Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Factors affected by altitude may include:
buoyancy
temperature
partial pressure differences
equipment needs
density
atmospheric pressure.
Industry technical and safety criteria may include:
British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC)
Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
SCUBA Schools International (SSI).
Risks may include:
hypothermia
group management hazards
decompression illnesses
hypoxia
narcosis.
Altitude diving equipment may include:
altitude decompression tables
dive computers
exposure protection
navigation equipment
first aid equipment.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations
marine regulations.
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.

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 prepare for single and repetitive dives at an altitude greater than 300 metres and calculates no-decompression limits suitable for such dives
identifies specific factors affected by altitude which can impact on diving and negotiates hazards and risks associated with diving at altitude, and determines first aid procedures for potential altitude diving incidents
evaluates and reflects on own altitude diving performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple SCUBA diving activities performed at altitude to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information to plan and select appropriate equipment for the altitude diving activity
a suitable altitude diving location, greater than 300 metres
SCUBA equipment and altitude 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:
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of differences between sea level and altitude diving, factors affected by altitude, and hazards and risks associated with altitude diving
observation of safe participation in altitude diving activities and planning of no decompression limits
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.