Commercial diving/Surface supplied diving practical assessment criteria

General criteria for Surface Supplied Diving 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.
 * 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.

Specific skills listed by category:

Category: Set up site
Specific skills
 * Set up and test LP Compressor:
 * Pre-start checks
 * Compressor is set up level on secure base
 * Compressor is secured against platform movement
 * Intake is supported above / upwind of exhaust in clean air
 * Compressor drive system is safe (belts guarded etc)
 * Oil levels correct (compressor and motor)
 * Fuel level checked
 * Supply hose connected
 * Start motor according to manufacturer’s instructions
 * Check drains closed
 * Check delivery pressure and blow-off function


 * Set up HP reserve supply:
 * Check pressure in reserve cylinder/s
 * Connect to regulator
 * Connect supply whip
 * After connection to panel set regulator pressure


 * Connect and test air panel:
 * Follow accepted procedures for connecting and testing air panel
 * Supply hoses blown through if applicable
 * Primary air supply connected
 * Reserve air supply connected and pressurised
 * Supply pressures checked and adjusted if necessary to suit depth of operation.
 * Connections checked for tightness and pressure tested for leaks.


 * Connect umbilicals to panel:
 * Follow accepted procedures for connecting umbilicals to panel
 * Use of two spanners of correct size for connection
 * Secure umbilicals to prevent tension on panels


 * Connect umbilical to helmet/FFM:
 * Connect helmet or FFM according to manufacturer’s procedures
 * Inspect helmet/FFM for damage
 * Test non-return valve function
 * Ensure umbilical is blown through before connecting
 * Use of two spanners of correct size for connection
 * Connection of bailout hose
 * Connection of inflator hose if applicable
 * Connect and test communications hardware
 * Connection of comms cable to Comms panel and helmet/FFM
 * Check connector condition
 * Tape diver end connection if applicable
 * Check no strain on cable or joints
 * Test comms performance as diver and as panel operator
 * Report comms performance to supervisor

Category: Diver Standard Operating Procedures
Specific skills
 * Dress for dive:
 * Dress in exposure suit, weight system
 * Dress in harness and helmet/FFM with assistance from tender


 * Pre dive checks:
 * See Checklists for helmets and FFMs: Fill in at least one checklist of each type correctly and append to PoE
 * Daily set-up and functional checklist (KM Superlite helmets).
 * Supervisor’s equipment checks prior to entry into water (KM Superlite helmets)
 * Supervisor’s in-water checks (KM Superlite helmets)
 * Systems Checks: Surface Supply Diving Equipment
 * KMB 18/28 (Band mask) Daily mask and emergency gas system set-up and functional checklists


 * Communicate with tender using hand signals:
 * Use and understand standard diving hand signals


 * Enter water:
 * Enter water in controlled and safe manner, using any necessary aids.


 * Surface checks:
 * Check helmet/FFM for correct function at shallow immersion
 * Report ready to dive if checks OK


 * Descend on jackstay/shotline:
 * Start descent on instruction from supervisor
 * Follow line to worksite
 * Remain in visual/tactile contact with line during transit
 * Do not wrap umbilical round line by crossing under line or rotating round line.
 * Follow instructions from surface to unwrap umbilical if required


 * Equalise ears:
 * Equalise ears/sinuses to avoid injury


 * Communicate with surface (voice):
 * Use conventional voice protocols
 * Inform surface control when:
 * Ready to enter water
 * Ready to leave surface
 * Arriving at bottom/worksite
 * Any incident occurs which the supervisor should know about
 * In difficulty
 * Another diver appears to be in difficulty
 * The work is completed or must be suspended
 * Leaving the bottom
 * Arriving at a decompression stop
 * Leaving a decompression stop
 * Arriving at the surface


 * Communicate with surface (line signals):
 * Use conventional / standard or previously arranged line signals
 * When voice communications fails or does not appear to be working


 * Communicate with diver (hand signals):
 * Use conventional / standard or previously arranged hand signals


 * Monitor bailout contents and status:
 * Report bailout cylinder pressure to panel during pre-dive checks
 * Report bailout cylinder pressure on request from panel
 * Report bailout cylinder pressure at any time when switching to bailout underwater.
 * Report bailout pressure when switching bailout supply off under water


