Two alternative tests are available. The candidate may choose which alternative to attempt
This test should be done in benign water in swimming costume without buoyancy aids. Swim goggles. nose clip , swim cap or thin hood and/or half mask may be worn. If temperatures are too cold a heated pool may be used. The candidate should not be exposed to conditions which will cause failure due to hypothermia. (particularly for alternative b)
The entire test must be done without interruption or delay between items.
The test may be repeated as many times as may be necessary until successfully completed. Each attempt must start with item 1 and continue until all items are successfully completed in the listed order. An adequate break should be allowed between attempts.
This test should be successfully completed before the learner starts with in-water training. Variations from this point are at the discretion and responsibility of the course director and should be guided by considerations of health and safety of the learner.
These skills are prerequisites for diver training. The diving school is not obliged to teach swimming skills.
Alternative "a"
Item No.
Description
1
25 m underwater swim from a standing start (in water)
2
300 m free style (To be completed within 10 minutes)
3
100 m back stroke
4
50 m swim with 5 % of body mass on weight belt
5
60 seconds treading water with hands on head
6
30 seconds rest period
7
20 second breath hold with head submerged
Alternative "b"
Item No.
Description
1
25 m underwater swim from a standing start
2
300 m free style (To be completed within 10 minutes)
3
100 m back stroke
4
"Drown proof" for 15min (stay afloat without holding the sides of the pool).
5
30 seconds rest period
6
20 second breath hold with head submerged (timed by assessor)
General criteria for Snorkel and Scuba Skills assessment.
As a general principle competence in a composite skill implies competence in the component skills. RPL assessment should target the composite skill to save time.
Skills must be practiced and assessed until each one can be performed competently.
If the assessor has any doubts that a critical skill can be consistently performed the skill should be demonstrated competently 3 times in succession
RPL assessment may be done in open water.
Several skills may be assessed together when convenient (integrated assessment).
Any practicable combination of these skills may be summatively assessed during an open water dive. Skills should be summatively assessed on scuba unless specified on snorkel.
Whenever practicable the skill should be personally observed by the assessor. This may be done by diving with the candidate/learner, through a window in a tank, via CCTV or by video recording. Where this is not possible, another instructor or assistant instructor should observe the demonstration. The assessor/instructor is not required to dive using the same mode as the learner.
Select appropriate personal equipment for a planned dive
Prior to deployment to the dive site all equipment is inspected carefully for signs of deterioration, damage or corrosion; and is tested for proper operation where required
Assembly and checks at the dive site
Prepare Scuba equipment for a diving operation
Confirm all equipment is present and still free from damage
Check communications equipment is adequate for the planned diving operation and is assembled and tested in accordance with authorised procedures
Standard pre-dive assembly and check procedures are followed and readiness of equipment is personally verified by the diver
In all cases equipment which does not conform to requirements is promptly reported to the supervisor. Failed equipment is marked accordingly and removed from service
Load and transport equipment for a diving operation;
Use checklist to ensure that all required equipment is loaded
Handle equipment with due care to avoid damage and personal injury
Wear appropriate PPE
Work in progress - Content must still be added to this section.
Snorkel is attached to mask strap or inserted under strap
Snorkel does not get in the way of other equipment or fall off when not held by the mouth
Snorkel tip reaches clear air
Breathing style
Diver breathes through snorkel without getting too much water
Snorkel is cleared of occasional water by blast clearing without the diver raising the head from the water
Breathing rate is sufficiently deep and slow to effectively ventilate without risk of hyperventilation or CO2 build-up
Snorkel displacement clear
Surface from dive and clear the snorkel by tilting the head back and exhaling to fill the tube before breaking the surface
Snorkel blast clear
Surface from dive and clear the snorkel by exhaling sharply to blow out the water in the tube
50 m surface swim snorkel only
Swim 50m on the surface without a mask while breathing through the snorkel.
The diver may hold the snorkel in place but not pinch the nose
Remove and replace
Diver finning face down at the surface removes snorkel from mouth and replaces and clears without raising the head
This is repeated consistently at short intervals at least 5 times
Displacement mask clear
Diver floods mask underwater and effectively clears (water below bottom of eyes) on breath hold
Duck dive (snorkel)
Diver starts floating face down at the surface
Dive is initiated by bending body about 90° at the hips so that head points down
Hands may be brought down to point in line with upper part of body.
