SSI · Dive Briefing Evaluation Form

Evaluation criteria: dive briefing

This SSI form is used to evaluate a dive briefing. For each point you can see what is expected and what earns 0, 1, 2 or 3 points. A briefing passes with 32 of 48 points – but only if none of the knock-out criteria scores 0 or 1.

How to score
  • 0 No knowledge of the topic, or candidate does not attempt to complete the objective.
  • 1 Poor knowledge of the topic, or candidate fails to complete the objective.
  • 2 Acceptable knowledge of the topic, or the objective is completed but some improvement is possible.
  • 3 Excellent knowledge of the topic, or the objective is completed with no deficiencies.

Introduction

Dive Guide Personal Introduction

The candidate should provide an introduction that describes their role in the dive and their overall expectations of the dive group.

0Candidate does not attempt to provide an introduction.
1Candidate introduces themselves, but does not describe their role or their expectations of the group.
2Candidate introduces themselves, but provides an insufficient description of their role or their expectations of the group.
3Candidate provides an introduction that describes their role and their overall expectations for the group.
Name, Characteristics and Description of the Dive Site

The candidate should introduce the dive site by stating the dive site’s name, describing the site, and detailing any defining characteristics of the dive site, using visual aids if available.

0Candidate does not attempt to provide any information about the dive site.
1Candidate provides only the name of the dive site.
2Candidate provides the name and a brief description of the dive site without any visual aids.
3Candidate provides a complete description of the dive site and its defining characteristics, and uses visual aids if available.
Environmental Conditions and Dive PlanKnock-out criterion

The candidate should correctly evaluate the environment conditions, and define an appropriate and safe dive plan based on the conditions. If a 0 or a 1 is earned, then the entire presentation is failed.

0Candidate does not attempt to define a dive plan.
1Candidate creates a dive plan, but the plan is unsafe or disorganized.
2Candidate creates a dive plan that is safe, but does not address all of the environmental conditions.
3Candidate correctly evaluates the environmental conditions and creates an appropriate and safe dive plan.
Possible Encounters/Interesting Marine Life

The candidate should create motivation and excitement by describing interesting marine life and/or underwater features specific to the dive site.

0Candidate does not attempt to describe marine life or features of the dive site.
1Candidate provides a description, but creates an unrealistic expectation or fear.
2Candidate provides a list of possible encounters, but does not provide descriptive details or try to create excitement.
3Candidate effectively creates motivation for the dive by describing interesting marine life and/or underwater features that are specific to the dive site.

Dive Limits

Entry and Exit Points/Anchor Placement

The candidate should clearly define entry and exit points of the dive and how the boat is positioned (if applicable) during the dive.

0Candidate does not attempt to provide any information regarding entries or exits.
1Candidate provided insufficient information about the entries and/or exits.
2Candidate effectively provide information about exits or entries but not both.
3Candidate effectively provided information about entries and exits, and boat position (if applicable) to the diver’s specific needs and abilities.
Maximum Depth and Maximum Dive Time

The candidate should clearly define a maximum depth limit and dive time based on the qualifications and abilities of the divers and the characteristics of the dive site.

0Candidate does not attempt to set a maximum depth or dive time.
1Candidate defines an unsafe or potentially unsafe maximum depth and time limit.
2Candidate defines a maximum depth and time limit.
3Candidate clearly defines a maximum depth and dive time based on the qualifications and abilities of the divers and characteristics of the dive site.
Gas Supply Management: Signals, Turning Point and ReserveKnock-out criterion

The candidate should set a clear gas management policy that defines turning points and minimum reserves, and review hand signals related to gas supply. If a 0 or a 1 is earned, then the entire presentation is failed.

0Candidate does not attempt to set a gas management policy.
1Candidate sets a gas management policy that is unsafe or confusing for the divers.
2Candidate sets a clear gas management policy but does not review hand signals with the divers.
3Candidate sets a clear gas management policy and reviews hand signals with the divers.

Dive Type

Type of Dive (Wreck, Boat, Drift, Etc.)

The candidate should clearly state the type of dive and give a logical description of how the specific dive will be conducted.