 * Defog faceplate:
 * Use freeflow valve to defog faceplate of band mask and lightweight helmet


 * Use pneumo to fill lift bag:
 * Rig lift bag correctly
 * Ensure no risk of snagging
 * Request pneumo air
 * Fill bag safely
 * Inform surface when they can shut off pneumo air


 * Exercise situational awareness:
 * Remain aware of position of other divers in vicinity
 * Remain aware of umbilical position and lead
 * Manoeuvre both in and out of the water to avoid entanglement, tripping and bumping into things


 * Avoid crossing and twisting umbilicals
 * Avoid crossing other divers’ umbilicals
 * Keep twists out of umbilical
 * Report twists and crossings to surface and extricate with help of tender


 * Ascend shotline or jackstay:
 * Climb shotline hand over hand
 * Control buoyancy using BCD and/or suit inflation
 * Follow jackstay, using it to assist ascent as necessary


 * Decompression stops:
 * Conduct simulated or required safety stops at depth and duration as instructed
 * Maintain depth accurately using available aids
 * Report/acknowledge arrival and departure from stops


 * Exit water:
 * Exit water in controlled and stable manner
 * Use available aids
 * Avoid damaging equipment or bumping into personnel


 * Undress after dive:
 * Undress without damaging equipment
 * Stow equipment securely
 * Ensure equipment is clean and neat after use
 * Report any damage or malfunctions to supervisor


 * Report on dive:
 * Oral reports:
 * Report on tasks completed, indicating quality.
 * Report on tasks not completed, giving reasons and current status
 * Report on contingencies experienced and how they were dealt with
 * Report on emergencies and how they were dealt with
 * Report any malfunctioning or lost equipment
 * Provide any written report required.

Category: Diver Emergency Procedures
Specific skills
 * If main air supply fails or the quality of the main air supply is compromised switch over to bailout gas:
 * Open bailout valve
 * Check bailout cylinder pressure
 * Report to surface that on bailout and bailout pressure, give reason.
 * If there is no response from surface:
 * Terminate dive immediately and start ascent
 * Report to surface that dive terminated and starting ascent
 * Continue ascent, with decompression stops if required
 * Attempt to communicate using both voice and rope signals
 * Follow the umbilical back, there may be a problem.


 * Breathe from pneumo hose air supply:
 * TBA


 * Purge flooded helmet:
 * Use demand valve to purge flooded helmet
 * Use freeflow/defog valve to purge flooded helmet


 * Recover lost helmet:
 * TBA


 * Recover and refit FFM:
 * TBA


 * Broken faceplate:
 * TBA


 * Vomit in helmet:
 * TBA

Category: Surface Tender procedures
Specific skills
 * Set up umbilical for dive:
 * Umbilical laid out at suitable place
 * Umbilical laid out so it will not form loops, twists, knots or kinks when deployed


 * Dress and hat diver:
 * Assist diver to dress in exposure suit as requested
 * Zip up dry suit with due care, ensuring that zip is not jerked or pulled at an angle, nothing is trapped in the seal and that zip is fully closed
 * Check neck seal for folds that may cause leaks
 * Check neck seal for hair or clothing that may cause leaks
 * Assist diver with weight system if requested
 * Assist diver to don harness and hat
 * Support harness while diver puts in arms
 * Fasten buckles as appropriate
 * Check lead of umbilical and that it is securely attached to the correct strong points on the harness
 * Hold hat while diver puts on neck dam
 * Help diver to don helmet or band mask
 * Check that neck dam locates correctly on helmet and that liner is clear of seal
 * When diver is ready help to close and clamp neck dam
 * Help diver to fit Spider and tension correctly
 * Check that diver can breathe and communicate with the comms panel


 * Check that the diver has tested bailout and that the bailout pressure gauge is clipped off where the diver can reach it:
 * TBA


 * Attach the pneumo where the diver can reach it and check that it will reach into the hat:
 * TBA


 * Communicate with diver by hand signals during preparation for dive:
 * Use standard hand signals


 * Assist diver to and from the water:
 * TBA


 * Tend umbilical:
 * Umbilical is kept free of slack, twists, loops, kinks and knots
 * Umbilical is deployed to allow diver freedom of movement and recovered to take up slack
 * Umbilical is kept reasonably neat and clean and flaked to allow easy and smooth deployment
 * Umbilical is not allowed to become an unnecessary hazard to movement


