Introduction to Surface Plant and Equipment
The course on Surface Plant and Equipment is designed specifically for surface-supplied diving operations to a maximum depth of 30 meters using air or nitrox. This training is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of diving operations in various underwater environments.
Course Objectives
PURPOSE OF THE QUALIFICATION
A qualified learner will be able to:
- Complete diving safety activities.
- Carry out pre-dive activities.
- Execute dive operations.
- Provide surface support
- Perform post-dive activities.
The following exit level outcomes are in line with the 5 points above
1. Conduct inshore (limited scope surface supply) diving operations in compliance with established safety requirements and regulations.
2. Interpret the inshore (limited scope surface supply) dive plan and set up, prepare and test job-related equipment on site.
3. Enter the water and execute the inshore (limited scope surface supply) dive plan using a variety of methods for routine diving duties and for emergencies.
4. Ensure safe inshore (limited scope surface supply) diving processes at support level on the surface.
5. Complete the post inshore (limited scope surface supply) dive activities by completing the relevant documentation, performing post-checks and maintenance. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Occupational Certificate: Class 3 Inshore Diver |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Predictable and variable environmental factors are included in the dive plan, and contingencies are proposed.
- Dive and task-related equipment and its potential hazards are identified, secured and neutralised for commercial diving operations.
- A comprehensive risk analysis in the form of a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is performed, and the outcomes are included in the dive briefing.
- The need to assess the physical, social and cognitive properties of the diver is evaluated to propose improvements to ensure a safe dive and reduce the possibility of human error.
- The structure and competence of the dive team is aligned to the operation at hand to ensure the safety of the working diver through backup, support, and management of the surface equipment.
- Precautions to be taken when diving operations are conducted from a vessel are applied to ensure that the diver’s umbilical does not become fouled.
- The safety precautions before lifting heavy objects or weights from the bottom are applied.
- Appropriate signals and flags, such as those prescribed by the International Code of Signals and International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea as amended when diving operations are underway at sea, and any local signals in force concerning diving operations are identified and used appropriately.
- Mode for signalling diver recall, such as diver-to-surface communications for surface-supplied diving or line pull, is identified in line with the specific operations stipulated in the dive plan.
- Precautions to be taken to prevent the diver from becoming fouled on the bottom are applied.
- Safety precautions are applied whenever a diving operation requires a diver to make penetration into a confined space.
- Safety regulations are adhered to according to specific manufacturer’s instructions and safe working practices for all equipment and tooling.Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- The length of the dive is determined in accordance with the depth of water, condition of the diver, water temperature, and type of work (i.e., understand the dive profile and dive plan).
- The tasks to be undertaken, safety procedures for the diving mode, any unusual hazards or environmental conditions likely to be encountered, and any modifications to standard operating procedures by accepting the Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) for the dive plan are understood.
- All dive plan related equipment and tooling is identified, selected, and inspected.
- All ancillary equipment and tooling required in terms of the dive plan are recognised, selected, and inspected.
- Relevant equipment is set up and started up at the dive site, and the required checklists and logbooks are correctly completed.Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Appropriate diving (personal protective equipment – PPE) equipment is worn as required by the dive plan.
- All pre-dive in-water checks are completed, including connection of equipment and checking of gas gauges.
- Occupational health and safety precautions are applied to all points of access into and exit out of the water.
- The dive plan is executed by carrying out the instructions of the dive supervisor, using the relevant tooling and/or equipment received from the surface and in accordance with operating procedures.
- Umbilical is managed so as to prevent snagging or fouling.
- A two-way voice communication system is operated, and line pull signals are used during the dive.
- When diving from a wet bell or diving stage, the wet bell panel operations and emergency procedures are carried out.
- Emergencies are responded to in line with appropriate standard operating procedures.
- Appropriate decompression stops for ascending are explained and applied.
- Surface decompression is explained.
- The reasons for dive termination are explained.Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- The diver is supported by tending to their umbilical and maintaining communication with the supervisor.
- The need to act as a standby diver for deployment in the event of an emergency is evaluated.
- A continuous lookout is maintained for hazards in the environment and they are addressed when identified.
- Communication with the diver is maintained through a variety of methods.
- Compressors (both HP and LP) are prepared, operated, and shut down.
- The dive chamber is prepared, operated, and shut down.
- Gas supplies are handled and stored safely and are filled as directed.
- Assistance is provided to the Diving Medical Practitioner Level 2 by the Chamber Attendant following all medical instructions and by operating internal controls within the chamber.
- Emergency situations are responded to in accordance with the relevant emergency procedures, and communication is maintained.Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- The physical condition of each diver is assessed for symptoms of any decompression sickness (DCS) or arterial gas embolism (AGE).
- The diver’s logbook is completed according to the relevant regulations.
- Incidents are documented and analysed.
- Post-use checks and maintenance of dive equipment are conducted.
- Defective equipment is reported where appropriate.
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