0Candidate does not attempt to state the type of dive or provide a description.
1Candidate states the type of dive but gives an out-of-sequence or unsafe description.
2Candidate states the type of dive and provides a brief or incomplete description.
3Candidate clearly states the type of dive and provides a detailed and logical description.
Special Considerations Related to the Dive Site

The candidate should describe the special considerations related to the specific dive site and environmental conditions.

0Candidate does not attempt to describe any special considerations.
1Candidate describes at least one special consideration, but omits critical information related to diver safety.
2Candidate describes some, but not all, of the special considerations related to the dive site and environmental conditions.
3Candidate describes all the special considerations related to the dive site and environmental conditions.
Group Control/Position of the Dive Leader

The candidate should describe how they will conduct the dive, including group control and what is expected from the divers during the dive.

0Candidate does not attempt to describe how they will conduct the dive.
1Candidate attempts to describe how they will conduct the dive, but provides incomplete or confusing information.
2Candidate describes how they will conduct the dive or what is expected from the divers during the dive.
3Candidate describes how they will conduct the dive, including group control and what is expected from the divers during the dive.

Buddy System

Review of Hand Signals

The candidate should review all hand signals used during the dive and verify that the divers understand the signals and how to respond.

0Candidate does not review any hand signals.
1Candidate only reviews basic hand signals (OK, up, down).
2Candidate reviews all hand signals but does not verify understanding.
3Candidate reviews all hand signals used during the dive and verifies that the divers understand how to respond.
Buddy Team Assignments

Without compromising safety, the candidate should clearly define the buddy teams, based on diver experience, gas consumption, and any personal needs of the divers.

0Candidate does not attempt to identify buddy teams.
1Candidate identifies some but not all buddy teams.
2Candidate identifies all buddy teams, but does not attempt to evaluate each teams compatibility.
3Candidate evaluates and approves each buddy team based on diver experience, gas consumption and personal needs of the divers.
Lost Buddy Procedure

The candidate should review the lost buddy procedure and ensure that all divers understand how it is conducted.

0Candidate does not attempt to review the lost buddy procedure.
1Candidate attempts to review the lost buddy procedure, but give unsafe or inaccurate information.
2Candidate reviews the lost buddy procedure but does not verify that all divers understand how it is conducted.
3Candidate reviews the lost buddy procedure and ensures that all divers understand how it is conducted.

Safety & Risk Management

Diver Recall Procedure

The candidate should describe how divers will be recalled in the event of an emergency, and ensure that all divers understand the procedure.

0Candidate does not attempt to review the diver recall procedure.
1Candidate describes the recall procedure, but provides unsafe or inaccurate information.
2Candidate describes the recall procedure, but does not verify that all divers understand the procedure.
3Candidate describes the recall procedure, and verifies that all divers understand the procedure.
Emergency ProceduresKnock-out criterion

The candidate should briefly summarize the dive site’s emergency plan, and explain what their divers must do in the event of an emergency. If a 0 or a 1 is earned, then the entire presentation is failed.

0Candidate does not attempt to summarize the emergency plan, or no emergency plan is prepared.
1Candidate attempts to summarize the emergency plan, but provides unsafe or inaccurate information.
2Candidate summarized the emergency plan, but provides too much detail or does not describe what divers must do in the event of an emergency.
3Candidate briefly summarizes the dive site’s emergency plan and explains what divers must do in the event of an emergency.
Radio Location/Mobile Phone, First Aid Box and a Fully Functional Oxygen KitKnock-out criterion

The candidate should briefly describe the location of emergency equipment, and who is responsible for directing any emergency procedures. If a 0 or a 1 is earned, then the entire presentation is failed.

0Candidate does not attempt to describe the emergency equipment, or no emergency equipment is available.
1Candidate attempts to describe emergency equipment, but provides unsafe or incorrect information.
2Candidate describes the emergency equipment, but does not state who is responsible for directing emergency procedures.
3Candidate describes the emergency equipment, and states who is responsible for directing any emergency procedures.

Minimum score: 32 · 0/1 = not passed