 * Assist diver out of hat and harness:
 * Avoid jerking the diver’s head while removing the helmet
 * Allow the diver to remove the helmet if he wishes, but be ready to take it from him when needed
 * Help diver with harness buckles
 * Support harness if needed


 * Secure umbilical for transport:
 * Umbilical is neatly coiled or flaked and secured to avoid tangling or uncoiling before transport. Coil size suits transport.
 * Ends of hoses are covered, taped, blanked or kept clear of contamination


 * Communicate with diver by line signals:
 * Use and recognise standard line signals

Category: Stand-by diver procedures
Specific skills
 * Follow and un-snag diver's umbilical:
 * Do not tangle umbilicals by repeated crossing in same rotational direction
 * Find snags and release them
 * Communicate progress to surface


 * Tend umbilical in water:
 * Tend working diver’s umbilical at sharp change of direction or to keep diver or umbilical clear of known hazard or at entrance to confined space
 * Relay rope signals if required


 * Umbilical change-out:
 * (Follow standard operating procedures to change out umbilical on working diver)
 * Transport diver end of spare umbilical to distressed diver
 * Take spanners to make change (note that spanner sizes may differ for old and new umbilical, if in doubt take a shifter along as well.
 * Do not lose spanners (tether to new umbilical will prevent loss)
 * Do not twist umbilicals with spare or that of distressed diver
 * Identify distressed diver
 * Communicate with distressed diver if practicable (hand signals, physical contact)
 * Inform Surface of status of distressed diver
 * Ensure distressed diver’s bailout open at hat and tap, check pressure if practicable
 * Flush distressed diver’s helmet if appropriate
 * Supply pneumo air
 * Request bubbles on pneumo
 * When pneumo cleared and bubbling insert into distressed diver’s helmet or FFM
 * Turn off distressed diver's bailout at hat (?)
 * Secure new umbilical to distressed diver's harness
 * Remove old main air supply
 * Loosen old main air supply hose at hat using correct spanners
 * Disconnect old main air hose from hat
 * Connect new main air supply:
 * Request bubbles on new main supply
 * When clear and bubbling, call surface to shut off new main air supply
 * Fit new main air supply to distressed diver's hat. Tighten with spanners
 * Request air on new umbilical
 * Check air supply on new umbilical by flushing with free-flow valve
 * Request close own pneumo and remove from distressed diver’s hat
 * If required unplug old comms and plug in new comms,
 * Disconnect old umbilical and pneumo from harness
 * Report back that changeout is completed
 * Recover diver if applicable


 * Supply pneumo air for breathing:
 * Request bubbles on pneumo
 * Supply working diver with pneumo breathing air on request
 * Insert pneumo into unresponsive diver’s helmet.
 * When bubbling insert pneumo through neck dam and check that hat does not flood.
 * Call surface for more flow if necessary


 * Recover unresponsive diver:
 * Ensure diver’s airway remains open
 * Check diver’s air supply
 * Open bailout if necessary, check on at hat and tap, check pressure if practicable
 * Supply pneumo air if appropriate
 * Flush helmet
 * Monitor for breathing
 * Control ascent rate
 * Control buoyancy of casualty
 * Bring unresponsive diver to surface
 * Rescue tether may be used if available

Category: Operate air panel
Specific skills
 * Adjust supply pressure to suit depth:
 * See instructions for over bottom pressures at various depths as required by manufacturer or Operations Manual
 * Adjust regulator as and when required to maintain appropriate over-bottom pressure


 * Check diver depth by pneumo:
 * Crack pneumo valve and check pressure in pneumo line rises sufficiently for estimated depth
 * Close pneumo valve and ensure pressure drops to plausible value. Repeat if necessary until sure of depth. Log depth and time on slate or worksheet.
 * Monitor depth and time during ascent to ensure ascent rate is acceptable (while pneumo is consistently dropping, no additional air is required)
 * Check depth at stops using valve to ensure diver is not descending.
 * Inform supervisor of depths at important waypoints and when requested


 * Operate valves during umbilical change-out:
 * See umbilical change-out procedure
 * Open and close gas supply to pneumo and main air lines as requested by standby diver
 * Report to stand-by diver on status of gas supplies as they are adjusted


 * Supply pneumo air on request:
 * Provide air on the pneumo line for emergency breathing or work when requested by the diver.
 * Ensure flow rate is appropriate for the task by checking with the diver and adjusting accordingly.
 * Shut down pneumo air when advised by the diver


 * Monitor supply gas pressure:
 * Make frequent periodical checks on supply air pressure at the panel.
 * Make periodical checks of pressure in HP supply cylinders connected to the panel.
 * Monitor rate of use and inform the supervisor when pressures reach critical values.
 * If not otherwise instructed, notify supervisor at 100bar and 50 bar in any supply cylinder.


