**HSE Diver Training Update July 1st 2019**
Changes to the entry criteria for HSE Surface Supplied (Top Up) Course
Background
The HSE (Top Up) Course was designed as a Top Up to the HSE Surface Supplied diving qualification. It was also open to those with an approved qualification as specified in the List of Approved Diving Qualifications, in the relevant section of the Schedule 1.
This has caused inconsistency in the training of those divers who work offshore, and difficulties for the UK dive schools. Some divers who were allowed to continue to the Top Up course had not been trained in the use of surface decompression procedures, and some had not used an IMCA compliant LARS. In addition, some divers had never been trained in the use of a dry suit. The divers that had not come through the HSE system had also not been trained or assessed in their knowledge of UK legislation.
The Top-Up course is simply a course to train and assess divers in the use of a wet-bell and hot water suits. It assumes prior knowledge and experience gained on the HSE Surface Supplied Course.
Changes
The following changes have been made in agreement with the HSE dive schools that carry out Top Up training and apply as of 1st July 2019.
Divers can no longer enroll on the Surface Supplied (TopUp) course unless they have an approved commercial SCUBA qualification and an HSE Surface Supplied qualification.
Those divers who have an approved Surface Supplied qualification from overseas or from the UK military, will have to attend an additional 2 weeks of training and assessment prior to moving onto the Top-Up course. The additional 2 weeks will include all of the mandatory surface supplied diving assessments including and assessment in the use of the LARS, surface decompression procedures and tables. There will be assessment and training where necessary on the safe use of dry suits. There will also be training and assessment in UK legislation relevant to diving. Candidates will have to sit the HSE Surface Supplied exam, HSE Surface Decompression exam and a Legislation exam. On successful completion of this 2 week period they will be issued with an HSE Surface Supplied qualification and will then be able to join the HSE Surface Supplied (Top Up) course.
As before, all divers attending will require an in date approved diving medical, First Aid & Oxygen Administration certification.
There will be no changes required to the List of Approved Diving Qualification, and divers who have already trained on the Top Up course will continue to be able to work in the UK. The changes to the entry criteria will be administered by the HSE dive schools.
To accommodate this change, we are running 2 x 3 week courses in 2020
Dates are : 20.04.2020 – 08.05.2020 (FULL) & 07.09.2020 – 25.09.2020 (spaces)
Please email tamsin@commercialdivertraining.co.uk for details
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