 2.1 Equipment is selected, inspected for serviceability, fitted and tested if required. 2.2 Any unserviceable equipment is quarantined and defects are reported according to organisational procedures. 2.3 Independent check of fit and function of equipment by a diver's attendant or dive supervisor is ensured. |
3. Enter and exit the water | 3.1 Markers are positioned in the water to identify the presence of divers. 3.2 Water is entered from sea-borne and land-borne platforms. 3.3 An in-water leak test is conducted at the surface to ensure the integrity and functionality of the equipment. 3.4 In-water checks are conducted. 3.5 Buoyancy is adjusted to commence the dive and as required throughout the dive. |
4. Descend to, and ascend from, a 30 m bottom | 4.1 Measured and controlled breathing is maintained throughout the dive operation. 4.2 Measured and controlled finning is maintained throughout the dive operation. 4.3 Discomfort is prevented and safety is ensured by descending and ascending at an appropriate rate in accordance with dive plan, using appropriate decompression techniques. 4.4 Diving descent and ascent techniques are implemented. 4.5 Relevant factors are monitored throughout the dive. 4.6 Threats posed are avoided or managed to ensure personal safety. 4.7 Effects of open water environment are considered and managed during the dive to prevent impact against rocks, hulls or interference with other divers. 4.8 Spatial awareness is recovered when balance is lost under conditions of zero visibility. 4.9 When lost and/or separated, recovery is ensured. 4.10Adequate awareness of, and distance from, surface and sub-surface hazards is maintained. 4.11Minimal disturbance to bottom is ensured to enable maximum visibility and a safe work environment. 4.12Safe surfacing is ensured. |
5. Identify and manage dive-specific medical problems | 5.1 Signs and symptoms of compression related problems are recognised (in self and others) and immediate corrective procedures are taken. 5.2 Signs and symptoms of decompression related problems are recognised (in self and others) and immediate corrective procedures are taken. 5.3 Heat and cold related problems are recognised (in self and others) and immediate corrective procedures are taken. |
6. Communicate through underwater radio devices | 6.1 Electronic communications device and accessories are inspected for serviceability and fitted. 6.2 Messages are transmitted and received in accordance with radio telephone procedures (RTP). 6.3 Electronic communications device transmission safety requirements are adhered to when working around dangerous items. 6.4 Electronic communications device and accessories are de serviced and stowed. |
7. Communicate non-verbally with other divers | 7.1 Diver-to-diver hand signals are used appropriately throughout the dive operation. 7.2 Written and diagrammatic communications on underwater writing boards are used appropriately throughout the dive operation. 7.3 Standard single line signals are used appropriately throughout the dive operation. |
8. Perform a simple navigation leg underwater | 8.1 Compass bearing is maintained underwater using a compass. 8.2 Distance for a constant swim rate underwater is estimated and maintained. 8.3 Distance travelled is estimated using a watch. |
9. React to individual and group contingencies/ emergencies | 9.1 Flooded face mask is resolved by clearing and refitting. 9.2 Blocked mouthpiece is resolved by clearing and refitting. 9.3 Failed primary breathing system is resolved through switching to the alternate sources. 9.4 Irrecoverable malfunctions are managed through buddy breathing and/or emergency surfacing. 9.5 Lost/severed safety line/s are managed through surfacing. 9.6 Significant systemic failures are managed through the ditching drill and emergency surfacing drill. 9.7 Surfacing is accomplished with the optimum safe speed on hearing the emergency recall signal. 9.8 Other divers are assisted. |
10. Maintain equipment | 10.1 Equipment is maintained during the dive. 10.2 Post-dive, equipment is de-serviced, and tested (if required) and stowed. 10.3 Unserviceable equipment is quarantined and defects are reported in accordance with organisational procedures. |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
compile briefs and clear messages conduct decompression stops conduct predetermined decompression requirements conduct unplanned decompression procedures arising from the onset of (simulated) compression related problems navigate signalling: hand signalling line signalling written signalling switch from primary to the reserve air system use the phonetic alphabet use words twice procedures |
Required Knowledge |
