PTRD International Standards and Procedures Manual

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Chapter 2 & 3

Supervised Diver Standard & Training Programme

Instructor Manual

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______Chapter 2

1 Competencies of a Supervised Diver A student who is competent in the safe and correct technique in the use of basic equipment in a sheltered water and open water training area with a maximum depth of 12-metres; visibility greater than 5- meters; less than 0.5-knots; wind- less than 0.5 on the Beaufort-scale and is ready to gain diving experience in appropriate open water condition under direct supervision of a (assistant instructor). If accompanied by a scuba instructor, a scuba diver at level 1 – "Supervised Diver" may gain progressive experience beyond these parameters and develop competency in managing more challenging diving conditions designed to lead to higher qualifications. Where further instruction is required this can only be provided by a suitably qualified scuba instructor. Where only further experience is required, this may be supervised by a dive leader.

2 Course classifications (Type & Level) The PTRD Introduction to diving course is considered as a resort diving course and provides a short and easy way to introduce people with underwater world and receive their first PTRD diving certificate.

3 Aims & Objectives of course 3.1 To introduce non-divers to the underwater world and providing them with: Basic skills to safely enter and exit the water, Basic skills to safely use basic underwater apparatus (Scuba), Fin swimming techniques and under the direct supervision of a . 3.2 To familiarize candidates with the self-rescue skills, techniques and problem solving for this level of diving.

4 Entry requirements The service provider shall ensure that the client fulfils the following prerequisites to take part in the training course envisaged. 4.1 Student’s minimum age: 14 years (Documented parental or legal guardian consent shall be obtained when the applicant is a minor.) 4.2 Certification level: None 4.3 Be able to swim free style at least 50-metres, without the use of equipment. 4.4 Candidates must be able to declare medical , as set out in National standards for the country in which they are attending the course. Documented evidence shall be obtained that the student has been medically screened as suitable for by means of an appropriate questionnaire or medical examination. In any case of doubt, or at the scuba instructor’s discretion, students shall be referred to proper medical resources. If the student is not examined by a physician the student shall be obliged to confirm by signature that he or she has understood

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______written information given by the scuba instructor on diseases and physical conditions which may pose diving related risks. Students shall be advised of the importance of appropriate regular medical examinations. 4.5 The following information shall be made available to the students prior to, or during the first class meeting. 4.5.1 Information prior to provision of the service The service provider shall provide the following information to the client. contractual issues including conditions bearing on the signature, delivery and termination of the contract, prerequisites and any qualification requirements in order to obtain the service (e.g. medical certification, diver certifications), equipment requirements, costs, insurance requirements in accordance with national regulations, local environmental considerations, diving related legislation and legal requirements concerned with the specific kind of service. If the service provided involves training the following additional information shall be provided: limitations of eventual qualification, scope of the training course, course procedures, means and methods for assessment, criteria for successful completion, that records will be kept of their personal data and these records may be passed on to a training organization. In the case of guided dives or organized dives the following additional information shall be provided: information concerning the dive site, in particular which could affect the safety of the dive (e.g. under-water obstructions), arrangements concerning buddy teams and/or group size, depth and/or time limitations. 4.5.2 Information during service provision Prior to each dive or training session, clients shall have safety provisions identified to them, including: the identity and role of staff, emergency procedures, buddy/group assignments the conduct required of clients. 4.6 The service provider shall ensure that a risk assessment is conducted before each dive, and shall adopt procedures to ensure that all risks are controlled as far as is reasonably possible. The following factors shall be considered as part of this assessment taking into account the capability of participants: water movement (e.g. current, wave action) depth, underwater visibility,

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______pollution, entry/exit methods, restricted zones, suitability of the site for planned activities, emergency action plan. The service provider shall have the right to prevent any client from taking part in the activity if following a risk assessment this is deemed to be in the best interest of the client and/or of other clients. 4.7 Emergency equipment and procedures 4.7.1 Emergency equipment For all locations where diving activities take place the service provider shall ensure the availability of: a kit suitable for the planned diving activities, an emergency unit with a capacity of delivering at least 15 liters/min. of pure oxygen for at least 20 min, a communication system suitable for alerting emergency services. 4.7.2 Emergency procedures At each dive site where diving activities take place a documented emergency plan comprising at least the following information shall be available: procedures for casualty recovery, resuscitation and evacuation, use of the emergency oxygen supply, information about the nearest medical resources (including data about the availability of a hyperbaric recompression chamber).

5 Maximum students/instructor ratios 5.1 Theory: 12/1 5.2 Sheltered water training area: 4/1 5.3 Open water training: 2/1 5.4 Note 1: The in-water ratio must be reduced if open water conditions are not ideal. 5.5 Note 2: All dives must be with an instructor.

6 Instructor/Assistants requirements 6.1 Instructor Course Director 6.1.1. Minimum qualification level - National Country Partner/PTRD 1 Star instructor. 6.1.2. Instructor must be in active teaching status, as required by the National Country Partner. 6.1.3. Insurance and medical approval, as required by the National Country Partner. 6.1.4. Must have submitted their own course outline which has to be approved the Country Partner Technical Committee or must use a standard outline provided by Country Partner itself or PTRD. 6.1.5. Must have approved and valid training in , medical First aid and CPR by a recognized training organization.

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______6.2 Assistants: Assistants act as support divers only: 6.2.1. Minimum qualification level - National Country Partner/PTRD 3 Star diver. 6.2.2. Insurance and medical approval, as required by his National Country Partner. 6.2.3. Must use the same as an instructor course outline. 6.2.4. Must have approved and valid training in Diver Rescue, medical First aid and CPR by a recognized training organization.

7 Special course requirements 7.1 Course approval by national Country Partner. 7.2 Facilities: 7.2.1. Classroom - adequate classroom, according to the needs of course and students 7.2.2. Confined open water area (sheltered area) must include the shallow water condition and acceptable bottom none-silty composition. 7.2.3. Recommended open water condition mast include: 7.2.3.1. Maximum bottom depth – 12m. 7.2.3.2. Visibility – not less than 5m. 7.2.3.3. Weather condition – less than 0.5 Beaufort scale (no heavy surf zone), 7.2.3.4. Currents – less than 0.5 knots 7.3 requirements 7.3.1. Adequate thermal protection to match the local environment. 7.3.2. Mask, , fins 7.3.3. Scuba equipment with air as : -demand regulator (also referred to as a regulator) -alternative breathing gas system NOTE: This could range from a simple octopus system to a duplicate breathing system with a separate breathing gas supply. -cylinder, -cylinder-support-system, -a quick release system (if appropriate), - submersible gauge (breathing gas pressure monitor), - means to measure depth and time and to safely limit exposure to inert gas - (if appropriate) 7.3.4. control device with power-inflator (correctly sized for each candidate). NOTE: Specific environments may require additional equipment (e.g. an underwater navigational aid, knife/cutting device). 7.4 Other equipment/material 7.4.1. Diving flags and signals 7.4.2. Buoy(s), lines, and markers for entry/exit ______PTRD Supervised Diver Standard & Training Program pág. 5 PTRD International Diver Training Standards and Procedures Manual

______7.4.3. Emergency medical kit with oxygen 7.4.4. Communications (Two-way Marine, Local phone box, mobile phone) close-to-hand. 7.5 Other restrictions 7.5.1. Recommended duration of in-water practical lesson dive is 30 minutes (dive duration must be planned so as not to reach the reserve, normally 50-bar) 7.5.2. Entry/exit may be from land or boat, but at the same place, clearly marked and to all visible from water (IMPORTANT: Drift dives are prohibited ). 7.5.3. Depth limits according to programme requirements but, no deeper than 10-metres. 7.6 Supervision 7.6.1. During the complete course, at least one authorized Course Director (instructor as outlined above) must be present. 7.6.2. During practical underwater training, a Course Director provide all training directly to candidates (i.e. The Course Director must demonstration each skill, and correct any candidate error and finally make an assessment of candidate’s skills). 7.7 Emergencies 7.7.1. A risk assessment must be made of the class room and dive sites, which will lead to the preparation of a detailed emergency plan that includes an plan. This plan must be explained to all course staff, and the candidates. At least one trained member of staff, familiar with the emergency plan, dive site, first aid and CPR, with the relevant equipment must remain on land or boat for co-ordination and supervision of emergencies

8 Candidate Performance Objectives By the end of the course, candidates will have completed the course theory, sheltered water training dive and the open water dive to the satisfaction of the Course Director.

9 Minimum course durations 9.1 Recommended number of sessions 3 9.2 Minimum duration: 4½ hrs a) Classroom: 1½ hrs b) Confined water preparation and dive: 1½ hrs b) Open water preparation and dive: 1½ hrs 9.3 Minimum number of open water dives: 2

10 Quality Control/Assurance PTRD strongly recommends and encourage all Country Partners to use an adequate system for quality control and assurance. A system in widespread use with proven effectiveness is to send questionnaires to the course candidates, followed by analysis of the feedback. Were complains and/or poor training is identified measure must be taken to correct the situation.

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______Chapter 3

Curriculum PTRD Supervised Diver Training Programme

1 Required theoretical knowledge: 1.1 Introductory and administrative details concerning of the course, organization of PTRD and the school/club. 1.2 Basic diving equipment Students shall have an appropriate level of knowledge concerning the practical use of diving equipment items according to 7.3 of chapter 2. 1.3 The basic physics affecting diving Students shall have an appropriate knowledge of the influence and effects of changing pressure in particular regarding: - equalization (e.g. ears and mask), - breathing (not holding breath and effect of pressure on air consumption), - buoyancy and how to control it. 1.4 Elementary hand signals 1.5 Basic Physiology Students shall have a basic knowledge of avoiding problems resulting from: 1.5.1 Direct effects of pressure 1.5.1.1 Increasing pressure (descent phase) - gas compression (e.g. ears, sinuses, masks, lungs, suits, teeth) 1.5.1.2 Decreasing pressure (ascent phase) - gas expansion (e.g. ears, sinuses, lungs, stomach, intestines, teeth) - illness (DCI) (e.g. , arterial gas embolism) 1.5.3 Other hazards - physical and mental stress - effects of on the scuba diver - medication, drugs, alcohol 1.6 Safe diving practices - Students shall have knowledge concerning correct actions in the event of separation from the group or their buddy. 1.7 Diving environment Students shall have a basic knowledge concerning the local and general conditions of the diving environment and their possible effects on the scuba diver and the scuba diver's impact on the environment.

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______2 Required 2.1 Confined water scuba skills Students shall be able to demonstrate the following skills; each skill shall be mastered in confined water before that skill is performed in open water: - use of mask, fins and snorkel, - diving equipment assembly and disassembly (at water's edge), - entry and exit, - mouthpiece clearing - snorkel and regulator, - regulator/snorkel exchanges, swimming at the surface, - proper descent and ascent procedures (e.g. equalizing pressure in ears and mask), - swim under-water, - mask-clearing, including removal and replacement, - under-water and surface buoyancy control, - under-water regulator recovery, - basic instrument monitoring, - surface operation of the quick release of the weight ballast system, - act as receiver of an alternative breathing gas source, - equipment care, - basic hand signals. 2.2 Open water scuba skills Students shall be able to perform the following skills in conditions typical of the local environment: - use of mask, fins and snorkel, - diving equipment assembly and disassembly (at water's edge), - entry and exit, - mouthpiece clearing - snorkel and regulator, - regulator/snorkel exchanges, swimming at the surface, - proper descent and ascent procedures (e.g. equalizing pressure in ears and mask), - swim under-water, - mask-clearing, - under-water and surface buoyancy control, - under-water regulator recovery, - basic instrument monitoring, - surface operation of the quick release of the weight ballast system, - act as receiver of an alternative breathing gas source, - equipment care, - basic hand signals.

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______3 Practical training parameters 3.1 An open water dive shall comprise at least the following activities: - briefing - preparation to dive - pre-dive checks - entry into water - descent procedures - under-water activity - ascent and surfacing procedures - exit from water - debriefing - post dive procedures - recording the dive 3.2 All under-water skills in confined water shall be taught, directly supervised and evaluated by a scuba instructor, who shall be in the water during each session. The scuba instructor shall be in direct control of the students throughout all sessions. 3.3 Prior to the first open water dive the student shall effectively show proof of, or demonstrate, to a scuba instructor the following skills, without the use of mask, fins, snorkel, or other swimming aids: - 50 m distance swimming, - 5 minutes survival swim/float. 3.4 Before participating in open water dives a student shall have demonstrated sufficient theoretical knowledge and scuba skills in confined water to be able to perform the open water dives in the prevailing conditions. 3.5 The maximum depth during training dives shall not exceed 12 m. 3.6 All open water dives shall be conducted in water that allows direct vertical access to the surface. Open water dives therefore shall not be conducted in under-water caves, inside wrecks or below ice. 3.7 During open water dives the student shall at least be equipped with diving equipment according to 7.3 of chapter I. Course Outline. 3.8 All under water skills in open water shall be taught, directly supervised and evaluated by a 2 Star Master Instructor. The scuba instructor shall be in the water and in charge of each open water dive. The safe supervision of students is solely the scuba instructor’s responsibility. The scuba instructor shall limit student the number of students per scuba instructor where environmental conditions are less than ideal, for example where underwater visibility is poor or there is significant water movement. The scuba instructor may also use additional aids to improve safety such as ascent

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______lines, surface support stations or safety scuba divers. Where safety scuba divers are used they shall have an appropriate level of rescue competency of at least level 3 Star Diver. 3.9 The scuba instructor shall limit the number of students on open water dives so that either the scuba instructor or a safety diver is able to establish physical contact with every student at any time during the open water dive. 3.10 The scuba instructor shall cancel or abort the open water dive if environmental conditions, equipment problems or a student’s physical or mental condition make this necessary.

4.Knowledge review & skills assessment 4.1 Knowledge The student shall demonstrate to a scuba instructor knowledge of scuba diving by taking and passing an oral or written examination as prescribed by PTRD. This examination shall test Supervised Diver theoretical knowledge according to clause 1 of chapter 2 and knowledge of scuba skills according to clause 2 of chapter 2.

4.2 Scuba Skills The student shall satisfactorily demonstrate to a scuba instructor, the scuba skills according to clause 2 of chapter 2. Students to be certified shall complete at least two qualifying open water dives according to 3.1 of chapter 2 under the direct supervision of a scuba instructor. The underwater duration of each of these two qualifying open water dives shall be at least 30 min.

5 Issuing of recognition material 5.1 PTRD C–Card. 5.2 Wall Certificate.

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