Skills

SKILLS LIST

AAUS Swim Test

Must pass on first day of class in the pool, no swim aids allowed

1)    400 yards swim in under 12 minutes

2)    25 yards underwater swim (** practice this under close supervision)

3)    10 minutes tread water

4)    25 yards swimmer transport

5)    30 sec breath-hold

Skin Skills

In pool, then ocean - with skin gear (mask, fins, snorkel, & weight belt)

1)    Weight belt removal and replacement (R&R), at surface and at depth – 10’

2)    Mask R&R

3)    Fins R&R

4)    Any 2 items R&R

5)    Skin Rescue

6)    50 yards underwater on 3 breaths

SCUBA Skills

In pool, then ocean - in full SCUBA gear

“Passing” a skill means completing the objective safely, comfortably, and without instructor intervention.

1)    Removal and Recovery (R&R) of gear at surface and at depth – weight belt/pouches,
BCD, mask, & regulator

2)    BCD orally inflate, remove and replace power inflator (surface and at depth)

3)    Buddy breath 25 yards without mask as donor and recipient**

4)    Octopus breath 25 yards without mask as donor and recipient**

5)    SCUBA rescue**

6)    Self Rescue - CESA - Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent, simulated buoyant ascent

7)    Full UW gear exchange with buddy*

8)    Full Gear Ditch and Don*

9) 400 yards surface swim in full scuba gear, breathing on snorkel < 20 minutes

* non-mandatory skill, conducted in pool only

** These skills will be simulated or modified for COVID safety/non-contact