Course Overview
The focus of the course is to prepare Aquarium Divers and Zoo divers to work in reasonably benign confined and open water conditions undertaking underwater maintenance, cleaning, feeding and collection work associated with the running of an aquarium/zoo. The diving work would generally be focused in sheltered or confined waters that does not require any major construction and is undertaken in depths to 20m.
The emphasis of the course is to prepare recreationally trained divers to work safely and effectively as members of an integrated occupational dive team in reasonably controlled environments. Whilst the main emphasis of the course is to introduce the diver to dive using full face masks with effective communications, significant emphasis will also be placed on the risk assessment process associated with diving in the work place.
Applicants are constantly assessed during twelve (12) dives with a minimum of 360 minutes of bottom time.
Applicants assessed as competent in all areas will be awarded the ADAS Aquarium Diver certification and will receive an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Statement of Attainment if they complete training with an ADAS school accredited to issue Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications.
The ADAS Aquarium Diver course dives and theory components are considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for any subsequent ADAS course.
Course Standards
This course meets the requirements of:
- ADAS Occupational SCUBA to 18m (Aquaculture Diver)
- Partial completion toward Certificate IV in Hyperbaric Operations (General SCUBA diving). National Qualification Code 11006NAT.
Note: If you study at an ADAS training establishment outside of Australia you may not be eligible for this Australian Qualifications Framework certificate. The ADAS licence, however, is issued at all ADAS training establishments.
- All ADAS schools teach to the ADAS standard, this means that graduates of non-VET accredited schools may apply to ADAS for a VET qualification through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. Contact ADAS for more information about this process.
Student Prerequisites
Before applicants commence ADAS Aquarium diver training, the ATE must ensure that they:
- Are at least 18 years of age at the commencement of training
- Are in possession of a valid certificate of medical fitness to dive (see AS/NZS 2299.1) issued, after examination, by a doctor trained and experienced in underwater medicine in accordance with the requirements in AS/NZS 2299.1, and that certification remains valid until the scheduled completion date of the training being undertaken. If the trainee’s health has changed significantly since the medical certificate was issued, the trainee shall seek an appropriate medical review
- Are able to swim competently
Note: Swimming competence should be demonstrated by the trainee completing a 200m swim on the surface using mask, fins and snorkel while wearing SCUBA equipment and neutrally buoyant within eight minutes, and by the trainee treading water for 10 min while fully clothed (i.e. wearing a long sleeved shirt and long pants)
- Hold a recognised certificate of recreational diving competence (e.g. an open water sports diver qualification from a recognised SCUBA training organization, or a certificate as a military diver) and demonstrate logged evidence of at least 25 dives undertaken since receiving certification and of which 10 will have been undertaken within 6 months of commencing the ADAS training course
- Unless Non-English Language (NEL) speaking course arrangements have been made with ADAS, can understand written and verbal communication in English, and can communicate effectively in English with other persons
- Hold either a recognised current Diver Medic Technician certificate or a current First Aid certificate from an accredited training organization (i.e. has been certified within 3 years of the conclusion of the proposed training program) and CPR and oxygen resuscitation skills must have been refreshed within the 12 month period prior to the conclusion of the training program. The student’s First Aid qualifications must meet the competency requirements of AS/NZS 2299.1 Occupational diving operations standard operational practice.
- Is able to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers, decimals and vulgar fractions; calculate percentages; and transpose and solve simple formulas, eg gas laws.
Competencies
The following units of competency are to be completed:
- BSBWHS211 Contribute to health and safety of self and others
- NAT11006001 Work safely in hyperbaric operations
- NAT11006002 Maintain effective working relationships within dive or hyperbaric operations team
- NAT11006004 Assess diving casualty and assist with first aid and treatment of diving illnesses and injuries
- NAT11006005 Work safely as a member of a dive team undertaking diving operations under controlled conditions
- NAT11006051 Prepare for and undertake dives and tasks in a SCUBA diving operation to 18m
- NAT11006062 Work effectively in the occupational diving industry
- NAT11006065 Apply knowledge of basic physics, anatomy, physiology and psychology to hyperbaric work
- Elective: NAT11006058 Use enriched air nitrox in occupational diving operations
Delivery & Assessment
The Occupational Scuba to 20M (Aquarium Diver) course is to conducted over a minimum duration of (10) ten days and is to be programmed to meet the training, assessment and administration requirements of the course.
