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.
Factors affecting site selection may include:
entry and exit points
bottom conditions
aquatic life
subject
environmental conditions
tides and currents
water conditions.
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
minimal impact codes.
Underwater photography hazards may include:
currents
bottom composition
loss of buoyancy
hazardous aquatic life
concentrating on subject rather than diving
nitrogen narcosis
decompression illness
barotrauma
equipment failure
mobility
dexterity
corrosion.
Risks may include:

hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost part or party member
equipment failure

Principles of photograph composition may include:
definition
image completeness
foreground
background
subject direction and position
lighting
contrast.
Underwater photography equipment may include:
camera
housing
strobe
aiming lights
lenses
trays
arms
sealing rings
recharging systems
film
maintenance kit
developing facilities.
Pre-dive equipment care may include:
tools
cleaning
lubrication
sealing rings
batteries or electronics
lens
strobe
camera.
Underwater photography techniques may include:
proximity to the subject to minimise loss of colour
maintaining smooth movements
lighting and composition
using interesting angles
focussing
strobe
different environmental conditions
taking photographs of different subject matter.
Subjects may include:
fish
aquatic mammals
aquatic plant life
shipwrecks
cave systems
portraits of other divers.
Position may include:
diver propulsion
buoyancy control
body positioning.
Negative impact may include:
suspended particles
light loss
colour absorption.
Post-dive equipment care may include:
washing
lubricating
batteries
electronics.
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 underwater photography equipment and undertakes pre and post dive equipment care
negotiates hazards and risks and minimises negative impact on aquatic life throughout dive according to industry technical and safety criteria, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures
evaluates and reflects on own underwater photography performance to identify factors affecting quality of photographs and own strengths, weaknesses and areas requiring improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in multiple underwater photography activities to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information to plan and select appropriate underwater photography equipment
a suitable open water dive site to a maximum depth of 18 metres
SCUBA diving and photography 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:
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of underwater photography techniques, hazards and risks
observation of safe participation and use of photography equipment
portfolio of underwater photographs, showing a range of subjects and techniques
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.