Minerals Institute of Western Australia

Diver

Divers carry out a range of duties underwater using special breathing apparatus. Offshore divers assist in the construction and repair of platforms and pipelines and may dive to depths of 250 metres in submersible work chambers. Often they have a trade such as welding or boilermaking. Onshore divers generally don't dive to below 50 meters. Divers in the oil and gas industry may perform the following tasks:

• inspect diving equipment before diving;
• build, inspect and repair underwater constructions;
• use cables and flotation gear to bring objects to the surface;
• carry out exploratory dives.

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Education and Training:

NSW, NT, Qld, SA, Tas., Vic., WA

There are no specified minimum educational requirements for entry. Divers should be highly proficient in swimming, scuba diving, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and first aid.

The Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) training is structured into 4 sequential levels:

• Level 1 - Scuba Diving to 30 metres
• Level 2 - Surface Diving to 30 metres
• Level 3 - Surface Diving to 50 metres
• Level 4 - Bell and Saturation Diving.

Levels 1 to 3 are currently available in Queensland, NSW and Tasmania. Level 4 training is not available in Australia. However, the Australian National Underwater Training Centre in Tasmania hopes to provide Level 4 training in 1998. Entry to Level 4 training requires completion of at least 1 year's diving work experience after completing Level 3 training. These courses are costly.

Most start as scuba or skin divers and complete courses of instruction in diving skills in shallow depths, ie 0-30 metres. Scuba diving courses and instructor courses are available through diving equipment shops, and diving schools and associations. Certificates are issued on successful completion of these courses. Fees are charged.

Off-shore divers must have completed a formal course of training.

ADAS training courses for commercial divers are available in Queensland, NSW, Tasmania and South Australia. Off-shore commercial divers must hold a Commonwealth of Australia Commercial Diver's Card, awarded after successful completion of an accredited course. On-shore commercial divers require accredited training to the Australian Standard 2815, which is usually a NSW Workcover Diver's Certificate of Competency.