Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to conduct underwater surveys of beaches and waterways such as estuaries and lakes.

The unit includes conducting the survey for reasons relating to the potential establishment of structures such as bridges or piers, or to determine the feasibility of establishing a beach-head.

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 

DEFDV001B 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 survey 

1.1 Survey task and available worksite data  are determined and analysed

1.2 Survey plan is developed consistent with the dive plan

1.3 Survey equipment  is selected, inspected and prepared

1.4 Survey equipment 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. Conduct underwater survey 

2.1 Survey equipment is secured on self for ease of accessibility and lack of interference to mobility and dive equipment

2.2 Bottom gradient is measured

2.3 Bottom composition is determined and sub -surface features , channels and obstacles are identified and marked

3. Conduct post-survey procedures 

3.1 Survey equipment is de-serviced and stored after use

3.2 Survey report  is drafted and submitted according to organisational procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• ability to dive
• make oral presentations
• make underwater field notes and sketches
• measure instruments
• take photographs
• write reports

Required Knowledge 

• dive physics
• dive equipment
• general occupational/diving safety awareness
• oceanography
• relevant references and Australian Standards
• work hazards

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to carry and secure the equipment throughout the dive; to contribute to compiling a survey report; and to work safely throughout the operation.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated during a survey task conducting at least one underwater survey of a beach/waterway including the following:

• bottom gradient
• bottom composition
• sub-surface features marking of obstacles/channels.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the ocean.

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 survey equipment.

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.

Worksite data may include 

Current

Depth

Gradient

Hazards

Obstacles

Temperature

Survey equipment may include 

Angle measurement devices

Compass

Depth gauges

Geo-positioning systems

Hand-held sonar

Jackstays

Locator beacons

Marking devices

Photographic equipment

Sounding lines

Writing tablets

Action to remove /reduce the risk may include 

Erecting signage

Using patrol/sentry craft

Sub-surface features may include 

Obstacles

Reefs

Rocks

Troughs

Report may include 

Imagery

Oral presentation

Scaled drawings

Sketches

Supporting documents

Co-requisite Unit /s 

Nil