Bord Iascaigh Mhara now provide commercial diver training courses based on international best practice at the National Fisheries & Diving College, Castletownbere Co. Cork.
Divers working in Ireland are required to have appropriate training. Depending on the work they do, they must have either a Commercial Scuba or a Surface Supplied Diving qualification.
For most commercial diving, the preferred method is Surface Supplied Diving (SSD), which provides greater protection for the diver, unlimited air supply, and a fully independent back-up supply. Divers with this qualification can work on all aquaculture sites as well as inshore civil engineering projects. To work in the offshore oil, gas and renewables sectors, a further top-up programme is required.
The SSD course duration is four weeks full time and on successful completion candidates will receive a QQI Level 6 Certificate: Surface Supplied Diving (Inshore).
The Commercial Scuba course is a prerequisite for SSD. Students learn how to use scuba equipment and simple communication systems in a commercial setting. Divers learn how to work underwater in a range of environments and how to use core tools underwater.
The Commercial Scuba course is five weeks long and on completion candidates receive a QQI Level 6 Certificate: Commercial Scuba Diver. Both qualifications are recognised by the HSE UK ensuring international validity and employability.
