Elements and Performance Criteria

The range of variables places the competency in context and allows for differences between enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. The range of variables also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The following variables may be present.

Dive platform:
· vessel
· holding cage
· platform
· shore
· jetty.

Guidelines:
· Australian standards
· guidelines
· codes of practice
· Occupational Health and Safety regulations
· other regulations.

Seafood-holding apparatus:
· holding apparatus may be:
· holding cages
· fixed-containment apparatus
· long lines
· suspended-holding apparatus
· construction material may be:
· netting
· weld mesh
· rope
· cable
· chain.

Associated equipment:
· anchors and moorings
· floats
· buoys
· weights
· ropes and lines
· chains
· shackles
· clamps.

Lifting:
· chain hoist
· block and tackle
· crane
· air bag
· capstan
· boom.

Slings:
· multiple leg
· single strop
· pulley.

Tools:
· knives
· screwdrivers
· shifting spanners
· open and ring spanners
· shackle spanners
· hacksaw
· cold chisel
· hammers
· files
· netting needles.

Auxiliary devices:
· underwater propulsion devices:
· underwater scooters
· shark-proof cages
· pressure cleaners
· remotely operated vehicles.

Each unit of competency has an evidence guide that relates directly to the performance criteria and the range of variables. Its purpose is to guide assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program. The following components provide information to assist this purpose.

Underpinning knowledge
The underpinning knowledge identified for this unit is comprehensive due to its likely inclusion in a group of units that may be used as the basis for the issue of licences by regulatory bodies.

The essential knowledge and understanding a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· local weather and sea conditions
· methods for entering and leaving the water
· diving signals
· seafood species farmed in aquaculture operations
· aquaculture apparatus and associated equipment
· lifting equipment used in the aquaculture sector, including its suitability and limitations
· safe working loads and mechanical advantages
· lifting signals
· tools used in the aquaculture sector
· enterprise auxiliary devices
· underwater search and survey techniques.

Practical skills
The essential skills a person needs to perform work to the required standard include:
· assessing weather conditions for safe diving operations
· entering and leaving the water
· communicating with the diver's tender prior to entering the water, during the underwater work and on leaving the water
· inspecting and maintaining aquaculture apparatus and associated equipment
· attaching slings, ropes and other connection equipment
· signalling during lifting and handling activities
· using tools underwater
· maintaining tools and auxiliary devices
· searching and surveying underwater.

Literacy skills used for:
· following dive tables
· reading diving information and instruments.

Numeracy skills used for:
· performing calculations for diving operations.

Critical aspects of competence
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
· assess weather conditions before undertaking a dive
· enter and leave the water according to standard dive procedures
· use dive signals when communicating
· undertake harvesting and maintenance diver duties required on an aquaculture site
· assist in lifting and handling activities
· use basic tools and auxiliary equipment underwater
· search and survey underwater for targeted items.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:
· local climatic conditions
· diver communication systems
· maintenance procedures on an aquaculture site
· seafood species common to the enterprise or industry
· search and survey techniques.

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit may be assessed after/with:
· No recommendations.

Context of assessment
Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
· observation of practical demonstration
· written or oral short answer testing
· practical exercises.

Resources required for assessment
Resources may include:
· suitable diving environment
· diving equipment
· aquaculture apparatus and associated equipment
· tools used in the aquaculture sector
· any relevant auxiliary devices.