Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to complete underwater rigging work.

The unit also includes securing and moving submerged loads through the employment of blocks and tackle, chains, slings, and cordage.

The diver will be required to establish secure lift points, to set rigging equipment between the load and the lifting platform, and to control the conduct of the lift. Attention must be given to safety during the lift particularly with regard to other divers and nearby surface vessels and/or structures. Consideration must also be given to the environmental impact of any work undertaken.

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.

Application of the Unit 

The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit /s 

PUADEFDV001B Dive using self contained underwater breathing apparatus in open water to 30 metres

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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 Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for underwater rigging operation 

1.1 Load metrics  and worksite data  are determined and analysed to determine the specific requirements for rigging gear 

1.2 Work plan is developed consistent with the dive plan

1.3 Rigging gear is selected , inspected and prepared 

1.4 Rigging gear is secured safely to/from the dive site

1.5 Access obstructions and other hazards are assessed and action  is taken to remove /reduce the risk 

2. Lift and handle submerged objects using mechanical advantage 

2.1 Lift points  are established to secure the object to the lifting device 

2.2 Work-safe area is established and the location and safety of divers is confirmed prior to commencing the lift

2.3 Lifting devices are operated within accepted load tolerances 

2.4 Raised objects are anchored off to allow associated work to be undertaken in safety

3. Conclude underwater rigging operations 

3.1 Environmental impact  arising from the work task is minimised and waste products are recovered

3.2 Rigging gear is disassembled, de -serviced  and stored after use

3.3 Log books are completed

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• check equipment
• inspect equipment for serviceability and functionality
• planning
• rig equipment

Required Knowledge 

• determination of mass of submerged objects
• dive equipment
• dive physics
• general occupational/diving safety awareness
• marine hazards
• oceanography
• relevant references and Australian Standards

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; and to consider the environmental impact as part of the dive plan.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated during a physical rigging and lifting operation where the diver conducts the following lifts with mechanical devices:

• 1 x vertical lift to surface:
• lift distance – at least 5 metres (object must breach surface)
• depth – between 5 to 20 metres
• weight – at least 250 k

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; and rigging equipment.

Guidance information for assessment  

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Load metrics may include 

Centre of gravity

Composition

Dimensions

Lift points

Weight

Worksite data may include 

Depth

Gradient

Hazards

Obstacles

Rigging gear may include 

Air and hydraulic motors

Blocks and tackle

Bolts

Chain hoist

Chains

Clamps

Clocks and wedges

Cradle timbers

Equalising gear

Eye bolts

Feeler gauges

Fibrous rope

Fishplates

Fixing brackets

Jacks

Karabiners and shackles

Packers

Puller systems

Rigging screws

Rollers

Skates

Skids

Sliding shoes

Slings

Spreader beams

Steel wire rope

Turfers

Turn buckles

Winches

Selecting , inspecting and preparing rigging gear may include 

Checking of test certificates

Establishing end-brackets:

• wedged end sockets
• bulldog clips
• eyed bolts

Identifying load tolerances

Testing functionality of:

• karabiner and shackle hinge and sleeve checks
• movement of blocks and tackle
• start-up of air and hydraulic motors

Action to remove /reduce the risk may include 

Erecting signage

Using patrol/sentry craft

Lifting points may include 

Single

Multiple

Lifting devices include 

Blocks and tackle

Hydraulic/pneumatic lift

Operating lifting devices may include 

Lowering

Raising

Shifting laterally

Load tolerances may include 

Safe Working Load (SWL)

Working Load Limit (WLL)

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 

Coiling and cordage

Drying

Logging work details into equipment logs

Oiling/greasing

Washing in fresh water

Co-requisite Unit /s 

Nil