International Assessments

ASSESSMENTS REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW

Applicants requesting certification as a Commercial Surface Supplied Diver under the Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC) scheme will have to undergo an assessment to determine whether they meet the enabling objectives of the Canadian Standards Association CSA Z275.4, Competency Standard for Diving Operations.

The Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) currently offers U.S.-based certification and some International Endorsements. Working divers without ADCI certifications may also contact us for assistance if an assessment is required.

The assessment is a two-part process:

  • Applicant’s current qualifications (certs, dive logs, documented work experience) are reviewed for alignment with requirements
  • Observed, practical assessments are conducted to complete any missing objectives and to test the applicant’s competency in both diving related theory and practical demonstration of commercial practices and underwater skills (observed dive)

Eligibility Requirements/Documentation required for assessment to Unrestricted Surface Supplied Air Diver in accordance with CSA Z275.4 and CSA Z275.5 Commercial Diving Standards:

  1. Must have at least 2 years of documented Commercial Diving experience.
  2. Must be current in First Aid, CPR, AED and Oxygen Provider certifications.
  3. Must have a current Diving Physical/Medical Exam completed by a Level 1 Board Certified Hyperbaric Physician.
  4. Must have current industry certifications including SCUBA, HazMat, ADC Surface Supplied Diver, Rigging, etc.
  5. Must have 50 hours (:3,000 minutes) TBT in Surface Supplied diving including the following depths/TBT:

Unrestricted Surface Supplied Air Diver:

  • Must have a minimum of :2160 minutes TBT between 0 fsw and 49.5 fsw
  • Must have a minimum of :420 minutes TBT between 49.5 fsw and 66 fsw
  • Must have a minimum of :180 minutes TBT between 66 fsw and 132 fsw
  • Must have a minimum of :180 minutes TBT between 132 fsw and 165 fsw
  • Must have a minimum of :60 minutes TBT at 165 fsw
  • Must have a minimum of 6 hours (:360 minutes) TBT in a Dry-Suit
  • Must have a minimum of 10 hours (:600) Commercial SCUBA training, including 14 Full-Face Mask dives, and 2 to 99fsw

For Surface Supplied Mixed Gas Diver add, in addition to the above:

  • 5 mixed gas (HEO2) dives between 99 fsw and 230 fsw with a minimum of :120 TBT
  • 1 mixed gas (HEO2) dive with a minimum of :20 TBT at 230 fsw
  • Must hold a DCBC or equivalent certification, or have been assessed to an Unrestricted Surface Supplied Air Diver
  • Must have completed formal Mixed Gas Theory at a recognized Commercial diving school (International or ANSI)

Requirements for Initial Assessment

Print and fill out the applicable Unrestricted Assessment Checklist , and make copies of the required documentation. Send electronic versions (scanned/pdf documents) or questions to the Assessment Coordinator Michelle at assessments@diversinstitute.edu but please do not send any original documents. Mail hard copies to:

Assessments Divers Institute of Technology 1341 N. Northlake Way, Suite 150 Seattle, WA 98103

Assessment Part 1, the detailed review of formal commercial dive training, current certifications, work history, commercial log books, and medical fitness to dive will determine eligibility and any components that need to be completed prior to applying for the diving certification. A detailed training schedule and cost will be provided upon request.

Upon completion of the final assessment, including observed dives, the final assessment letter is sent to the applicant. This letter indicates that you have completed assessment requirements in accordance with the CSA Z275.4 and CSA Z275.5 or ADCI Standards to the level of certification you seek.

  • Send the assessment letter with your application to the certifying agency (Diver Certification Board of Canada or Association of Diving Contractors, International)
  • You apply directly to DCBC or ADCI along with the required fees
  • The applications can be downloaded from their respective websites at ADCI or completed online at DCBC

DIT will maintain a file with a copy of your application documentation for periodic review and audit by the Diver Certification Board of Canada and the Association of Diving Contractors International.

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