Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:49 AM AWST

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Dive using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus in open water to 30 metres

Dive using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus in open water to 30 metres

Unit of competency
National Code
DEFWDV001
State Code
BBC60
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
17/08/2017
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/02/2018
Field of Education
031799 - Maritime Engineering And Technology, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
21/02/2018
Nominal Hours
0
Description
This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to dive using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) in an open water environment to a depth of 30 metres.It includes planning the dive (including using decompression tables); selecting, inspecting and fitting equipment; entering the water from a range of platforms; conducting descent to, and servicing time at, the required depth. It also includes ascending (including using decompression techniques), exit from the water to the original platform, and removing and refurbishing equipment.This unit has been aligned with existing standards in the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS). It relates, in part, to the minimum standard for a diver using SCUBA to a depth of 30 metres. ADAS refers to this as ‘restricted’. Further experience is required to gain an ADAS ‘unrestricted’ rating.This unit was developed for Defence divers but may be applicable to anyone in this field.The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.Persons undertaking this unit work independently and perform specific tasks in a range of contexts that could be unpredictable.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for a decompression dive
  • 1.1 Develop a dive plan using decompression tables and obtain supervisor’s clearance in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 1.2 Select, fit and test equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications
  • 1.3 Inspect equipment for serviceability, quarantine any unserviceable equipment and report defects to maximise diver safety
  • 1.4 Ensure independent safety check of fit and function of equipment is carried out by a diver’s attendant or dive supervisor
2 Enter and exit the water
  • 2.1 Position markers in the water to identify presence of divers
  • 2.2 Conduct in-water leak test at the surface to ensure the integrity and functionality of equipment
  • 2.3 Adjust buoyancy to commence dive and as required throughout dive
3 Descend to, and ascend from, a 30 metres bottom
  • 3.1 Maintain measured and controlled breathing and finning
  • 3.2 Implement diving descent and ascent techniques, and decompression techniques in accordance with dive plan and safety procedures
  • 3.3 Monitor relevant risk factors throughout dive to manage threats and personal safety, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 3.4 Recover spatial awareness when balance is lost under conditions of zero visibility
  • 3.5 Recover any lost and/or separated diver
  • 3.6 Maintain awareness of, and distance from, surface and sub surface hazards
  • 3.7 Ensure minimal disturbance to bottom to enable maximum visibility and a safe work environment, in accordance with dive plan
  • 3.8 Undertake checks to ensure safety to surface
4 Identify and manage dive-specific medical problems
  • 4.1 Recognise signs and symptoms of compression and/or decompression related problems in self and others, and take immediate corrective action in accordance with dive plan and safety procedures
  • 4.2 Recognise and manage heat and cold related problems in self or others and hazards, in accordance with dive plan and safety procedures
5 Communicate underwater
  • 5.1 Inspect electronic communications device and accessories for serviceability and fit
  • 5.2 Transmit and receive messages using electronic communications devices in accordance with dive plan
  • 5.3 De-service and stow electronic communications device and accessories in accordance with manufacturer specifications
  • 5.4 Communicate non-verbally with other divers using hand signals, writing boards and standard single line signals, in accordance with dive plan
6 Perform a simple navigation leg underwater
  • 6.1 Maintain compass bearing underwater
  • 6.2 Estimate and maintain distance for a constant swim rate underwater
  • 6.3 Estimate distance travelled in dive
7 React to individual and group contingencies and/or emergencies
  • 7.1 Resolve flooded face mask and/or blocked mouthpiece by clearing and refitting
  • 7.2 Resolve failed primary breathing system and manage irrecoverable malfunctions in accordance with dive plan
  • 7.3 Manage lost and/or severed safety line/s, as required
  • 7.4 Manage significant systemic failures through ditching drill and emergency surfacing drill, in accordance with dive plan and safety procedures
8 Maintain equipment
  • 8.1 Maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications
  • 8.2 De-service, test and stow post dive equipment
  • 8.3 Quarantine unserviceable equipment and report defects in accordance with organisational procedures
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