 * Switch over to reserve/secondary panel supply:
 * If main gas supply pressure fails or compressor stops or must be stopped, switch over to reserve/secondary supply and inform supervisor


 * Change out HP supply/reserve cylinders:
 * Notify supervisor that supply air has dropped to critical pressure for change-out.
 * Switch panel to alternative supply
 * Close supply valve to panel from empty cylinder
 * Close cylinder valve
 * Adjust regulator to zero outlet pressure
 * Bleed whip
 * Disconnect regulator from cylinder
 * Confirm identity of new cylinder. Ensure it is correct gas mixture. Notify supervisor and analyse if uncertain.
 * Connect regulator to new cylinder
 * Open cylinder valve
 * Check cylinder pressure and report/record
 * Adjust regulator to correct supply pressure
 * Check that bleed valve is closed and there are no leaks

Category: Assist supervisor
Specific skills
 * Operate comms panel:
 * Check comms with all divers regularly (every 3 minutes unless instructed otherwise)
 * Monitor divers breathing constantly
 * Do not move away from panel so that breathing can not be heard.
 * Relay communications between supervisor and divers
 * Report communications malfunctions to supervisor.
 * Use appropriate comms procedures.
 * Think before you talk. Keep messages short and simple. Do not waffle.
 * Check that every message has been responded to appropriately.
 * Repeat messages until appropriate response is received.
 * Notify supervisor of any emergency calls or if appropriate response is not forthcoming after a reasonable number of efforts.


 * Record dive data as required for the Diving Operations Record:
 * Name of diver/s
 * Name of standby diver
 * Bailout pressure and valve status
 * Comms checked before dive
 * Time left surface
 * Time on bottom
 * Time left bottom
 * Time at stop/s
 * Time at surface
 * Problems reported by diver/s
 * Tasks done by divers

Required range of Surface Supplied Diving experience

 * Bottom time follows the definition in the US Navy decompression tables. It is the time from when the diver leaves the surface to when the diver leaves the bottom to start his ascent to the surface. Descent time is included in bottom time. Ascent and decompression time is not. Ascent starts when the tasks/exercises are complete, and the diver has reached a place where movement towards the surface at approximately the required rate can be started. Lateral movement is included in bottom time. Delays in ascent below the first decompression stop will generally be considered part of bottom time. In case of dispute, the US Navy tables or other approved decompression tables in use for the operation will be considered authoritative.
 * Where a number of dives for a given experience is specified those dives MAY NOT BE COMBINED. An exit from the water and removal of helmet/FFM (preferred) or a ten minute surface interval (if exit is not reasonably practicable) is the minimum acceptable separation between dives.
 * A surface interval of at least 10 minutes between dives is recommended but not compulsory if the diver has exited and removed helmet or mask.
 * As a general principle, any dive that has a minimum time specified may be made up by two or more dives with the same accumulated bottom time using the specified equipment and doing the specified tasks. When more than one dive for specified tasks is required, the specified total time and minimum number of dives must both be complied with.
 * Order of exercises may vary from that listed below provided that conditions specified in each exercise are met. This applies particularly to depth range requirements for each type of breathing apparatus.
 * The use of a downloadable bottom timer or decompression computer can provide a useful record of the dive profile and is strongly recommended.
 * If you think that the number of dives required is not important, or that a specific exercise is not useful, or that an exercise should be added, or any other change should be made, apply to the DoL in writing with detailed and reasoned motivation for the standard to be amended.
 * If you think that the school has interpreted a requirement incorrectly, provide a detailed explanation of what you consider to be the correct, or at least a better interpretation, including your reasons, preferably in writing.