One or both legs may be lifted out of the water as the hips are straightened, and the weight of the legs pushes the diver down.
The arms may be pulled back to help the diver down
Once the fins are submerged they are used to push the diver down to the required depth.
The diver must effectively bend forward and dive in a head downward attitude to a depth not less than 3m. Ears, sinuses and mask should be equalised as required.
Drop dive (snorkel)
Diver starts floating vertical in water
Diver thrusts upward by finning and optional arm strokes, then drops down below surface with optional assistance of arm strokes, rolls forward to head down attitude and fins downward.
Splashing should be minimised
The diver must effectively drop down, bend forward and dive in a head downward attitude to a depth not less than 3m. Ears, sinuses and mask should be equalised as required.
Remove and replace weights (snorkel)
Take off ditchable weights at surface and replace in original configuration
Category: Scuba Diver Standard Operating Procedures
Diver achieves positive buoyancy at the surface by inflating the BCD
Work in progress - Content must still be added to this section.
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Maybe move to entries?
Negative buoyancy at the surface
Weighting has been adjusted by adding or removing weights so that the diver can float at the surface with full lungs and sink on exhalation
This skill can be demonstrated for any equipment configuration used by the diver at the assessor’s discretion
Weights added for fine tuning may be non-ditchable.
Descend feet first on jackstay/shotline
Depth for assessment should exceed 6m
Start descent on instruction from supervisor
Diver dumps air from suit and/or BCD and if necessary exhales to achieve negative buoyancy.
Diver sinks at controlled speed feet downwards maintaining contact with shotline
Ears are effectively equalised and rate of descent controlled by suit and BCD inflation and friction with shotline
Finning to control descent rate should be minimised
Follow line to worksite
Remain in visual/tactile contact with line during transit
Descent feet first (non contact descent)
Depth for assessment should exceed 6m
Start descent on instruction from supervisor
Diver dumps air from suit and/or BCD and if necessary exhales to achieve negative buoyancy. (exhalation should not be necessary if cylinder is full)
Diver sinks at controlled speed feet downwards.
Ears are effectively equalised and rate of descent controlled by suit and BCD inflation.
Finning to control descent rate should be minimised
Arms are not used to control descent rate by swimming motions
Diver stops descent short of bottom by inflating suit and/or BCD to neutral buoyancy
Descent in horizontal trim (non contact)
Depth for assessment should exceed 6m
Start descent on instruction from supervisor
Diver dumps air from suit and/or BCD and if necessary exhales to achieve negative buoyancy.
Diver sinks at controlled speed in approximately horizontal attitude, face down.
Trim may be adjusted for comfort and improved field of vision but should be within 30° of level. Arms and legs may be splayed for best directional and attitude control
Ears are effectively equalised and rate of descent controlled by suit and BCD inflation.
Finning to control descent rate should be minimised
Arms are not used to control descent rate by swimming motions
Diver stops descent short of bottom by inflating suit and/or BCD to neutral buoyancy
Sub-category: Effectively control buoyancy underwater
Neutral buoyancy on bottom (skill specified in DoL standard, but apparently not defined anywhere. Assumed to mean neutral buoyancy by use if BCD or suit inflation)
See BCD skills? Dry suit skills?
Work in progress - Content must still be added to this section.
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Exercise - Neutral buoyancy fin pivots
Diver trims horizontal at the bottom
Diver adjusts buoyancy at bottom by inflating BCD to achieve neutral buoyancy and demonstrates ability to lift off bottom during inhalation and sink to bottom on exhalation Fin tips may remain in contact with the bottom during lift phase.
Exercise - Neutral buoyancy midwater
Diver adjusts buoyancy in midwater by inflating BCD to achieve neutral buoyancy and maintains depth relative to a fixed object by adjusting depth of breathing for at least 30 seconds.
The arms and legs may not be used for depth control, and the diver may not hold on to any object to help control depth
Depth variation should not exceed 1m from the reference point
Neutral buoyancy level trim midwater
The diver adjusts buoyancy to maintain a horizontal trim at a fixed depth in midwater.
The arms and legs may not be used for depth control, and the diver may not hold on to any object to help control depth
Depth variation should not exceed 1m from the reference point
Neutral buoyancy at last stop
The diver achieves neutral buoyancy at a depth of 3m with less than 30 bar in the cylinder.
