Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 8:02 AM AWST

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SCUBA dive in open water to a maximum depth of 18 metres

SCUBA dive in open water to a maximum depth of 18 metres

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOSCB001
State Code
OBE86
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/09/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/12/2019
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
13/12/2019
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to plan and complete recreational SCUBA dives to a maximum depth of 18 metres and to respond to problematic and emergency situations involving self and dive buddy. It also requires the ability to assemble and dissemble equipment and to complete basic maintenance at the water’s edge.It applies to dive leaders, usually known as divemasters, or instructors and to assistant instructors who use these skills when leading participants in SCUBA diving activities. Leadership skills are provided in complementary units.This unit applies to any type of organisation that delivers SCUBA diving activities and dive instruction including commercial, not-for-profit and government organisations.In order to procure air, equipment, and other services to engage in recreational open water diving without supervision, divers must hold certification (C-Card) issued by an industry authorised organisation. That industry certification may or may not be issued concurrently with an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) qualification or Statement of Attainment identifying achievement of competency in this unit. C-Card certification would be required to gain employment as a divemaster or instructor. Those delivering training and assessment to support this unit should consult the relevant industry bodies to determine any partnership arrangements for courses, trainers and assessors that can lead to joint AQF and industry regulated C-Card certification.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan dives.
  • 1.1. Determine site, depth and duration of dives.
  • 1.2. Identify hazards and medical problems and assess risks associated with use of equipment, site, depth and duration of dives.
  • 1.3. Prepare dive plans for single and repetitive dives according to industry technical and safety criteria.
  • 1.4. Calculate no decompression limits and maximum operating depth.
  • 1.5. Use dive computer or dive tables, as required, to plan requirements.
2. Prepare for the dive.
  • 2.1. Select and assemble dive equipment suited to conditions and dive requirements, and check for safe working condition.
  • 2.2. Utilise dive computers or dive tables, as required, to finalise details of dive, according to industry technical and safety criteria.
  • 2.3. Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during activities.
  • 2.4. Confirm protocols for communications between divers buddy and activity leaders.
  • 2.5. Fit and adjust equipment and exposure suit to self, in conjunction with buddy, to ensure comfort and safety.
  • 2.6. Complete buddy cross checks for all equipment.
  • 2.7. Participate in pre-dive roll call.
3. Complete dives.
  • 3.1. Utilise techniques to enter and exit the water according to conditions and own ability.
  • 3.2. Execute controlled descents and ascents with buddy and equalise at appropriate times.
  • 3.3. Adjust and maintain positive, neutral and negative buoyancy at appropriate times during dive.
  • 3.4. Control underwater swimming and navigate a basic course.
  • 3.5. Monitor depth and time throughout dive, according to planned dive tables or use of dive computer data.
  • 3.6. Monitor air supply, check pressure gauges regularly and communicate supplies with buddy.
  • 3.7. Use techniques that minimise damage to the diving environment throughout all activities.
  • 3.8. Participate in post-dive roll call and ensure dive log is completed.
  • 3.9. Disassemble SCUBA gear on completion of dive.
4. Maintain safety and complete rescues.
  • 4.1. Safely approach, and negotiate obstacles and hazards to minimise risk of injury.
  • 4.2. Maintain buddy contact, cooperation and communication throughout dive.
  • 4.3. Identify problematic or emergency situations promptly, and assist buddy with rescues.
  • 4.4. Self-rescue from problematic or emergency situations.
  • 4.5. Use an alternate air source and make controlled air sharing ascents.
No information
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Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D6447 SISOSCB301A SCUBA dive in open water to a maximum depth of 18 metres Unit of competency