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. Prepare for altitude dives.

1.1. Identify factors affected by altitude  and compare the differences between diving at altitude and at other sites.

1.2. Calculate no-decompression limits for single and repetitive altitude dives according to industry technical and safety criteria .

1.3. Determine first aid procedures for potential altitude related diving incidents, hazards and risks .

1.4. Select and use SCUBA equipment and altitude diving equipment  according to industry technical and safety criteria, relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures.

2. Perform dives at altitude greater than 300 metres.

2.1. Adjust depth gauge readings for altitude-induced errors.

2.2. Demonstrate SCUBA diving techniques at altitude according to industry technical and safety criteria, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures .

2.3. Monitor gauges and keep between limits due to increased risk involved in altitude diving.

2.4. Respond to emergencies and negotiate altitude dive hazards and risks according to industry technical and safety criteria.

2.5. Demonstrate safe ascent rate, allowing for reduction of pressure, according to no decompression limits.

3. Evaluate dive at altitude.

3.1. Evaluate relevant aspects  of the altitude dive.

3.2. Identify improvements for future dives at altitude.

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

Required skills 

• planning and organising skills to prepare for additional risks involved in diving at an altitude greater than 300 metres
• numeracy skills to:

• calculate and adjust no decompression limits for single and repetitive altitude dives
• determine factors affected by altitude and the differences between diving at sea level and diving at an altitude greater than 300 metres

• problem-solving skills to:

• negotiate altitude hazards and risks
• adapt to fresh water conditions

• communication skills to inform progress and interact with buddy throughout altitude dive
• first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to altitude dive location 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 altitude diving activities
• selection of SCUBA and altitude diving equipment, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment and its use, care and maintenance to ensure prolonged life span
• no decompression limits for altitude diving and the affect of altitude on diving
• hazards and risks commonly associated with diving at an altitude greater than 300 metres in open water to a depth of 40 metres
• emergency, first aid and rescue procedures appropriate for potential altitude induced diving incidents to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

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:

• applies relevant process to prepare for single and repetitive dives at an altitude greater than 300 metres and calculates no-decompression limits suitable for such dives
• identifies specific factors affected by altitude which can impact on diving and negotiates hazards and risks associated with diving at altitude, and determines first aid procedures for potential altitude diving incidents
• evaluates and reflects on own altitude diving performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple SCUBA diving activities performed at altitude to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• resources and information to plan and select appropriate equipment for the altitude diving activity
• a suitable altitude diving location, greater than 300 metres
• SCUBA equipment and altitude diving 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:

• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of differences between sea level and altitude diving, factors affected by altitude, and hazards and risks associated with altitude diving
• observation of safe participation in altitude diving activities and planning of no decompression limits
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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.

Factors affected by altitude  may include:

• buoyancy
• temperature
• partial pressure differences
• equipment needs
• density
• atmospheric pressure.

Industry technical and safety criteria  may include:

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

Risks  may include:

• hypothermia
• group management hazards
• decompression illnesses
• hypoxia
• narcosis.

Altitude diving equipment  may include:

• altitude decompression tables
• dive computers
• exposure protection
• navigation equipment
• first aid equipment.

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
• minimal impact codes.

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.