Exercise - Buoyancy control (+2 kg)
The diver follows the requirements for Neutral buoyancy midwater while carrying extra 2kg of weight beyond that required for neutral buoyancy at the surface
Exercise - Inflator malfunction
The diver corrects a stuck open inflator valve by dumping if necessary and disconnecting the LP inflator hose.
Exercise - Remove and replace BCD
The cylinder harness is removed and refitted. The BCD remains in its normal configuration, but may be inflated or deflated and straps and buckles adjusted to suit the diver during the demonstration with all straps correctly fastened and adjusted at completion.
This skill should be demonstrated on the bottom and at the surface.
The diver may hold on to the harness at the bottom, and should not float to the surface
The harness should be positively buoyant for this exercise at he surface.
Ditchable weights may be maneuvered to suit the diver, but must be correctly fitted at the end of the exercise
Dry suit inflation and buoyancy control
Diver adjusts suit volume to prevent squeeze
Diver demonstrates ability to achieve neutral buoyancy by adjustment of suit volume. Diver hangs in mid water stationary relative to a fixed reference point or high resolution depth gauge. ( tolerance ±1m)
Dry suit deflation and ascent
Diver controls suit volume during ascent by use of auto dump valve or cuff dump.
Diver remains neutral or slightly negative during swimming and shotline ascents
Dry suit dumping in emergency
Dump by cuff lift
Dry suit inversion recovery and rolls
Diver inverts (feet up) and recovers to feet down or horizontal attitude without significant change in depth (tolerance ±1m)
Diver face down. Feet move alternately up and down to provide thrust. Splashing at surface should not be excessive
Depth, direction and trim are under control and the hands and arms are not used for propulsion or stabilisation
Use flutter kick to effectively propel the diver in a straight line on the surface and under water over a distance of 25m or more for each demonstration.
Diver should move at reasonable speed for equipment worn, and not be out of breath
Dolphin kick
Feet stay together and move up and down together to provide thrust
Depth, direction and trim are under control and the hands and arms are not used for propulsion or stabilisation
Use dolphin kick to effectively propel the diver in a straight line under water over a distance of 25m or more
Diver should move at reasonable speed for equipment worn, and not be out of breath
Back flutter kick
Diver face up (at the surface). Feet move alternately up and down to provide thrust. Splashing should not be excessive
Depth, direction and trim are under control and the hands and arms are not used for propulsion or stabilisation
Use back kick to effectively propel the diver in a straight line on the surface over a distance of 25m or more
Diver should move at reasonable speed for equipment worn, and not be out of breath
Frog kick (breaststroke kick)
Diver face down. Both feet are brought towards the body by bending the legs. Thrust is developed on the outstroke by extending the legs and on the closing stroke by twisting the ankles and bringing the legs together. Outstroke and closing stroke may blend smoothly.
Depth, direction and trim are under control and the hands and arms are not used for propulsion or stabilisation
Use dolphin kick to effectively propel the diver in a straight line under water over a distance of 25m or more
Diver should move at reasonable speed for equipment worn, and not be out of breath
Maneuvering
Helicopter turns - turn on the spot on vertical axis both ways while trimmed horizontal using fins only. Depth should not vary.
Forward rolls - Roll 3 times forward without significant depth change. Start and finish trimmed horizontal
Backward rolls - Roll 3 times backward without significant depth change. Start and finish trimmed horizontal
Lateral rolls - Roll 3 times to left and to right without significant depth change. Start and finish trimmed horizontal
Work in progress - Content must still be added to this section.
Notes: Gas sharing initial training is to be using an octopus regulator, or donated primary where the donor switches to secondary, not buddy breathing from a shared second stage. Buddy breathing from a shared regulator may be used for confidence training/stress exposure training only after use of independent second stage is thoroughly familiar. In a crisis people tend to revert to the most familiar system, which must be a dedicated regulator, and any standby diver or diver operating in a buddy pair or three-diver team must carry a second stage for rescue in terms of the relevant Codes of Practice.
Recover dropped DV by sweeping the straight arm down the side, back to the cylinder, as high as possible, then swing out and around to the front, to gather the dangling hose and replace in the mouth
DV is recovered effectively in a single sweep
Arm is swept in manner to prevent missing the hose.
