Unit of competency details

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Plan prescribed routes.

1.1. Identify standard methods for measuring distance  and determining direction .

1.2. Assess hazards  associated with navigating underwater and implement procedures to minimise risks  according to industry technical and safety criteria , relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

1.3. Select navigation equipment , set compass bearing and determine roles  with buddy.

2. Navigate underwater.

2.1. Determine direction underwater by using a compass and or natural phenomena .

2.2. Navigate a straight line and its reciprocal using standard methods for measuring distance and direction indicators  according to industry technical and safety criteria, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

2.3. Follow a prescribed route with changes of direction and record measurement on slate.

3. Evaluate navigation techniques.

3.1. Evaluate relevant aspects  of the underwater navigation activity.

3.2. Identify improvements for future underwater navigation experiences.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication and teamwork skills to inform progress with buddy and determine roles throughout underwater navigation activity
• problem-solving skills to:

• determine direction using a compass and or natural phenomena
• measure and calculate distance using standard methods
• follow a prescribed route in open water

• numeracy skills to set compass bearings, measure distance and record information to support safe underwater navigation
• first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the site to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge 

• legislation, organisational policies and procedures and industry technical and safety criteria to enable safe conduct of all underwater navigation activities
• features, operation and usage of navigation equipment to measure distance and direction
• weather and environmental information to interpret forecast and conditions and their effect on the activity
• hazards and risks associated with navigating in open water to a depth of 18 metres
• underwater communication systems such as signs and signals used to communicate with buddy
• emergency, first aid and rescue procedures appropriate to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group
• minimal impact interactions and techniques to minimise negative impact on aquatic animal and plant life.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

• measures distances and determines and maintains direction underwater using both compass and natural phenomena to navigate a straight line
• negotiates hazards and risks associated with underwater navigation, and minimises negative impact on aquatic animal and plant life
• evaluates and reflects on navigation performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple underwater navigation activities to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• an open water SCUBA dive site
• a suitable buddy to participate in underwater navigation activity
• a suitable diving boat, if required
• SCUBA, navigation and recovery equipment.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of the planning and review process
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of a range of standard methods for measuring distance and processes to determine and maintain direction throughout underwater navigation
• observation of safe participation and communication with buddy during activity
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Industry has determined that this unit must be assessed with the following unit or units:

• SISOSCB301A SCUBA dive in open water to a maximum depth of 18 metres.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Standard methods for measuring distance  may include:

• kick cycles
• time
• arm spans
• diver line reel or rope.

Direction  may include:

• straight line
• turn
• square
• triangle.

Hazards  may include:

• temperature extremes
• depth
• currents
• visibility
• time
• air depletion
• entanglement
• disorientation.

Risks  may include:

• hypothermia
• heat exhaustion
• injuries
• exhaustion
• lost part or party member
• equipment failure
• loosing track of visual references
• diving deeper than intending
• barotrauma
• nitrogen narcosis
• contaminated SCUBA air
• stings or bites
• Decompression Illness (DCI).

Industry technical and safety criteria  may include:

• British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC)
• Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
• SCUBA Schools International (SSI).

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations
• marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• communication protocols
• code of ethics
• manufacturer's recommendations
• minimal impact codes.

Navigation equipment  may include:

• underwater compass and watch
• slate
• land compass to plot route before dive
• GPS to use from boat to get to site
• buoys to map location.

Roles  may include:

• monitoring bearing and direction, using compass
• monitoring air consumption, depth and hazards
• monitors navigation, air consumption, depth and hazards while diving together.

Natural phenomena  may include:

• wrecks
• cliffs
• pinnacles
• reefs
• sand bars
• current
• waves.

Direction indicators  may include:

• using a compass
• using natural phenomena.

Relevant aspects  may include:

• objectives
• planning process
• activity site
• weather
• equipment selection
• clothing selection
• food selection
• instructional content
• instructional technique
• assessment technique
• group feedback
• directing techniques
• rescue techniques employed.