Q: Who should take these courses?
A: This course is for divers who wish to work in local inshore industries doing commercial SCUBA work and/or inshore(restricted) surface supply work. This course is ideal for those divers who do not want to spend $20,000 to 30,000 and 8 months going to an offshore diving school in order to work overseas. When they are interested in working locally.
Q: Where can I stay while I am a student?
A: We have a Divers Guesthouse which can accommodate up to 12 students or a groups.. The cost is 200 per week and you will need to bring your own towels, sheets, pillow and comforter. sleeping bag. It is clean, new, and very comfortable. All amenities are in the local area.
Q: What's the difference between an Occupational Diver and a Commercial Diver?
A:There is no difference. "Occupational" is a more precise and descriptive term for a working diver. Many regulatory bodies around the world are now using the term "Occupational Diver" rather than "Commercial Diver".
Q: When do courses run?
A:The Occupational SCUBA Diver program is scheduled to run five times per year. The course runs full time, 8 hours per day, 5 days per week (except holidays). THe Surface Supply course runs 3 times per year. Refer to the schedule for exact course dates and locations or call the diving office at (250) 287-3837.
Q: Can DiveSafe Intl. train private groups?
A: Yes, we have conducted training courses of all levels for first nations groups, search and rescue groups and private companies, as well as Oceans and Fisheries Canada. If you have a group of 5 or more students contact our office and we can schedule a special course just for your group. We also do private training. Call or email us for more info.
Q: Where are the dive courses held?
A:DiveSafe International is located at a fantastic location at the Coast Marina in Campbell River. Our 3 dive vessesl are docked outside our door - and yes you can dive right off our dock.
Q: How many students are in each class?
A: DiveSafe Intl. diving classes usually run with 6 to 12 students.
Q: When should I register for a course?
A: The earlier you register, the better your chances of getting a seat but the final deadline is two weeks in advance of the course date. Tuition fees are due two weeks prior to the course start date.
Q: Is Financial Assistance available?
A:There is funding for training. Contact our office for information and check out your local employment office.
Q: I have been working as a commercial diver, can I get credit for my experience?
A: Yes, DiveSafe Intl. can offer Prior Leaning Assessment (PLA) and may be able to accelerate you through the course. Call DiveSafe Intl. head office for information on PLA procedures.
Q: What kind of dry suit is best?
A: Drysuits are made from different types of materials. If you are planning to work in the aquaculture industry, then you will need a vulcanized rubber (Gates or Viking) or trilaminate style suit. These suits can be disinfected between farm sites.
Seafood harvesters prefer a neoprene drysuit as neoprene will keep you warm even if water leaks in, but neoprene cannot be disinfected and is not allowed on aquaculture sites.
For industrial diving, divers prefer the vulcanized rubber suits as they tend to repel chemicals, oil, and contaminated water better than neoprene. Your suit is your most important piece of equipment so spend the money on it first.
Q: I have a new drysuit but I haven't had time to try it out...
A: Come to our pre-class dive service, "prep week". Come on out the week before class starts and get used to your new dry suit.
Q: Do I need to own my own dive equipment or can I rent it?
A: You can rent your equipment from your local dive store for the duration of the course but you will need to have your own equipment when you go to work. Having your own equipment for the course allows you to get used to it before getting to the job site. If you are buying equipment for the first time call the DiveSafe Intl. diving office for advice.
Q: What if I don't have my 20 pre-requisite dives.
A: Don't worry, we have a pre-class dive service. "Prep week". Come on out the week before class starts and get some dive time in as well as work with one of our instructors to get you prepped for the course. 3 dives a day. You will be doing some land based dives, dock dives and boat dives.
Q: I used to dive alot but I haven't been in the water for over a year now...
A: See above....
Q: Does DiveSafe Intl. have a job placement service?
A: DiveSafe Intl. works with dive employers to link our graduates with employers. We work with employers all over BC and Alberta across Canada and international in order to ensure our students are graduating with the best skills for the industry. We have different employers come to our classes to recruit our students.We feel it is important for us to give our students the most up to date and thorough information possible so they can make their own career choice.
As well, DiveSafe Intl. instructors are employed in the industry so they are a great source of information for job placement.
DiveSafe Intl. is focused on Commercial Dive Training and providing the best commercial divers for the industry.
Q: Want to go further in your diving career?
A: If you want to go further in your diving career, DiveSafe Intl. offers the Surface Supply Program in Campbell River, B.C. Call for an information package or email us.
Why is DiveSafe Intl. the best choice? There are many reasons for taking your dive training through DiveSafe Intl. . Here are some of them:
- Employment: Employers recognize graduates of DiveSafe Intl. as having met the highest standards. DiveSafe Intl. graduates are in great demand and have a reputation as excellent divers and hard workers.
- Equipment: Our students receive training on the latest in diving technology and equipment including full face masks, diving helmets, hardwire and wireless communications and air delivery systems..
- Instructors: DiveSafe Intl. instructors are fully certified commercial divers with years of experience and government-recognized teaching certificates. Our instructors still work in the commercial diving industry to remain current in diving skills and knowledge.
- Training and Environment: All training dives are conducted from our dive boat in local waters (in the ocean!!). Dives are conducted in a wide range of current, visibility, and environmental conditions found in the real world. Also, DiveSafe Intl. students work on a vast array of diving projects and exercises, which relate to real job skills.
Q. What if I want to get into offshore oilfield diving?
A. DiveSafe trains to Restricted Surface Supply Diver level. Which is all you need to work as an Inshore Commercial Surface Supply Diver. Most of the work in Canada (with the exception of the offshore industry in Atlantic Canada) can be done with the Restricted Surface Supply certification.
But, if you want to go further and get that offshore ticket, good on you! We have helped many students further their education after graduating from our Restricted Surface Supply course. We can direct you to some top notch offshore schools, and help you plan out that path.
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