 * Confined water session 1 swimming:
 * See assessment criteria for


 * Confined water session 2 Scuba review:
 * Demonstrate Scuba skills:
 * Doff and don Scuba set under water between 2 and 5m deep including:
 * Regulator and Half mask ditch and recovery, OR
 * FFM ditch and recovery AND
 * Free swimming ascent
 * Dive back to submerged equipment from surface
 * Buoyancy control using BC
 * Inflation at surface
 * Deflation for descent
 * Neutral buoyancy at bottom and mid-water
 * Control of ascent rate
 * ascend at nominal rate of 9 to 10 metres per minute
 * without contact with fixed objects or shotline
 * maintain neutral buoyancy or slight negative buoyancy throughout ascent
 * Finning techniques
 * Flutter kick (bicycle kick)
 * Frog kick
 * Dolphin kick
 * Side kick (scissor kick)


 * Dive 1 - < 9 m AGA mask user orientation:
 * To be done before deeper dives with this equipment (Pool or tank is appropriate)
 * Mask must seal adequately and not free flow copiously.
 * A slight continuous leakage is acceptable if the mask will not fully seal on facial hair or diver’s hood or is not a good fit to the face.
 * Diver must use the positive pressure lever correctly
 * If the AGA mask can not make a reasonable seal to the diver’s face another similar mask may be substituted
 * Dive bottom time required 60 minutes (may be done as 2 or more dives)
 * Diver pre-dive checks for this equipment
 * Check seal with positive pressure
 * Check voice comms function
 * Check bailout activation and pressure
 * Report bailout status to panel
 * Check pneumo in reach
 * Voice communication exercises
 * Line signal exercises
 * Bailout activation
 * Pneumo depth checks and pneumo breathing exercises


 * Dive 2 – < 9 m EXO 26 mask user orientation:
 * To be done before deeper dives with this equipment (Pool or tank is appropriate)
 * Mask must seal adequately and not free flow copiously or flood continuously.
 * A slight continuous leakage is acceptable if the mask will not fully seal on facial hair or diver’s hood or is not a good fit to the face.
 * If the EXO mask can not make a reasonable seal to the diver’s face another similar mask may be substituted
 * Diver must use the “dial a breath” DV adjustment knob correctly
 * Dive bottom time required 60 minutes (may be done as 2 or more dives)
 * Diver pre-dive checks for this equipment
 * Check voice comms function
 * Check bailout activation and pressure
 * Report bailout status to panel
 * Check pneumo in reach
 * Voice communication exercises
 * Line signal exercises
 * Bailout activation
 * Pneumo depth checks and pneumo breathing exercises


 * Dive 3 – < 9 m Band mask user orientation:
 * To be done before deeper dives with this equipment (Pool or tank is appropriate)
 * As for item 4 (dive 2)


 * Dive 4 – < 9 m Lightweight demand helmet user orientation:
 * To be done before deeper dives with this equipment (Pool or tank is appropriate)
 * Dive bottom time required 60 minutes (may be done as 2 or more dives)
 * Diver pre-dive checks for this equipment
 * Check voice comms function
 * Check bailout activation and pressure
 * Report bailout status to panel
 * Check pneumo in reach
 * Voice communication exercises
 * Line signal exercises
 * Bailout activation
 * Pneumo depth checks and pneumo breathing exercises


 * Dive 5 – < 9 m Emergency procedures:
 * SSDE type not specified. Exercises to be done before deeper dives may be done on SSDE (Pool or tank is appropriate)
 * Emergency swimming ascents
 * Buoyant emergency ascents (ditch weights)


 * Dive 6 – < 9 m Standby diver rescue:
 * SSDE type not specified. Exercises to be done before deeper dives may be done on SSDE
 * Stand by diver enters water on instruction from supervisor
 * Stand by diver proceeds along umbilical to distressed diver
 * Stand-by diver informs surface of progress and any changes in own status Stand by diver informs surface when arriving at distressed diver and reports on condition of distressed diver
 * Stand-by diver assists distressed diver as instructed by surface
 * One of the rescues should include recovery of unconscious diver to the surface and removal of unconscious diver from the water.


