Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 10:00 PM AWST
23/07/2026 10:00 PM 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.
Employ power tools in an underwater environment
Employ power tools in an underwater environment
Unit of competency
National Code
DEFDV010B
DEFDV010B
State Code
AVV11
AVV11
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
Nominal Hours
0
Description
This unit covers the competency required to use power tools in an underwater environment. This includes the operation (from the surface) of the compressor.The unit also includes selecting appropriate tools for the work task, inspecting them for serviceability and correctly operating the tools, with particular attention to safety.Competence will need to be demonstrated in the surface operation of the compressor.The diver will be responsible for the recovery of any wastes arising from the work task to ensure the preservation of the environment. Finally, the tools (and compressor) must be de serviced and stored appropriately for ongoing use.Note: This Unit of Competency relates, in part, to the existing standards of the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS). All information was correct at the time of development of this Unit of Competency; however, any diver seeking ADAS accreditation should consult ADAS and not rely on the information contained in this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to use power tools underwater
- 1.1 Work task, worksite data and work object are determined and analysed to determine the specific requirements for power tools.
- 1.2 Work plan is developed consistent with the dive plan.
- 1.3 Power tools and protective equipment are selected, inspected and prepared.
- 1.4 Compressor and associated leads and hoses are selected, inspected and prepared.
- 1.5 Power tools, compressor, and associated leads and hoses are secured safely to/from the dive site.
- 1.6 Access obstructions and other hazards are assessed and action is taken to remove/reduce the risk.
- 1.7 Occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied in accordance with standard procedures, manufacturers' instructions and legislation.
2. Operate power tools underwater
- 2.1 Power tools are secured on self during the dive for ease of accessibility and lack of interference with mobility and dive equipment.
- 2.2 Safe route for leads and hoses is established.
- 2.3 Work-safe area is established and the location and safety of divers is confirmed prior to commencing work task/s.
- 2.4 Power tools are operated underwater ensuring management of their associated hazards.
- 2.5 Operator maintenance is conducted at the worksite on power tools, leads and hoses.
- 2.6 Power tools are temporarily disconnected and rendered safe to evaluate the work task.
3. Operate the compressor
- 3.1 Pre-start checks are performed, and hoses and leads are connected.
- 3.2 Pressure is developed gradually without surging and compressor is stabilised and trimmed to required work output.
- 3.3 Routine operational checks are conducted and warning signs are diagnosed and addressed.
- 3.4 Compressor is shut down.
- 3.5 Emergency shut down is conducted.
4. Conclude power tool operations
- 4.1 Environmental impact arising from the use of power tools is minimised and waste products are recovered.
- 4.2 Power tools, leads and hoses are de-serviced after use.
- 4.3 Compressor is de-serviced after use.
- 4.4 Equipment log books are completed.
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Work task may include:
bending
chiselling
cleaning/de-rusting
cutting
fastening
grinding
hammering
nailing
stapling
tightening and loosening bolts and screws
twisting
Worksite data may include
composition of work object
condition of work object
current
depth
gradient
hazards
obstacles
Work object may include:
anchorage
cable
cement slab/foundation
composition such as:
aluminium
fibreglass
high and low alloy steels
high and low carbon steels
mild steel
stainless steel
timber
condition
pipe
sheet (hull)
submerged object e.g. vehicle, boat
support/strut
Power tools may include:
angle grinders
drills
jackhammers
nail guns
pneumatic wrenches
sanders
saws
screwdrivers
water jet
Protective equipment may include:
boots
ear protection
gloves
Selecting, inspecting and preparing power tools and protective equipment may include:
honing
loading
oiling/greasing
sharpening
Compressor may include:
hydraulic
pneumatic
Selecting, inspecting and preparing compressor may include:
checking fluids
fuelling
pre-start checks
Action to remove/reduce the risk may include:
erecting signage
using patrol/sentry craft
Operation of power tools may include:
general:
changing power settings and directions
changing tools
replacing (drill) bits, belts and blades
specific:
bending
chiselling
cleaning/de-rusting
cutting fastening
grinding
hammering
nailing
smashing
sucking
tightening and loosening bolts and screws
twisting
Hazards may include:
fall zone of objects being worked on
impact of power tool on dive equipment (e.g. hoses, gauges, communications)
operational zone of power tool
release of fuels and associated chemical contaminants resident at the worksite
Operator maintenance of power tools may include:
removing blockages and work debris from the tool
tightening tool fittings after prolonged use
Routine operational checks may include:
fluids
fuel
pressure
temperature
Warning signs may include:
feed variations
rise/fall in temperature
smoke
surging (rise/fall in power)
unusual noise
unusual smell (e.g. oil)
Environmental impact may include:
contamination of surrounding water (e.g. leaking oil)
