There has always been a standard at the CSA for dive supervisors and subsequently a DCBC certification to support it. With WorkSafe BC getting out of the certification business the time is now for all you dive supervisors out there to get your dive supervisor certification before WorkSafe make it regulation. It is only a matter of time. A dive "supervisor" who is only that because he or she is carrying the clipboard cannot be held accountable anymore unless they are officially put in charge and have voluntairly accepted that responsibility by having themselves trained and certified for that position. It will not take long for Health and Safety to realize that to meet the standard the CSA put forth dive supervisors and dive tenders need to be able to prove their competency by having their DCBC certification. If WorkSafe BC are to show their 'due diligence' with regards to diver certification then they will have to change the regulations to meet the CSA standards.
We've seen resistance however, from divers and dive companies alike. Why would an experienced diver not want to improve their skill set and their lot. That diver should not only realize that they can be recognized worldwide with their DCBC certification but also command a higher wage as a dive supervisor. The days of the guy or gal driving the the truck being designated "Supervisor" are over. Companies need to appreciate the fact that their Supervisors are prepared to accept more responsiblility, not only for getting the job done but also for the safety of their crew. To meet the CSA standard, potential Supervisors need to have years of experience as a diver and proper training to supervise. Once WCB, employers, dive contractors and diver's themselves realize that if supervisors are to be held accountable then they will need to be experienced divers who are trained and compensated for.