Inverted DV recovery
Tilt body so head is down and DV dangles in view
Grasp DV and fit and clear
Diver may tilt back to horizontal to help clear DV
Hose trace DV recovery
Reach back to 1st stage and hook fingers round regulator hose
Pull hand along hose until DV is reached and refit and clear
Arm sweep FFM recovery
Recover dislodged mask by sweeping the straight arm down the side, back to the cylinder, as high as possible up along the cylinder, then swing out and around to the front, to gather the dangling hose and replace mask on the head
Mask is recovered effectively in a single sweep
Arm is swept in manner to prevent missing the hose.
Inverted FFM recovery
Tilt body so head is down and mask dangles in view
This must not be done on the same day after dives deeper than 6m
Visibility should be at least 5m
The bottom time before ascent is started should be kept to a minimum unless dive is shallower than 6m
Buoyancy should be under control during the ascent
Diver should blow continuous and visible stream of bubbles during ascent
The diver should hold the DV in readiness for replacement in case of need. (not required if depth less than 6m)
There should be a stand-by diver at the bottom and in the water at the surface if the depth is more than 6m. The assessor may be one of the stand-by divers
Ascent rate should be controlled by finning upward
Ascent rate should be approximately 10m/minute for depths less than 10m
Depth must be more than 3m and should be less than 10m
Buoyant ascent
Work in progress - Content must still be added to this section.
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Sub-category: Bailout to gas source carried by the diver
Range (equipment): Reserve valve, manifolded twins with one cylinder normally isolated (manual balancing). To be done with full-face mask and half-mask.
Range (environment): To be done in low visibility or with blackout mask.
Pre-dive checks on reserve system, including function test of valves while wearing set.
Monitor reserve valve status during dive
Activate reserve system when gas pressure low
Terminate dive
Bailout to independent gas supply
Range (equipment): Back-mount independent twins or main and pony cylinder, Sidemount or sling bailout. Half-mask and independent DVs, Full-face mask with gas switching block (bailout block, bailout valve)
Range (environment): To be done in low visibility or with blackout mask.
Mount and check bailout cylinder, test function and return to standby mode, check access to all necessary controls (valves) while wearing set
Switch over to bailout cylinder when gas pressure low (assessor closes main gas supply under controlled conditions)
Diver removes harness including cylinder, mask and fins and leaves them on the bottom. Equipment may be clipped together at diver’s discretion to keep it all together. Equipment must remain on bottom.
Diver surfaces by free swimming ascent, ensuring not holding breath by blowing continuous fine stream of bubbles
Diver dives back to equipment on bottom and puts it back on.
Method of doffing and donning is at the diver’s discretion provided that it works reasonably effectively and is not inherently dangerous
The diver must remain under water during the removal and replacement of the equipment
Equipment must be returned to original configuration and securely fastened, with all straps and buckles correctly adjusted
The weight system may be retained by the diver
Depth should be between 3 and 6m.
Visibility must allow the diver to see the equipment from the surface
As a general requirement, a dive should have a bottom time of at least 15 minutes unless the nature of the dive makes a shorter time appropriate.
Bottom time is measured as the time from leaving the surface to the time that ascent is started from the work site.
As a guideline, for efficient training, any dive should have at least one Task, as many Equipment and Orientation items as may be convenient, and may contain Rescue or Emergency exercises if required. Communication method should be specified. These items should all be logged during training to allow effective moderation.
Task
An activity specified as the objective of the dive, being an activity which is additional to the diving itself
Orientation
Experience of diving under a set of circumstances or conditions which are required experience for the diver
Equipment
Use of specified equipment during a diving operation
Emergency
Procedures used by a diver to solve a problem experienced by that diver
Rescue
Procedures used to solve a problem experienced by another diver
Communications
Procedures used for communication / modes of communication
If specific assessment of skills is done during a dive, this may also be noted in the diver’s logbook by the assessor. This is not compulsory as the assessment record must be kept in any case, but it allows easier moderation.
During a formal training program records of all training dives should be kept on a standard form supplied by the school to keep track of what has been done and so that at any time it is possible to see what must still be done.
A similar form should be used to compile evidence of experience for RPL.
