Diver Trainer | Occupational Diver Certification

Overview

Diver trainers work in ADAS Accredited Training Establishments (ATEs). Generally they start at the level of Assistant Diver Trainer (ADT) and progress to Diver Trainer (DT). In some instances, a DT may be promoted to ADAS Training and Assessment Manager (ATAM).

Assistant Diver Trainers (ADTs) assist ADAS Diver Trainers in the delivery of training at an ADAS ATE. Becoming an ADT involves undergoing an in-house program in the nominated ATE to develop specific occupational diver instructional experience and to enable ATEs to employ them to perform a useful function during ADAS training.
Diver Trainers (DTs) deliver courses relevant to the trainer’s qualification and, as opposed to ADTs, do not require supervision of the delivery training. All DTs must be certified diving supervisors at least at the level at which they will teach.
Specialist Diver Trainers (SDTs) have specialist subject knowledge (e.g. first aid, diving medicine, equipment maintenance, welding and cutting) and only instruct divers in specialist diving applications such as police, fisheries, scientific and military diving.
ADAS Training and Assessment Managers (ATAMs) are solely responsible for managing training and assessment activities and recommending divers for certification as ADAS divers. ATAMs form the basis of quality control and professionalism in the ADAS system. They are directly responsible for the safety of the trainee divers under their care and for the quality of the training and assessment delivered on their courses.

Tasks Performed on the Job

Diver Trainers are responsible for the delivery of ADAS accredited courses which involves:

Supervising practical diving assessments
Delivering lectures
Supporting students in their study
Being directly responsible for ensuring that all ADAS provisions are complied with during the conduct of the ADAS course

How to Become a Diver Trainer

Assistant Diver Trainer (ADT)

ADT is the introductory level of Diver Trainer certification and is available to exemplary divers who have:

ADAS certification with varied relevant occupational diving experience at least 100 hours and 100 dives at the level of the ADT certification they are seeking
Completed a comprehensive diver theory assessment to the level required with a pass mark of 85% or higher

Application is via the Accredited Training Establishment (ATE) the applicant wishes to work for. The ATE submits an application to ADAS with evidence that the applicant has the prerequisites noted above and assurance that they:

Are subject to a training and development program to develop the appropriate level of training and instructional skills and a development plan for the individual.
Hold the ‘Enterprise Trainer Skill Set’ as identified in the TAE10 Training and Education Training Package

Diver Trainer (DT)

DT certification is available to ADTs who have high levels of professional and instructional experience and ability.

Application is via the Accredited Training Establishment (ATE) the applicant wishes to work for. The ATE submits an application to ADAS with evidence that the applicant meets the following prerequisites:

Have ADAS certification to at least the level for which they are applying for DT certification
Have varied construction work diving experience of at least 100 dives and 100 hours logged bottom time at the level of DT certification they are seeking (except for Part 3 where the applicant must have at least 100 hours at Part 2 level and at least 30 hours between 30 and 50 metres including SurDO2)
Have qualified as an ADAS diving supervisor at least at the level of DT certification they are seeking
Have substantial practical and theory instructional experience in an appropriate physical activity (preferably diving) as approved by the Executive Director ADAS
Have the ‘Enterprise Trainer Skill Set’ as identified in the TAE10 Training and Education Training Package
For other than certification as a Specialist Diver Trainer (see below), possess relevant construction qualification and/or experience (e.g. two or more of the following: coxswain, rigger, cranechaser, dogman, powderman, welder, construction trade qualification (carpenter, plumber, etc.) or onshore/offshore construction worker)
For Closed Bell Diver (Part 4) training, have current qualification as a Life Support Technician and are medically fit to dive as bell man for the initial dives.

Specialist Trainer (ST)

Instructors may apply to be certified as ADAS Specialist Trainers (STs) if they have extensive professional experience in the specialist area for which they are applying and/or do not meet the required criteria for DT (i.e. wide experience in construction diving and the requisite industry qualifications).

ADAS Training and Assessment Manager (ATAM)

DTs who have high levels of professional and instructional experience and ability, and who have qualified in the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116) may apply for certification as an ATAM.

Is an experienced and highly competent DT to at least the level of ATAM sought
Has, under the supervision of a certified ATAM, taught all subjects on a minimum of two (2) courses to the full level of certification for which they are applying
Has successfully completed the ADAS ATAM course