Overview
As part of its commitment to achieving world’s best practice, the Commonwealth has adopted a limited certification period of five (5) years so that diver and supervisor competency levels are reviewed at reasonable time intervals. The purpose of renewing is to ensure divers and diving supervisors are current in their skills and abilities, and to ensure the safety of the teams they are working in.
Diver Medical Technician (DMT) certifications: DMT certification holders are unable to renew their qualifications in the same way as divers or diving supervisors, rather DMTs will have to undertake a DMT refresher course with an ADAS school. Please see the DMT information page for more details.
Renewal Process
To renew your ADAS certification and obtain a new licence, please:
- Complete the application form
- Submit the application form to ADAS along with:
- a recent colour photograph – taken within the last twelve (12) months
- a copy of your passport or drivers licence
- relevant supporting documentation (if required)
- your payment – fees and payment options are shown on the form
Once your application is received at the ADAS office, it will be checked to ensure you have submitted all the required documentation. If everything is in order, your application will be processed within 10 working days. If there is a problem with your application, you will be contacted immediately by a processing officer and your application may take longer to process.
Early Renewal
If you wish, you are able to renew your licence up to 6 months before the expiry date.
Endorsements
The ADAS diver licence can potentially show two diving-related endorsements: Nitrox and Chamber Operator. If you wish to claim either of these endorsements, please provide copies of your certification of qualification in support of your application. See the Endorsements page for more information.
Renewal Audits
ADAS routinely audits renewal applications to ensure divers and supervisors are competent, therefore maintaining a high level of safety in the workplace.
If you are selected for audit, your certification will be renewed once you are able to show proof of continued proficiency. The audit materials required will vary slightly depending on which certification you hold, but in general you will need to show logged evidence you have been active in the industry in the last 24 months, and a copy of your current dive medical (if required). A processing officer will contact you with more details if your renewal application is selected for audit.
Offshore Supervisor Renewal Requirements
As of the 1st of January 2021 ADAS offshore supervisors will be expected to complete the IMCA Continued Professional Development (CPD) program as part of their renewal application process. It is recommended that offshore supervisors complete any available Knowledge Units before submitting a renewal application in order to have their application processed without delay. Applicants can provide evidence of completed Knowledge Units by sharing their progress with ADAS or submitting a Completion Certificate if they have completed all four Knowledge Units in each calendar year.
See the IMCA IMCA Diving Supervisor CPD page for more details and links.
Late Renewal Policy
If your ADAS certification has expired, you can still renew but there may be a different system depending the original expiry date.
If your licence is under 2 years past the expiry date, you can renew as normal without having to show any proof of continued proficiency or pay any extra money. In this case, follow the directions above.
If your licence is over 2 years past the expiry date, you will have to show proof of continued proficiency before your application will be processed. You will also have to pay a rejoining fee in addition to the standard renewal fee for your level of certification.
- Renewal will provide 5 full years of certification from the date of issue of the renewed licence.
- The rejoining fee caters for the administrative expenses involved in reinstating divers on the database, processing late applications, and verifying continued proficiency evidence.
- Note: After 2 years, inactive divers will be removed from the ADAS database.
Proof of continued proficiency can be shown by providing copies of your log book showing you have completed at least 20 occupational dives / diving supervisions within the last 24 months. Dive logs must be signed by a supervisor, while diving supervisor logs must be signed by the diving superintendent and show the contractors stamp. See the Proof of Continued Proficiency page for more information.
Criteria for Waiving Rejoining Fee
The rejoining fee may be waived at the discretion of the Executive Director if you fit one or more of the following circumstances:
- You have had a medical condition which precluded you from undertaking diving work
- You had been unable to work due to circumstances outside of your control
- You have, for whatever reason, been a primary carer for a child or other relative and have been unable to work.
Please note: ADAS strongly recommends your ADAS licence remains in date. If your licence expires , you are not currently certified by ADAS and, as such, your employer may be liable if there are any workplace accidents or incidents.