Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the DEF Defence Training Package.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to conduct an exterior search of the underwater component of a ship’s hull.

It includes defining a ship’s hull search area and searching the underwater component of a ship’s hull.

This unit relates, in part, to existing standards in the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS). All information was correct at the time of development; however, any diver seeking ADAS accreditation should consult ADAS and not rely on the information contained in this unit.

This unit applies to persons working as Defence personnel with diving duties but can apply to others working as work divers.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies, dive plan and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Persons undertaking this unit work independently in a small team and perform routine tasks in a range of contexts that could be unpredictable.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Not applicable.

Defence Work Diving.

Not applicable.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1  

Define search area of ship’s hull 

1.1 

Determine and analyse search task and worksite data to define search area

1.2 

Develop a search plan consistent with dive plan, ensuring scope addresses task requirements

2 

Conduct search 

2.1 

Prepare and position search control devices on ship’s hull in accordance with search and dive plan

2.2 

Conduct search according to the dive plan

2.3 

Apply manual or visual search methods in accordance with visibility levels, search plan and task requirements

2.4 

Apply specific underwater techniques to complete the required task according to processes and procedures

2.5 

Report any deviation outside of the dive plan to the designated supervisor

3 

Refurbish search site 

3.1 

Refurbish search site in accordance with search plan

3.2 

Recover, disconnect, refurbish and stow search control devices on completion of search activity

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the DEF Defence Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit replaces and is equivalent to DEFWDV009 Conduct an underwater search of a ship's hull.

Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the DEF Defence Training Package.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

• applying relevant industry standards, organisational policies and procedures
• applying SCUBA, surfaced-supplied and/or CCBA operating techniques
• conducting an underwater dive to search ship’s hull in accordance with dive plan, organisational procedures and search plan
• maintaining records according to organisational policies and procedures
• planning to conduct a ship’s hull search
• using search control devices in accordance with manufacturer specifications
• working safely throughout dive operations wearing self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA), surface-supplied and/or closed-circuit breathing apparatus (CCBA).

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and includes knowledge of:

• depth of water
• dive equipment and search control devices
• dive physics
• dive physiology and medicine, including:

• compression illnesses
• decompression illnesses
• heat and cold illnesses

• diving descent and ascent techniques
• general diving safety awareness, including:

• diving in harbours
• diving in tidal waters, currents and tides
• diving on and/or near a ship’s hull
• entrapment/foul lines
• lost/separated
• marine animal threats
• pollution/weeds
• underwater hazards
• working in restricted spaces

• marine, ship and dive hazards
• oceanography
• organisational policies and procedures
• relevant industry standards
• relevant occupational/diving safety awareness
• relevant search device manufacturer specifications
• SCUBA, surface-supplied and/or CCBA operating techniques
• search techniques
• ships underwater fittings and configurations.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
• applicable documentation, including legislation, regulations, codes of practice, workplace procedures and operation manuals
• documentation specific to the dive operation, including dive plan and risk assessment
• relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry.