Changes to competency requirements
Occupational Diving (Marine Harvesting) Training Strategy
In May 2005 a new regulatory regime and supporting Occupational Diving Work Code of Practice was introduced. The regulatory changes introduced new competency requirements for occupational diving work, other than construction diving work. These competency requirements are relevant to occupational dive workers in areas including:
- Marine harvesting
- Scientific research
- Resource management
- Photographic and media work.
On 31 October 2008, option 6 for proof of competency in occupational diving work will expire and only five options will be recognised. All divers who currently rely on the expiring competency option will need to move to one of the other five proof of competency options by 31 October 2008.
To help certain sectors of the occupational diving industry move to the new competency requirements, the State has committed around $2.6 million to the Queensland Diving Industry Training Strategy which will assist divers to reach an appropriate level of competency by October 2008. The harvesting diving sector of the occupational diving industry has been identified to receive this assistance.
This sector includes:
- Cray fish harvesting
- Sea cucumber harvesting
- Aquarium fish collection
- Some aquaculture.
In the case of experienced divers, movement to the new competency requirements will be achieved by a combination of recognition of current competencies and training to cover any skills gaps.
New divers will be required to have proof of competency under one of the five recognised options, before they can be employed.
Developing and recognising skills
A Training in Communities project has been developed under Breaking the Unemployment Cycle/Skilling Queenslanders for Work. Through this project, a co-ordinator has been employed to implement the training strategy and manage the process. The co-ordinator will be employed by Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE up to October 2008 to assist relevant industry participants into appropriate Recognition of Current Competency and/or top up skills training assistance. These Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) workshops commence on 25 September, 2007.
The competency option receiving funding is based on Australian Qualifications Framework modules from the Seafood Industry Training Package (non-Queensland Government link).
As competencies are achieved/recognised, divers will be issued with a statement of attainment and a statement of attainment card which lists what types of underwater diving work they are qualified to undertake. This will be a proof of competency under the competency option “a AQF Statement of Attainment from a registered training organisation (RTO) that is relevant to the work being carried out”, in this case relevant to divers working in the marine harvesting sector.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Workshops under the Occupational Dive Strategy (Work Safe Dive Safe) have commenced. Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE (TNQT) have advised the commencement dates for various workshops. As further dates are advised to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) by TNQT, the information will be updated. Alternatively, for more information, contact TNQT on 1300 656 959.
Last updated 22 July 2008