decompression calculations dive equipment dive physics dive physiology and medicine: heat and cold illnesses compression illnesses decompression illnesses general occupational/diving safety awareness: diving in harbours diving in tidal waters, currents and tides diving on/near a ship's bottom (e.g. boats, propellers, etc.) lost/separated entrapment/foul lines marine animal threats pollution/weed working in confined spaces general precautions to be taken against the range of hazards hand signals handling procedures for non-functional items line signals literacy marine animal threats marine hazards navigation theory oceanography radio frequency hazards radio telephone procedures (RTP) relevant references and Australian Standards phonetic alphabet principles of underwater communication systems and diver intercom systems and their limitations safe operating ranges for air-supplies surfacing procedures use of (air) decompression tables to determine decompression time/s and depth/s for a range of dive profiles |
Evidence Required
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to: safely enter and exit the water appropriate to the launch platform, equipment and conditions avoid and manage medical complications during dives avoid and manage hazards during dives comply with assigned call act as a relay between two call receive a number of hand signal messages, demanding acknowledgement, interpretation and appropriate responses from the diver relay hand signal message to other divers receive a number of written messages including diagrams, demanding acknowledgement, interpretation and appropriate responses from the diver draft a number of written messages including diagrams receive a number single line signal messages, demanding acknowledgement, interpretation and appropriate responses from the diver navigate underwater, using a compass only, a complete triangle, of side length not less than 30 m (way Consistency in performance Competency will be demonstrated over a minimum of 12 (ADAS Pt 1 Restricted) dives with the diver diving to 30 m using SCUBA (air) in open water that includes the following requirements: day and night sub current (0–2 knots) visibility (0 metre +) temperature (0 degrees +) range of surface and sub Table 1 (below) outlines the minimum dives required by this Unit of Competency. At the time of printing, this contributed to the achievement of an ADAS Pt 1 (restricted) license, however divers seeking ADAS licensing need to confirm details with ADAS. Table 1
Table 2 (below) outlines the minimum dives required for an ‘unrestricted’ ADAS Pt 1 license, however divers seeking ADAS licensing need to confirm details with ADAS. Table 2
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Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency will be assessed in the ocean over a range of oceanic, diurnal and nocturnal environments, supported by questioning on shore or aboard vessels. When practicable, assessment should relate to the diver’s vocational focus. Specific resources for assessment Access to a complete range of diving, safety and accessory equipment; open water dive site; and dive platform. |
Range Statement
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. | |
Decompression tables may include: | Defence Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine |
Equipment may include: | breathing system and devices: cylinder configuration demand independent primary pressure positive single supply buoyancy devices: buoyancy compensator weight belt dive clothing: fins gloves wet diving accessory equipment: communications slate compass face mask/mouthpiece ensemble knife watch safety equipment: diver’s safety lines |
Entry to the water may include: | dive forward/backward jump roll walk |
Platforms may include: | boats semi ships |
Buoyancy includes: | positive negative neutral |
Decompression techniques may include: | lazy lazy lazy lazy shot and life line surface |
Diving descent and ascent techniques may include: | breathing buoyancy maintenance equalisation maintaining situational and positional awareness throughout the dive monitoring equipment and gauges propulsion surfacing |
Relevant factors may include: | air depth equipment location other divers time |
Threats may include: | pollution weed other debris |
Effects of open water environment may include: | currents swells wave action |
Ensuring recovery may include: | employing rendezvous procedures surfacing |
Surface and sub | anchor drop zones cathodic protection devices electrical cabling inlets and sonar/radio frequency hazards marine animals piers and jetties pipelines pollutants propellers/thrusters trapping hazards: beams culverts gates grottoes and caves intakes and out nets safety, anchor and communications lines sluices sewers submerged ships, vehicles and structures vessel rocking and associated movement |
Ensuring safe surfacing must include: | checking for the sounds of propellers before committing to breaching the surface advancing the arm above the head for protection and signalling, and once surfaced, gaining 360 degree awareness |
Electronic communications device may include: | topside/surface sub hard wire through water voice |
Accessories may include: | antenna ear set microphone |
Radio telephone procedures may include: | call phonetic alphabet pro relaying messages words twice procedures |
Dangerous items may include: | explosives |
Assisting other divers may include: | physically recovering a diver to the surface using the ‘companion diver’ drill (including unconscious companion) searching for a lost buddy sharing air supply through buddy breathing |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.