Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to conduct explosive demolitions in an underwater environment.

The unit also covers the conduct of maintenance on the established demolition circuits and includes the requirement to disarm and disassemble the demolition.

Application of the Unit 

This competency normally applies to the individual who is required to assemble and disassemble firing circuits, and to fix detonators, primers, firing devices and explosive charges in accordance with the demolition supervising officer's plan in an underwater environment.

The individual is also required to handle, transport and protect explosives in an underwater environment.

Pre-requisite Unit /s 

PUADEFDV001C Dive using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus in open water to 30 metres

PUADEFEO711C Conduct military demolition operations

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 demolitions 

1.1 Work task and worksite data  are determined and analysed to determine the specific requirements for the explosive demolition

1.2 Work plan is developed consistent with the dive plan

1.3 Explosives , associated equipment  and protective equipment  are selected , inspected and prepared 

1.4 Explosives and associated equipment are 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 demolition 

2.1 Explosives and associated equipment are secured on self

2.2 Work-safe area is established at the demolition site and the location of divers is confirmed prior to commencing demolition task/s

2.3 Hazards  relevant to the application of explosives and associated equipment are identified and managed

2.4 Charges  are fixed and placed, line  is laid, timing devices are set, firing point is established and circuit is connected and tested

2.5 Location and safety of personnel is confirmed prior to firing  the demolition

2.6 Demolition is fired

3. Conduct post-demolition procedures 

3.1 Environmental impact  arising from use of explosives is minimised and waste products are recovered

3.2 Demolition circuit is disassembled

3.3 Explosives and associated equipment are recovered, de-serviced and stored for re-use or disposed of

3.4 Usage of explosives and associated equipment is recorded

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• ability to dive
• fire explosive ordnance
• handle and care for explosives
• set-up explosive circuits

Required Knowledge 

• dangers to explosives
• dive equipment
• dive physics
• effect of water on explosives
• explosive charges
• general occupational/diving safety awareness
• land based explosive demolitions
• oceanography
• relevant references and Australian Standards
• work hazards

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• fix and place appropriate charges
• implement occupational health and safety policies and procedures
• implement diving safety awareness strategies.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated during a demolition task over a time frame that allows for the safe demonstration of competency.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the ocean for all practical assessments, supported by questioning on shore or aboard vessels.

When practicable, assessment should relate to the diver's vocational focus.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• complete range of diving, safety and accessory equipment
• explosives
• associated equipment.

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed with the following unit:

• PUADEFEO101D Work safely with explosive ordnance.

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions.

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

Explosives and associated equipment include 

Anfo

Bangalore torpedo

Beehive

Composition b

Detonation cord

Electrical detonators

Electrical cable

Fuse burning time

Gelignite

Hayrick

M60 ignitor

Non-electrical detonators

Plastic explosive 4

Primers

Sheet explosive

Shrike lightweight exploder

Tester OHMETER No.1 Mk.3

Protective equipment may include 

Boots

Ear protection

Eye protection

Gloves

Helmet

Vests

Selecting , inspecting and preparing may include 

In respect of explosives, associated equipment and protective equipment:

• circuit tests
• date checks
• preparatory assembly
• proofing
• test firing

Action to remove /reduce the risk may include 

Erecting signage

Using patrol/sentry craft

Explosives and associated equipment are secured on the self for 

Accessibility

Lack of interference with diver mobility and dive equipment

Hazards may include 

Contribution of water to explosive effect

Lightning

Radiation (e.g. sonar/radio)

Sympathetic explosion

Charges may include 

Borehole charges

Breaching charges

Concrete stripping charges

Concussion charges

Cratering charges

Cutting charges

Rope hole charges

Shaped charges

Lines may include 

Line-main

Single ring-main

Dual ring-main

Firing includes 

Conducting misfire drills

Environmental impact may include 

Physical damage to reef and associated floor eco-systems (e.g. coral)

Contamination of surrounding water (e.g. leaking oil)

Visual pollution of waste material (e.g. concrete and metal parts)