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.
Dry suit construction may include:
closure
seals
valves
construction material.
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
minimal impact codes.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
group management hazards
slippery or unstable shore
rough conditions
rocks and reefs
water depth
barotrauma
panic
aquatic animals and plants.
Risks may include:
excessive air in the suit or in the feet
loss of neutral buoyancy
broken seals, zips and or valves
dropped weight belt
flooded suit
diving without a buoyancy control vest
squeeze
ballooning
inversion
loss of control
suit leak.
Dry suit and equipment may include:
dry suit shell
seals
waterproof entry
thermal undersuits
gloves
hoods
boots
attachment rings
valves.
Dry suit dive criteria may include:
access
hazards
environmental conditions
accessory equipment.
Assess may include:
inspect seals, valves and zippers
check for damage
trim and adjust neck and or wrist seals
repair or report any faults prior to diving.
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 and use dry suit and equipment and undertakes pre and post dive equipment assessment and maintenance
performs a range of dry suit diving techniques, such as maintaining neutral buoyancy and demonstrating controlled descents and ascents, while negotiating hazards and risks
evaluates and reflects on own dry suit diving performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple dry suit dives demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information to plan and select appropriate dry suit and equipment
a suitable open water dive site to a maximum depth of 18 metres
SCUBA diving and dry suit 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 with evidence of reference to resources
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of dry suit diving techniques, hazards and risks
observation of use and maintenance of dry suit and equipment
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.