**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 1^st 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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January 2020

With only 2 schools in the UK offering the HSE air diving courses, we are yet again experiencing a high demand for our courses.  Please book well in advance.  We only have a few places left for the remainder of the year but it is highly likely we will run an additional course starting in October.  Plans do change though, students do move course or move on so please register your interest info@commercialdivertraining.co.uk.

The inshore industry seems to be steadily climbing onwards and upwards and we have seen some of our very first course graduates going on to take saturation diving jobs globally.  The ‘big red boats’ are now undergoing some major refurbishment (coats of paint, new deck paint, new galley, drying room & more storage) whilst the 10m hard boats are full steam ahead with inshore work for the next few months.  

Teams are working in Plymouth & Fowey, both employing ex-graduates, some newly qualified, some now seasoned veterans!

Our next course starts on February 3rd.  Course bookings are on the up and 2020 looks like it’s going to be a bumper year.

Next on the list is Hambledon!

Please note that there is very limited availability left for 2020.  We may well run an additional course starting in October.  Please call or email to register your interest.

∗∗ALL COURSES INCLUDE FULL BOARD AND ACCOMMODATION∗∗  

Please email tamsin@commercialdivertraining.co.uk  for details

        COURSE                                    START                                  FINISH

2020

• Professional Scuba                 03.02.2020                               28.02.20    
•  Surface Supplied                   02.03.20                                    27.03.20    
•  Offshore Top Up                    30.03.20                                    03.04.20

• Professional Scuba                 20.04.2020                             15.05.20 
•  Surface Supplied                   18.05.20                                  12.06.20
•  Offshore Top Up                    15.06.20                                  19.06.20

• Professional Scuba               22.06.20                                   17.07.20
• Surface Supplied                  20.07.20                                    14.08.20
• Offshore Top Up                   17.08.20                                    21.08.20

• Professional Scuba              07.09.20                                    02.10.20
•  Surface Supplied                 05.10.20                                   30.10.20
• Offshore Top Up                   02.11.20                                   06.11.20

Aptitude Dates 2020 Update –

Due to the current situation with COVID-19 we have postponed all Aptitude Dates until further notice.  Core courses are running but we are limiting the number of visitors we have onboard.  Please email us to be added to a list and we will notify you once they are up and running again.

For those serious about a career as a commercial diver, the opportunity to visit us and undertake an open water dive in equipment actually used in industry is invaluable.  A brief itinerary will be to arrive in Fowey or Plymouth, for 0800, transfer to the vessels for a briefing with instructors / supervisors.

The one day program includes the following:

• A tour of our vessels and onboard facilities
• Course administration (including medical questionnaire, if not already completed)
• A brief history of commercial diving and associated legislation
• Industry overview, including the role of the diver, both inshore and offshore
• CDT course descriptions detailing practical and theoretical content
• Information on additional “back ground” training useful to potential commercial diver trainees
• Measurement for dry suit (should you decide to book with us on the HSE Air Diver Package)
• Basic math’s and English written exams (if required)
• Surface Supplied Diving Equipment familiarization
• Dive brief
• Dive in Surface Supplied Diving Equipment
• Dive tending
• Dive de-brief
• Course results, conducted on an individual basis, discussing results and suitability to attend further training

The cost of the day is free but it is intended for those who ae serious about a career within the commercial diving industry.

For more details, please email tamsin@commercialdivertraining.co.uk.

We will continue to post important news and updates on our website, but for every day updates, pictures etc please see our Facebook page www.facebook.com/commercialdivertraining which is updated more regularly.