2 dives with lifeline . Tender gives standard directional signals to diver who follows these instructions
Communications - Voice
2 dives with functioning 2-way voice communication, Hard wire or wireless
Diver uses correct voice protocols
Communications - Hand signals
Hand signals would be used on most dives. No specific number are required, but diver must be competent in their use
Equipment - Surface Snorkelling
2 snorkel dives. At least 1 in open water and including a dive to depth of more than 6m
Equipment - Half mask
Half masks would be used on most dives. No specific number are required, but diver must be competent in their use
Equipment - Full mask
5 dives with full face masks. At least 2 in open water, at least one to depth greater than 9m.
Equipment – BCD
6 dives using a BCD in which neutral buoyancy control and horizontal trim must be demonstrated in mid water and during ascent
Equipment – Dry suit
3 dives with dry suit and appropriate undergarments during which buoyancy control and ability to recover from inversion must be demonstrated, At least one of which must be in open water to a depth exceeding 9m
Equipment - Reserve air
Reserve air would be carried on most dives. No specific number of dives are required, but diver must be competent in monitoring remaining air pressure.
This skill is interpreted to mean that the diver must monitor air supply and surface with the specified reserve pressure remaining in the cylinder. Unless otherwise specified at the option of the supervisor this pressure will be assumed to be 50 bar.
Other possible interpretations are that the diver should have experience in the use of reserve valves, or independent bailout air supply (manifolded or independent twins, or pony bottle in any practical configuration). Both of these are desirable experiences.
During training each diver should carry an bailout cylinder or manifolded twins for dives deeper than 20m. Capacity of bailout cylinder must allow safe surfacing from any point in the dive including a safety stop.
Equipment - Wet suit
Wet suits would be used on most dives. No specific number are required, but diver must be competent in use
Equipment -Lines - Life lines
2 dives using a life line secured to the diver and tended at the surface control point.
Equipment - Lines - Shot line / lazy shot
2 dives descending and ascending on a shot line
Equipment - Lines - Surface Marker Buoy
3 dives towing a surface marker buoy
Equipment - Lines - Tethered (buddy line) (This can also count as in-water standby diver)
2 dives
Orientation - Natural navigation
2 dives navigating from and back to the entry point, shotline, or other specified position using underwater features as waypoints or for guidance
Orientation – Compass
2 dives navigating from and back to the entry point, shotline or other specified position using a compass for guidance
Orientation - Night dive
2 dives during full darkness of night (between half hour after sunset to half hour before sunrise)
Orientation - Zero viz
1 dive during which visibility at the bottom is less than 0.5m for at least 15 minutes
Rescue - Basic (including distressed and unconscious diver)
1 each simulated rescue of a distressed diver and an unconscious diver on the surface and unconscious diver on the bottom
Rescue – Tethered
1 dive where a simulated rescue is done of the buddy while connected by buddy line (conscious diver under water)
Rescue – SMB
1 simulated rescue of a diver by following the SMB line under water to the distressed diver (diver signals distress using SMB)
Rescue - Life line
1 simulated rescue of a diver by following the lifeline under water to the distressed diver (diver signals distress using lifeline)
Task - Search - Jack stay (movable)
2 dives including searches using movable jackstays
Task - Search – Pendulum
2 dives including pendulum searches. The tender may be at the surface or on the bottom
Task - Search – Circular
2 dives including circular searches. The datum point at the bottom may be a shot, a peg or a diver
Task - Search – Guided
1 dive including a guided search using either rope signals or voice communications equipment, where the diver is guided to a point and guided during the search by the surface controller
Task - Search - Swim lines
1 dive including a search using a line held by two or more divers to control their relative positions, and following a compass course. The line may be used to snag a large target or the search may be visual, with closer diver spacing.
Orientation - boat dive
2 dives from a small craft, including entries and exits
No specific number of dives is specified, but the diver should be competent to deploy a marker buoy from a reel or spool from the bottom and from mid-water without significant depth variation
Task - hand tools
2 dives including tasks requiring the use of simple hand tools.
At least one of these should be an assembly task using nuts, bolts or screws and the appropriate wrenches keys or drivers
31 Orientation - 30 m dive
1 dive to a maximum depth between 28 and 30m No decompression should be planned
Orientation - Chamber dive
Assist operator with pre-dive procedures.
1 dive to a depth of 50m.