 * Dive 7 – < 9 m Standby diver rescue:
 * As for dive 6
 * One of the rescues should include supply of pneumo air to the distressed diver


 * Dive 8 – < 9 m Standby diver rescue:
 * As for dive 7
 * One of the rescues should include umbilical changeout


 * Dry suit dive 1:
 * SSDE type not specified
 * At least one of the dry suit dives must be substantially dry (slight leakage at cuffs or dump valve is acceptable)
 * At least one of the dry-suit dives should be in open water
 * At least one of the dry suit dives should include a neutral buoyancy swim


 * Dry suit dive 2:
 * As for Dry suit dive 1


 * Dry suit dive 3
 * As for Dry suit dive 1


 * Jackstay search 1 (Movable jackstay search):
 * Set up search equipment (at least once in the three dives)
 * Conduct jackstay search
 * Avoid umbilical twists and wraps
 * Inform surface control of any objects found which may relate to the search
 * Describe object if requested
 * Mark or recover object if requested
 * Recover search equipment (at least once in the three dives)


 * Jackstay search 2:
 * As for jackstay search 1


 * Jackstay search 3:
 * As for jackstay search 2


 * Circular search 1:
 * Set up search equipment (at least once in the three dives)
 * Conduct circular search
 * Avoid umbilical twists and wraps
 * Inform surface control of any objects found which may relate to the search
 * Describe object if requested
 * Mark or recover object if requested
 * Recover search equipment (at least once in the three dives)


 * Circular search 2:
 * As for circular search 1


 * Circular search 3:
 * As for circular search 2


 * Compass navigation dive:
 * Use a compass to navigate on headings as instructed by surface control, or according to listed instructions. Diver should end up at marked target.


 * Night dive 1 (shallow):
 * The dive shall be done between the hours of sunset and sunrise in open water


 * Night dive 2 (middle depth range):
 * As for night dive 1


 * Night dive 3 (deep):
 * As for night dive 1


 * Lift bag and rigging 1:
 * Maximum (apparent) weight 1000kg
 * There is no specification that these tasks must take place on separate dives, however there must be 3 separate tasks
 * At least one lift bag task should involve use of a lift bag for a buoyancy assisted lift
 * At least one lift bag task should involve use of a lift bag to move an item from one place to another under water
 * At least one lift bag task should involve lifting an item to the surface and moving it to a specified place.
 * Select bag volume to suit the lift
 * Ensure the lift does not run away
 * Ensure that divers not involved with filling stay well clear of the lift zone


 * Lift bag and rigging 2:
 * As for lift bag and rigging 1


 * Lift bag and rigging 3:
 * As for lift bag and rigging 1


 * Camera or video 1:
 * Use an underwater still camera or video recorder to take photographs or record video as specified in the dive briefing
 * These tasks can be usefully combined with the inspection and report task item 19
 * Useful results should be produced within the context of the briefing
 * Many digital still cameras have a video facility, and many digital video recorders have a still photo facility, so it will often be possible to do combined tasks
 * External lighting and flash should be provided when conditions warrant.


 * Camera or video 2:
 * As for camera or video 1


 * Hand tool assembly 1:
 * A specification of two spanners per task and a depth of more than 10 m is given. This depth requirement has no apparent benefit. However, though apparently pointless, it is at least not onerous, and should not cause undue difficulty, as the task requirement is in any case trivial. It is recommended that more than two hand tool tasks be provided during the training programme, as divers generally like to have something to do underwater.
 * A wider range of tools is suggested
 * At least one of the hand tool dives should involve assembly using spanners


 * Hand tool assembly 2:
 * As hand tool assembly 1


 * Inspection and report 1:
 * Take measurements of an underwater object or site and make any sketches necessary
 * A depth of at least 20m is specified. This may be to allow the influence of nitrogen narcosis and if so this is a reasonable requirement.
 * Produce a written report on the inspection after the dive using the measurements, and if appropriate a drawing and or photographs and/or video (see practical tasks Camera or video 1 and 2)
 * It is suggested that other inspection tasks be set to provide useful learning opportunities for divers when there is no other task to be done.


