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.
Underwater search may include:
linear
circular
U pattern
jack stay
expanding square.
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.
Factors may include:
bottom topography
water movement
depth
visibility.
Risks and hazards may include:
slipping knots
runaway ascent
load dislodgment
entanglement
hypothermia
cramps
exhaustion
stings or bites
Decompression Illness (DCI).
Knots may include:
bowline
half hitch
sheet bend.
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 a range of underwater search techniques, such as circular and U pattern searches, to locate objects of different size and weight
applies processes to recover various objects weighing between 6 and 45 kilograms, using knots and safe lifting techniques according to industry technical and safety criteria, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures
negotiates hazards and risks, and minimises negative impact on aquatic animal and plant life throughout search and recovery
evaluates and reflects on search and recovery performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in search and recovery diving activities that are of sufficient breadth and duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a suitable open water SCUBA dive site
a buddy to participate in search and recovery dive
a suitable diving boat, if required
SCUBA, navigation and recovery equipment and an object weighing between 6 and 45 kilograms to recover.
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 factors affecting selection of search and recovery techniques in open water
observation of safe participation and communication with buddy throughout search and recovery dives
written and or verbal self evaluation
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISOSCB309A Complete dives off boats.