Decompression schedule may be extended for increased safety. Any decompression schedule may be used that can be shown to fall within the required minimum of a recognised decompression algorithm or set of tables
Witness operation of chamber including function and operation of air supply equipment and standard procedures
Assist operator with post dive procedures
Task - Inspection (day)
1 dive including an inspection task which should involve either measurement or sketching of the object/s inspected. A written report should be made detailing the procedures and results of the inspection.
Orientation - decompression stops
4 dives which include simulated decompression stops.
At least one of these dives should be planned and carried out according to a written run-time schedule
stops must be at accurate depth and for the specified time.
It is recommended that these exercises should be done using a variety of depth control methods. E.g. Shot line, SMB line, Life line, Depth gauge mid water, bottom slope etc.
Orientation – Exits
3 different exit methods to suit the environment. Choose from among boat, beach, rocky shore, surf, etc.
Task - Lifting device
2 dives where a lift bag or other lifting device is used to move a heavy object (12kg to 100kg apparent weight) from one place to another
Safe rigging practices should be used
Task - Line attendant
2 occasions where the diver acts as a line tender to another diver
Orientation - Negative buoyancy
1 dive where extra ditchable weight is carried to allow the diver to walk and work on the bottom
Orientation - Neutral buoyancy
The diver is expected to use neutral buoyancy on all dives where negative buoyancy is not required. There is no specified number of dives, but the diver is expected to be competent at neutralising buoyancy using BCD and manoeuvring at depth at neutral buoyancy. The diver is also expected to be competent at neutral buoyancy ascents.
Task – camera
1 dive using a digital still or video camera to take photographs or video of subject specified by the supervisor.
Orientation – Entry
3 different entry methods suitable for the site and conditions.
1 dive during which the diver is exposed to significant conditions of current or surge
Task - Compressor operation–fill cylinders
No number of occasions is specified (recommend at least 4 separate days, each including full start up and shutdown of compressor), but the diver is expected to be competent at filling dive cylinders from a high pressure breathing air compressor and complying with the requirements of SANS 10019 or it’s replacement. A recognised certificate in high pressure breathing air Compressor Operation based on SABS 019 or SANS 10019 would be considered sufficient, but is not required.
Task - Witness air purity testing
1 occasion where the diver witnesses the procedures to test breathing air quality (usually by Draeger tube, but other methods of equivalent or better accuracy may be substituted)
Task – Surface stand-by diver
2 occasions where the diver acts as surface stand-by diver according to regulations and CoP
Task – In-water stand by diver
At least 2 occasions. This is expected to be a default arrangement for most dives, however, diver should be allocated as stand-by diver to a diver allocated to main task in at least two dives which should be logged as such. On these dives the diver should not be allocated a specific task other than stand-by diver.
Task – Assist supervisor
Continuous.
Task – Record times and dive data
A least 2 occasions. Record dive details for diving operations log under guidance of the supervisor, including diver names, dive profile, decompression, times in and out, bottom time etc.
Task – Act as boat crew
1? boat based diving operation in which the diver assists the boat crew in launching, mooring and recovery of the vessel
Task – Act as lookout
1? Boat based diving operation in which the diver acts as a lookout during a dive to monitor traffic and conditions.
Orientation – Dive in fresh water
1 dive in fresh water (open water?)
Orientation – Dive in sea water
1 dive in sea water (open water?)
Orientation – Dive as part of a commercial diving team
3 dives minimum as a diver in a diving team which complies in all respects with the current Diving Regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the appropriate Approved Code of Practice for Diver Training
This requirement must be true by default for all dives on any commercial diver training program, and is added here to ensure that RPL candidates gain experience of working under the appropriate regulations and code of practice
These dives may be done as assessment dives, and all assessment dives must comply with the Diving Regulations and ACoP
Report on whether the tool is appropriate for a given application
Inspect ropes, webbing and chain for condition and safety
Inspect item and report on condition and visible defects
Report whether the item is suitable for a given application
Inspect splices, stitched webbing connections, shackles and other rigging components for condition and safety
Inspect items and report wear and visible damage
Tie the required knots (Reef, sheet bend, bowline, clove hitch, round turn and two half hitches, rolling hitch? sheepshank? daisychain?)
Specified knot is tied correctly at first attempt and in reasonable time
Divers should preferably be able to tie a bowline, a sheet bend, and a round turn and two half hitches blindfolded, so they can use them in zero visibility, but this is not compulsory.
