Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

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DEF12 V2

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1

DEF12 V1

Primary release.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Operate an N ₂O ₂ compressor/ hand-booster pump  

1.1 Compressor and associated equipment  are inspected for serviceability.

1.2 Protective equipment  is fitted.

1.3 Leads and hoses are connected to the compressor.

1.4 Gas cylinders are charged to maximum working pressure and details are recorded in relevant logs.

1.5 Operator level maintenance  is performed on the compressor.

1.6 Compressor is de-serviced after use.

2. Conduct dive operations 

2.1 CCBA (N2O2)  is selected, inspected for serviceability, and fitted and tested (both out of water and in-water).

2.2 Dives are conducted using CCBA (N₂O₂) and dive contingencies  are demonstrated.

2.3 CCBA (N₂O₂) is de-serviced and defects are reported in accordance with organisational procedures.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• conduct buddy breathing
• conduct ditching drills
• conduct lost buddy drills
• conduct unconscious companion diver drills
• fit and check CCBA (N₂O₂)
• identify distress and illness in others at depth
• inspect and prepare CCBA (N₂O₂)
• monitor CCBA (N₂O₂) equipment and gauges
• recover and clear mask and mouthpiece
• refurbish CCBA (N₂O₂) post-dive

Required Knowledge 

• CCBA (N₂O₂) dive equipment characteristics and limitations
• CCBA (N₂O₂) characteristics and limitations
• dive physics
• dive physiology and medicine
• general occupational/diving safety awareness
• hazards of nitrox
• marine animal threats
• marine hazards
• oceanography
• relevant references and Australian Standards
• safe operating ranges for air-supplies

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• arrange for others to check equipment
• conduct in-water checks
• handle non-functional equipment items
• implement contingency and emergency drills such as:
• buddy breathing
• ditching drills
• unconscious companion diver drills
• maintain equipment during the dive
• prepare equipment for the dive including charging of cylinders
• recover and clear mask and mouthpiece
• refurbish equipment post-dive
• safely enter and exit the water appropriate to the launch platform, equipment and conditions
• switch from primary to the reserve air system.

Consistency in performance 

Competency will be demonstrated over a minimum of 15 dives with the diver diving to a depth not greater than 40 m using CCBA (N₂O₂) in open water that includes the following requirements:

• day and night
• oceans
• seas, lakes and rivers
• sub-surface conditions:
• a range of surface and sub-surface hazards
• current (0–2 knots)
• temperature (0 degrees +)
• visibility (0 metre +).

Table 1 (below) outlines the minimum dives required by this Unit of Competency.

Table 1 

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency will be assessed in the ocean over a range of oceanic, diurnal and nocturnal environments, 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 CCBA (N₂O₂) diving, safety and accessory equipment.

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.

Open water environment  may include:

• day or night
• oceans, seas, lakes and rivers
• sub-surface conditions:

• current (0–2 knots)
• visibility (0 metre +)
• temperature (0 degrees +)
• surface and sub-surface hazards such as:

• anchor drop zones
• cathodic protection devices
• electrical cabling
• inlets and sonar/radio frequency hazards
• marine animals
• piers and jetties
• pipelines
• pollutants
• propellers/thrusters

• trapping hazards:

• beams
• culverts
• gates
• grottoes and caves
• intakes and out-falls
• nets
• safety, anchor and communications lines
• sewers
• submerged ships, vehicles and structures
• sluices

• vessel rocking and associated movement

Associated equipment  includes:

• hoses
• pumps

Protective equipment  may include:

• boots
• gloves
• goggles

CCBA  (N₂O₂) includes:

• N₂O₂ cylinder
• counter-lung
• emergency cylinder
• facemask/mouthpiece
• scrubber material

Operator level maintenance  may include:

• checking existing pressure in cylinders with pressure gauge
• conducting charging in (N₂O₂) clean environment
• following correct charging procedure and charging rate
• operating high pressure charging panels

Dive contingencies  may include:

• buddy breathing
• companion diver
• flooded mask
• fouled supply
• hose blockage/choking
• hose rupture
• partial pressure anomalies
• set to 40 bar
• trouble drill