 * Boat dive 1:
 * Dive from a boat in open water: enter the water from the boat and return to exit onto the boat
 * The air panel must be on the boat, and the divers must be tended and controlled from the boat


 * Boat dive 2:
 * As for boat dive 1


 * Natural navigation 1:


 * Natural navigation 2:
 * As for natural navigation 1


 * Natural navigation 3:
 * As for natural navigation 1


 * 30m dive 1:
 * Dive to a depth between 27 and 30m


 * 30m dive 2:
 * As for 30m dive 1


 * Chamber dive 50m:

Optional extra dive tasks:
These tasks are not currently compulsory, however they are recommended as additional tasks when the divers are required to get more dive time, or combined with required tasks, so they spend their time doing something which extends their learning opportunities. A training dive should always have at least one task or assessment. Dive time should not be wasted.


 * Voice directed search:
 * TBA


 * Line signal directed search:
 * TBA


 * Pendulum search:
 * TBA


 * Shotline descents and ascents:
 * TBA


 * Simulated decompression stops:
 * A safety stop at a specified depth between 3 and 6m for 3 minutes should be done for all dives where no stops are required and the depth exceeds 9m, or where the diver's decompression computer requests a safety stop, both for reduction of risk and for practice at maintaining depth at a stop.


 * Simulated or real overhead penetration using an underwater line tender:
 * Possible examples: Under a jetty/wharf, or under a vessel alongside in a harbour.


 * Use of a guideline for navigation from entry point to underwater worksite:
 * TBA

Required range of rigging experience

 * Inspect hand tools for functionality and safety:
 * Identify tool
 * Report on any apparent defects
 * 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?):
 * 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.


 * Make up the required splices (back splice, eye splice, short splice) in three strand fibre rope:
 * Specified splice is produced
 * Splice is started correctly
 * Recommended number of tucks are made
 * Splice is worked off neatly and tightly


 * 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


 * Make a soft eye in a wire rope using wire clamps:
 * Clamps are orientated correctly
 * Clamps are tightened sufficiently, but not excessively
 * Clamps are sufficient in number and spaced correctly


 * 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 turnbuckle to tension a stay:
 * Turnbuckle attached correctly at both ends
 * Turnbuckle of suitable size for application
 * Turnbuckle tightened correctly and evenly
 * Turnbuckle locked if appropriate (lock nuts or split pins)


 * 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
 * Loose edges made neat and secured

Category: Dive planning
Specific skills:


 * Estimate LP compressor requirement:
 * Calculation of the minimum free air delivery and working pressure for a LP compressor for a given dive depth and number of divers using standard values for RMV recommended by the authorised CoP


 * HP Gas requirement calculations:
 * Calculation of the total volume or number of 50 litre HP cylinders required for a given dive profile, and the required pressure using standard values for RMV recommended by the authorised CoP


 * Buoyancy and lifting:
 * Estimate lift bag volume required to lift an object. State all assumptions and approximations. Specify size of bag/s to be used and rigging to be used


 * Identify site hazards:
 * Recognise site hazards which are apparent and deduce probable hazards based on knowledge and experience of similar sites


 * Decompression Tables:
 * Find decompression schedule for given repetitive dive profiles at sea level and altitude


 * Decompression Computer:
 * Operate own or issued dive computer.
 * 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.

Category: Administration
Specific skills:


 * 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

Category: Safety

 * Compliance:
 * Complies with statutory and organisational safety requirements without having to be constantly reminded. (Diving regulations, ACoP’s, Operations manual etc.)
 * Diver reports incidences of non-compliance to the appropriate authority


 * Situational awareness:
 * Diver pays attention to surroundings and appears aware of changes in circumstance which should be apparent.
 * Diver recognises changes in circumstances which may affect team safety
 * Diver alerts team to changes in circumstances that they should know about

Category: Teamwork

 * Contribution:
 * Diver does fair share of work taking physical and other abilities into account


 * Fitting in:
 * Diver acts as part of the team and does not alienate other members


 * Proactive:
 * Diver performs appropriate functions without having to be specifically requested each time.

Category: Communication

 * Communication:
 * 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)

Category: Timekeeping

 * Punctuality:
 * Diver arrives at arranged times
 * Diver does not unduly hold up proceedings by tardy performance of tasks.
 * Diver gives reasonable warning /notification if not able to meet schedule


 * Availability:
 * Diver remains on site and available for tasks as required according to prior arrangements and standard procedures

Category: Leadership

 * Organising:
 * Shows ability to arrange moderately complex tasks without needing detailed instructions every time
 * Able to organise a small group to accomplish a task efficiently