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 affecting site selection may include:
entry and exit points
bottom conditions
aquatic life
environmental conditions
visibility.
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.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
communication protocols
code of ethics
manufacturer's recommendations.
Night hazards may include:
lack of light
poor weather
light failure
buddy separation
disorientation
squeezes
barotrauma
panic
aquatic animals and plants.
Physics and physiology may include
pressure or volume or density relationships
temperature
buoyancy
respiration
air consumption
ingassing and offgassing
decompression sickness
nitrogen narcosis
oxygen toxicity
carbon monoxide toxicity
hypothermia.
Risks may include:

hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost part or party member
equipment failure
other diver's shining flash light in eyes
near drowning
getting lost or separated from group
barotrauma
nitrogen narcosis
contaminated SCUBA air
cramps
stings or bites
Decompression Illness (DCI).
Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
coastal patrol or coastgard
volunteer marine rescue
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts
high and low tide predictions.
Plan may include:
objectives
date, time and duration of night dive
site end equipment
suitable buddy
time, depth and air supply limits
safety and emergency procedures.
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Dive equipment may include:
fins
mask
snorkel
wetsuit or drysuits
buoyancy control device (BCD) with low pressure inflator
compressed air cylinder and valve
regulator and backpack
alternate air source
submersible pressure gauge
torch or flashlight and backup
strobe light
timing device
depth gauge
no-decompression tables
computer
weight belt and weights
diver's tool
communication equipment
navigation equipment.
Lighting equipment may include:
primary
back-up
chemical.
Diver's needs and characteristics may include:
age
cultural and situational factors
previous experience and knowledge
physical development
diver's build, weight and lung capacity.
Entries to and exits from water may include:
off-shore
off dive boats
exit points lit up or contain a buoy.
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 select, maintain and fit dive and lighting equipment and calculates maximum dive time and depth using a no-decompression table
practices night navigation techniques while maintaining contact and communication with buddy at all times
negotiates hazards and risks and minimises negative impact on nocturnal aquatic animal and plant life throughout night dive according to industry technical and safety criteria, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures
evaluates and reflects on own night diving performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple night diving activities to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information to plan and select appropriate equipment for the SCUBA diving activity
a suitable open water dive site for night diving
a buddy to participate in night dive process
a suitable diving boat, if required
SCUBA, night, navigation, communication and safety 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
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of open water night diving techniques, hazards and risks
observation of safe participation and communication with buddy throughout night dives
written and or verbal self evaluation
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.