physical damage to reef and associated floor eco-systems (e.g. coral)
visual pollution of waste material (e.g. concrete and metal parts)
De-servicing may include:
drying
logging work details into equipment logs
oiling/greasing
washing in fresh water
Work task may include:
bending
chiselling
cleaning/de-rusting
cutting
fastening
grinding
hammering
nailing
stapling
tightening and loosening bolts and screws
twisting
Worksite data may include
composition of work object
condition of work object
current
depth
gradient
hazards
obstacles
Work object may include:
anchorage
cable
cement slab/foundation
composition such as:
aluminium
fibreglass
high and low alloy steels
high and low carbon steels
mild steel
stainless steel
timber
condition
pipe
sheet (hull)
submerged object e.g. vehicle, boat
support/strut
Power tools may include:
angle grinders
drills
jackhammers
nail guns
pneumatic wrenches
sanders
saws
screwdrivers
water jet
Protective equipment may include:
boots
ear protection
gloves
Selecting, inspecting and preparing power tools and protective equipment may include:
honing
loading
oiling/greasing
sharpening
Compressor may include:
hydraulic
pneumatic
Selecting, inspecting and preparing compressor may include:
checking fluids
fuelling
pre-start checks
Action to remove/reduce the risk may include:
erecting signage
using patrol/sentry craft
Operation of power tools may include:
general:
changing power settings and directions
changing tools
replacing (drill) bits, belts and blades
specific:
bending
chiselling
cleaning/de-rusting
cutting fastening
grinding
hammering
nailing
smashing
sucking
tightening and loosening bolts and screws
twisting
Hazards may include:
fall zone of objects being worked on
impact of power tool on dive equipment (e.g. hoses, gauges, communications)
operational zone of power tool
release of fuels and associated chemical contaminants resident at the worksite
Operator maintenance of power tools may include:
removing blockages and work debris from the tool
tightening tool fittings after prolonged use
Routine operational checks may include:
fluids
fuel
pressure
temperature
Warning signs may include:
feed variations
rise/fall in temperature
smoke
surging (rise/fall in power)
unusual noise
unusual smell (e.g. oil)
Environmental impact may include:
contamination of surrounding water (e.g. leaking oil)
physical damage to reef and associated floor eco-systems (e.g. coral)
visual pollution of waste material (e.g. concrete and metal parts)
De-servicing may include:
drying
logging work details into equipment logs
oiling/greasing
washing in fresh water
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
attend to personal and collective safety
consider the environmental impact as part of the dive plan
lift either:
air - clear mud from hole of half a cubic metre or
water - clear mud from hole of half a cubic metre
operate any four of the following:
power wrench, including changing sockets on site; tightening and loosening nuts
drill, including drilling a hole in steel plate; changing bits on site
disc cutter, including cutting steel or concrete; changing disc on site
jack hammer, including breaking concrete
chainsaw, including cutting wooden beams 230 x 100 mm
angle grinder, including cleaning and smoothing a fillet; chamfering a 12 mm plate; changing disc on site
scrubber, including cleaning 2 m2 of horizontal and vertical surface
operate a pneumatic or hydraulic compressor including:
connecting hoses and leads
connecting to the power supply
adjusting output power
switching the compressor on/off.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated during a number of work tasks using the power tools outlined in the Critical Aspects of Evidence.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in the ocean supported by questioning on shore or aboard vessels.
When practicable, assessment should relate to the diver’s vocational focus.
Specific resources for assessment
Access to a complete range of diving, safety and accessory equipment; power tools; and compressor, leads and hoses.
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
attend to personal and collective safety
consider the environmental impact as part of the dive plan
lift either:
air - clear mud from hole of half a cubic metre or
water - clear mud from hole of half a cubic metre
operate any four of the following:
power wrench, including changing sockets on site; tightening and loosening nuts
drill, including drilling a hole in steel plate; changing bits on site
disc cutter, including cutting steel or concrete; changing disc on site
jack hammer, including breaking concrete
chainsaw, including cutting wooden beams 230 x 100 mm
angle grinder, including cleaning and smoothing a fillet; chamfering a 12 mm plate; changing disc on site
scrubber, including cleaning 2 m2 of horizontal and vertical surface
operate a pneumatic or hydraulic compressor including:
connecting hoses and leads
connecting to the power supply
adjusting output power
switching the compressor on/off.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated during a number of work tasks using the power tools outlined in the Critical Aspects of Evidence.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in the ocean supported by questioning on shore or aboard vessels.
When practicable, assessment should relate to the diver’s vocational focus.
Specific resources for assessment
Access to a complete range of diving, safety and accessory equipment; power tools; and compressor, leads and hoses.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBC79 | DEFWDV010 | Employ power tools in an underwater environment | Unit of competency |
