About IDSA




	The International Diving Schools Association

The Association was formed in 1982 as the result of a meeting between Schools attending the American Diving Contractors Conference in New Orleans. The aims of the Association were then, and are now, to:-

Develop common international standards of diving training.

Provide an effective means of communication between schools.

Work towards improved standards of safety and quality.

Improve the overall quality of commercial diving education.

Provide a common and collective voice to government industrial agencies on any matter affecting members.

Co-operate on matters which may improve placement opportunities for graduates from member schools.

Promote any activity, idea or subject which may improve the international operations of the Association.

Slowly, since that time, the Association has grown and matured - as has the Diving Industry - and now the membership comprises Military, State Owned, and Private Schools, which generally exist separately but can, in some Countries, be found in combination.

It is on the exceptional spread of experience, going back over many years, that the work of the Association is based.

It should be noted that the aim has been to create International Diving Standards which provide a yardstick against which those responsible for National Standards - Governments Institutions, Clients, Diving Contractors and Divers themselves - can equate their own standards and, in those countries where National Standards do not exist, they can be used as a guide. The aim is NOT to:

Conflict with National Diving Standards.
Conflict with National Legislation.

It is expected that these International Standards will contribute to:-

     Equating Standards across the World.
     Providing guidance to organisations setting diving standards for the first time.
     Improving safety.
     Providing Contractors with a direct input to the Diver Training Syllabus.
     Enabling Contractors to bid across National Borders on a more even Playing field.
     Improving the quality of Diver education.
     Providing Divers with greater Job Opportunities.


	Apart from the more traditional diving activities in the Offshore Industry, Industrial Working Divers now take part in a wide variety of activities, such as:-


	Archaeological Investigation Bridge Structure Inspection Demolition and Salvage Fish Farming Maintenance of renewable energy sites Nuclear Power Plant Maintenance Professional Recreational Services


	Remedial work in Lakes, Reservoirs Canals etc Repair and Construction Rescue Services Scientific data collection and observation Search, Recovery and Survey Television and film making Underwater Civil Engineering


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	TYPES of MEMBERSHIP

		There are 3 Types of membership

FULL

ASSOCIATE

AFFILIATE

Schools which meet the Conditions of Acceptance in at least one of the Diving Categories set by the Association, and who may issue Diver Training Certificates.

Schools who wish to be associated with the work of the Association, but who either do not wish, or are not yet eligible to issue IDSA Certificates.

Relevant Government Departments, Diving Contractors and other Organisations concerned with or interested in the work of the Association.


	Application forms for membership are available in the Membership section


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	The IDSA DIVER TRAINING STANDARDS


	The IDSA Diver Training System is based on a modular approach. Each Standard, or Level of Competence, is made up from a combination of modules (see Tables below) modules may be taught in two ways :

Either: Combined as an integrated course

Modules may be combined to run a course leading to one of the IDSA Levels, for example, if modules A & B are combined, successful students would be eligible to receive the IDSA Level I (SCUBA qualification.

Or: Individually


	NOTE:


	The order in which the elements of each Module or combination of Modules are taught may be altered to suit the facilities, staff and equipment available, provided they are progressive. Courses may be run covering the requirements of one module only, for example, a course may be run to the syllabus of Module ‘C’ for divers wishing to progress from Level 1 to Level 2.


	The current Modules are full described in the Tables below, and full details can be obtained from the Administrator - see the ‘Publication Section’

TABLE 1 : The IDSA DIVER TRAINING MODULES

	MODULE TYPE	DETAIL
A	Preparatory	Diving principles and theory common to both SCUBA and Surface Supply. Must be combined with either the Scuba or Standard Surface Supply Modules.	Theory Only
B	SCUBA	Training and assessment in the use of SCUBA and simple work tasks	30m
C	Restricted Surface Supply	Training and assessment in the use of Surface Orientated Air Diving Equipment and common inland/inshore work tasks	30m
D	Surface Supply	Training and assessment in air diving operations using an open (wet) bell acting as Bellman and Diver and/or using a Hot Water suit	50m
E	Closed Bell/ Mixed Gas	Training and assessment in the use and operation of a closed bell - acting as Bellman and Diver using the appropriate breathing gas mixture	100m

TABLE 2 : The IDSA DIVER TRAINING MODULES

IDSA STANDARD	MADE UP OF MODULES	DETAIL	SEE NOTES
IDSA Level 1 (SCUBA)	A + B	Competent to carry out simple work tasks safely using open circuit self-contained air diving equipment.	30m
IDSA Level 2 (Restricted surface Supply	A + B + C	Competent to carry out inland/inshore work tasks safely using both open circuit self-contained and surface orientated air diving equipment only.	30m
IDSA Level 2A Restricted Surface Supply without SCUBA)	A + C	Competent to carry out inland/inshore work tasks safely using surface orientated air diving equipment.	30m
IDSA Level 3 (Surface Supply)	A + B + C + D	Competent to carry out both inland/inshore and Offshore work tasks safely using both open circuit self-contained and surface orientated air diving equipment. Able to work from an Open Bell and use a hot-water suit.	50m
IDSA Level 3A (Surface Supply without SCUBA)	A + C + D	Competent to carry out both inland/inshore and Offshore work tasks safely using surface orientated air diving equipment. Able to work from an Open Bell and use a hot-water suit only.	50m
IDSA Level 4 (Closed Bell/Mixed Gas)	A + C + D + E or A + B + C + D + E	Competent to take part in closed bell operations, acting as Bellman and Diver, using the appropriate breathing gas mixture.	100m


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NOTES :

1. Depth Limits : The depths shown in the right hand column of the tables are those which a diver is competent to achieve on successful completion of training. He/she may go deeper with further experience and/or training as assessed by a Diving Contractor and allowed by National Legislation.

2. Task training : The Task training set out in the modules will provide the trainee with a general appreciation of the techniques and problems involved in carrying out the specified underwater work. For the diver to be considered a competent worker it will generally be necessary for further specialist training to be undertaken, especially for cutting, welding, explosives, NDT and offshore air diving