PDC COURSE HSE SCUBA DIVER

The HSE SCUBA DIVER qualification allows open circuit Scuba Divers in the UK to meet the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP). This is required for any diving activity where payment of any kind is made to the diver.

Successful completion of the course provides approved diving qualification under the ACOPs required for:

- Recreational Diving                             - Archaeological Diving
- Scientific Diving                                    - Media Diving
- Inshore Diving                                      - Guidance on Shellfish Diving
- Any other related ACOPs

RECREATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to receiving the HSE Scuba Diver qualification candidates will receive on successful completion appropriate recreational certification deemed necessary based on the level of prior diving certification and experience that a candidate already has and may include:

- Oxygen Provider certification
- First Aid at Work certification
- Dry Suit certification
- Open Water certification
- Advanced Open Water Certification
- Rescue Diver
- Additional "build up" dives between training programmes

These recreational certifications are based on a full course pricing and several conditions and candidates are not automatically entitled to all or any of the qualifications unless specified in advance in a written agreement with the candidate.  
 

COMMERCIAL DIVING HSE SCUBA QUALIFICATION

Once our Primary core training is complete, theory and dive assessments met - our training moves towards Diving at Work Regulations and compliance with relevant diving ACOPs. Diver training includes:

- Work style task dives with chains, ropes and tools
- Drill style rescue dives and scenarios with roles as Diver, Tender, Standby and Acting Supervisor.
- Dive assessments which must meet depth, time, gas and table requirements 
- Competence with DSAT and US Navy Dive Tables
- Legislation and Hazard Identification when dive planning  

MEDICAL AND FITNESS
Candidates must have appropriate fitness and will have completed prior to the course start date a HSE certificate of medical fitness to dive. This can be obtained from a suitably qualified doctor. Click this link for full details

You will need to complete a pre-medical form with your GP before obtaining your Divers Medical, you can download a copy here - Medical questionnaire for diving at work (hse.gov.uk)


EXPERIENCE
We acknowledge previous diver experience and the course is open to three types of individual:
- non diver
- experienced non certified diver
- experienced certified diver

Different programs are available for each type ensuring minimum dive experience of 50 dives prior to final certification. The equivalency for "experienced certification" diver level is based on the CMAS 3 * with the candidate having at least 50 drysuit dives of which 10 are in the 25 metre category or below with a pre assessment in water and academically. Logged dives are required.

Logbooks will be maintained throughout the course provided by the candidate and prior experience proof logbooks will be inspected. During all course diving a supplied computer will be attached to each diver for the purposes of producing independent records of each dive.

Divers who meet the requirements of Puffin Dive Centre pre assessment both in water and theoretical will be eligible to take the reduced program and may not require to participate in the higher dive numbers if able to show acceptable skill level thus reducing days required on site.

Purchase benefits are available with significant discounts for course participants. Contact the Puffin Dive Centre shop and discuss. A further option for items needed during the course may be rental on a long-term hire - discuss your requirements at the time of booking. It is essential that any equipment used or provided by the student meets the functionality criterion set down by Puffin Dive Centre in turn to meet the Health and Safety Executive requirements or best practice.

DATES AND DURATION
The courses are run monthly and last between 14 and 21 days depending on level and ability at the outset. Candidates will join courses at their appropriate level subject to reassessment.  

Full details on schedules and information about Puffin Dive Centre when on the course can be found in the students Scuba Diving Manual issued as part of the course materials on arrival at the centre. An excerpt of "chapter 1 course details" can be viewed on this link  
 

Ready to book and wanting more information?

You can start the booking form online by clicking on this link and filling in our online form- we look forward to diving with you soon!