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:

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 Commercial SCUBA Diver Training and assessment in the use of SCUBA and simple work tasks 30msw
C Surface Supplied Inshore Air Diver Training and assessment in the use of Surface Orientated Air Diving Equipment and common inland/inshore work tasks 30msw
D Surface Supplied Offshore Diver Training and assessment in air diving operations using an open (wet) bell acting as Bellman and Diver and/or using a Hot Water suit 50msw
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 - DEFINITIONS LEVELS 1,2,3 AND 4

IDSA STANDARD MADE UP OF MODULES DETAIL Note 1
IDSA Level 1 (Commercial SCUBA Diver) A + B Competent to dive safely using open circuit self-contained air breathing equipment. Has a working knowledge of the following tasks : Elementary rigging, the Use of Lifting Bags, Diver search Techniques, the Use of Hand Tools and Visual Inspection - See Note 2.. 30msw
IDSA Level 2 (Surface Supplied Inshore Air Diver) A + B + C Competent to dive safely both inland & inshore using open circuit self-contained air breathing equipment and surface orientated air diving equipment. Has a working knowledge of the Level 1 tasks plus Chamber Operations, the use of Power Tools, thermal Arch Cutting equipment, Air Lifts and Jetting equipment, simple Underwater Construction tasks - see Note 2. The principles of the following subjects are also taught, but in-water experience is not mandatory - Bolt Guns, Explosives, Wet Welding, Diving in Polluted Waters 30msw
IDSA Level 3 (Surface Supplied Offshore Air Diver) A + B + C + D Competent to dive inland, inshore & offshore using, open circuit self-contained air breathing equipment, surface orientated air diving equipment, and from an open bell. Able to use a hot-water suit. Has a working knowledge of the work tasks listed in Levels 1 & 2. 50msw
IDSA Level 4 (Closed Bell/Mixed Gas Diver)

A + B + C + D + E

      or

A + C + D + E

Competent to take part in closed bell operations, acting as Bellman and Diver, using the appropriate breathing gas mixture. 100msw

Notes

1. DEPTH LIMITS : The depths shown in the right hand column of the tables above 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 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.