Coil a rope for storage
Given rope is coiled neatly and without twists
Coils are of approximately even size
Coils are secured to prevent coming loose during ordinary handling
Flake a rope
Flake a rope into a bag, box or bucket for free running deployment
Flake/coil a rope on a suitable surface for snag-free manual deployment
Rig a rope tackle to lift from a strong point
Line rove correctly
Block/s fixed safely to strong point
Purchase appropriate for the task
Rig a chain block to lift from a strong point (?)
Block safely suspended
Chains free and not twisted
Rig an endless sling to lift a drum
Sling positioned correctly on drum
Use appropriate personal safety equipment when rigging
Hard hat, gloves and/or toecap boots worn as appropriate
Use a webbing tie-down with ratchet to secure a load to a vehicle or pallet
Webbing hooked to appropriate points
No unnecessary twists
Ratchet neat and correctly applied
Loose ends secured
Webbing leads secure and safe, no excessive loads on cargo
Use a net to secure a load to a vehicle
Net spread neatly over load,
Net secured with sufficient tension to prevent loss or shifting of load
Reliably use at least one set of recognised and readily available decompression tables
Find no stop limit for for single and repetitive dives of given depth and time at sea level and altitude
Find required decompression schedule for single and repetitive dives of given depth and time at sea level and altitude
Apply methods of compensation for perceived additional risk (safety factors, next greater depth and or time etc)
Open circuit scuba gas calculations
Calculate breathing gas requirement for given dive profile using standard consumption rates and specified reserve
Calculate minimum cylinder size given air requirement and cylinder pressure
Calculate required cylinder pressure given cylinder volume and air volume requirement
Plan dives using open circuit scuba equipment
Choose appropriate equipment for a given dive profile at a given site which is known to the diver.
Produce a run-time schedule for the dive with critical pressure for ascent for a dive without obligatory decompression stops.
List the required personnel for the dive
Plan buoyant lifting
Estimate lift bag volume required to lift an object, given mass and volume of object to be lifted. State all assumptions and approximations. Specify size of bag/s to be used and rigging to be used
Identify site hazards
Recognise visible hazards at a dive site
Deduce probable hidden hazards based on knowledge of similar sites
Use personal decompression computer to record dive profile and monitor decompression status during dives
The school is responsible for downloading dive records from its own dive computers. They may require the student to carry one for dive logging if the student's computer is not compatible with school hardware or software
Operate own dive computer or one issued by the school. (The school is responsible for training the concepts of computer use, and operation details of issued computers. Operation details of own computer is responsibility of owner)
Identify readouts of current depth, elapsed dive time, remaining no-stop time and decompression obligation (ceiling and stop time) or such equivalents as provided on the particular model of computer.
Recall data from previous dive/s and use the planning function to find no-stop time available at a given depth.
Use a personal decompression computer to record dive profiles.
Use PDC to avoid decompression obligation
Access computer records to determine maximum depth, bottom time (if available) and dive time
State the meanings of the displayed data during and after a dive not requiring decompression stops
State how to recognise that decompression stops are required
State meaning and purpose of safety stop
State nominal maximum ascent rate for computer
State how to identify an error mode, what to do if it comes up, and what is likely to have caused it
Keep regulation commercial diver’s logbook correctly filled in and up to date.
Fill in course paperwork
Under guidance of Instructor, complete application forms and administrative paperwork required for assessment and training records while attending training program or during process of recognition of prior learning.
Get certificate of medical fitness to dive
Arrange appointment for, and undergo approved Diving medical examination, and provide copy of certificate to Instructor/Assessor.
Logbook
Diver’s logbook is correct and up to date
Record keeping
Practical assessment records and class attendance records are correct and up to date
Report writing
Report on diving inspection exercise is of acceptable standard (legible and logically laid out and adequately describes the subject of the inspection. Ability to use a word processor is recommended, though not compulsory)
Feedback forms and reports have been completed and provide useful information
Record a simulated accident history?
Work in progress - Content must still be added to this section.
Diver is able to communicate effectively with other members of the team
Diver communicates when appropriate and provides useful information.
Information provided is not known to be incorrect.
Diver timeously notifies diving team of information that he is required to provide (particularly relating to fitness to dive, hazards, non-compliance with safety requirements and equipment failure, loss and defects)
