Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:47 AM AWST
22/07/2026 9:47 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Navigate prescribed routes underwater
Navigate prescribed routes underwater
Unit of competency
National Code
SISOSCB304A
SISOSCB304A
State Code
D6450
D6450
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/03/2012
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
30/03/2012
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to measure distance, determine direction and navigate underwater along prescribed routes.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan prescribed routes.
- 1.1. Identify standard methods formeasuring distance and determining direction.
- 1.2. Assess hazards associated with navigating underwater and implement procedures to minimise risks according to industry technical and safety criteria, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.3. Select navigation equipment, set compass bearing and determine roles with buddy.
2. Navigate underwater.
- 2.1. Determine direction underwater by using a compass and or natural phenomena.
- 2.2. Navigate a straight line and its reciprocal using standard methods for measuring distance and direction indicators according to industry technical and safety criteria, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 2.3. Follow a prescribed route with changes of direction and record measurement on slate.
3. Evaluate navigation techniques.
- 3.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the underwater navigation activity.
- 3.2. Identify improvements for future underwater navigation experiences.
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.
Standard methods for measuring distance may include:
kick cycles
time
arm spans
diver line reel or rope.
Direction may include:
straight line
turn
square
triangle.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
depth
currents
visibility
time
air depletion
entanglement
disorientation.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost part or party member
equipment failure
loosing track of visual references
diving deeper than intending
barotrauma
nitrogen narcosis
contaminated SCUBA air
stings or bites
Decompression Illness (DCI).
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.
Navigation equipment may include:
underwater compass and watch
slate
land compass to plot route before dive
GPS to use from boat to get to site
buoys to map location.
Roles may include:
monitoring bearing and direction, using compass
monitoring air consumption, depth and hazards
monitors navigation, air consumption, depth and hazards while diving together.
Natural phenomena may include:
wrecks
cliffs
pinnacles
reefs
sand bars
current
waves.
Direction indicators may include:
using a compass
using natural phenomena.
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.
Standard methods for measuring distance may include:
kick cycles
time
arm spans
diver line reel or rope.
Direction may include:
straight line
turn
square
triangle.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
depth
currents
visibility
time
air depletion
entanglement
disorientation.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost part or party member
equipment failure
loosing track of visual references
diving deeper than intending
barotrauma
nitrogen narcosis
contaminated SCUBA air
stings or bites
Decompression Illness (DCI).
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.
Navigation equipment may include:
underwater compass and watch
slate
land compass to plot route before dive
GPS to use from boat to get to site
buoys to map location.
Roles may include:
monitoring bearing and direction, using compass
monitoring air consumption, depth and hazards
monitors navigation, air consumption, depth and hazards while diving together.
Natural phenomena may include:
wrecks
cliffs
pinnacles
reefs
sand bars
current
waves.
Direction indicators may include:
using a compass
using natural phenomena.
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:
measures distances and determines and maintains direction underwater using both compass and natural phenomena to navigate a straight line
negotiates hazards and risks associated with underwater navigation, and minimises negative impact on aquatic animal and plant life
evaluates and reflects on navigation performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple underwater navigation activities to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance
Assessment must also ensure access to:
an open water SCUBA dive site
a suitable buddy to participate in underwater navigation activity
a suitable diving boat, if required
SCUBA, navigation and recovery 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 a range of standard methods for measuring distance and processes to determine and maintain direction throughout underwater navigation
observation of safe participation and communication with buddy during activity
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Industry has determined that this unit must be assessed with the following unit or units:
SISOSCB301A SCUBA dive in open water to a maximum depth of 18 metres.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
measures distances and determines and maintains direction underwater using both compass and natural phenomena to navigate a straight line
negotiates hazards and risks associated with underwater navigation, and minimises negative impact on aquatic animal and plant life
evaluates and reflects on navigation performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple underwater navigation activities to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance
Assessment must also ensure access to:
an open water SCUBA dive site
a suitable buddy to participate in underwater navigation activity
a suitable diving boat, if required
SCUBA, navigation and recovery 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 a range of standard methods for measuring distance and processes to determine and maintain direction throughout underwater navigation
observation of safe participation and communication with buddy during activity
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Industry has determined that this unit must be assessed with the following unit or units:
SISOSCB301A SCUBA dive in open water to a maximum depth of 18 metres.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C6264 | SROSCB006A | Navigate prescribed routes underwater | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBE83 | SISOSCB004 | Navigate prescribed routes underwater | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J761 | SIS30413 | Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |