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.