So, you want to be a diver?
What is the difference between a SCUBA certified diver and a surface supplied (ADCI, IMCA, DCBC) commercial diver? SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) is a diving certification that is limited by depth, work, or activity underwater. To receive a SCUBA certification anyone can take an exam and pass some basic tests in a weekend. Then move on to open water (a location other than a pool) and progress through the SCUBA ranks based on dives completed and extra classes taken. These classes include but not limited to cave diving courses, rescue diver, oxygen for injured diver provider just to name a few on how to further your SCUBA certifications. There are many other classes SCUBA organizations offer and there are many SCUBA organizations. SCUBA diving is generally for relaxing and having fun exploring up-close at our wonderful underwater world. I was certified in 2000 for SCUBA by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) though I got certified for SCUBA because it was a Commercial diving school requirement, not to look at pretty fish but to perform various jobs underwater as a surface supplied commercial diver.
ADCI- Association of Diving Contractors International
ACDE- Association of Commercial Diving Educators
IMCA- International Marine Contractors Association
DCBC- Diver Certification Board of Canada
Commercial, surface- supplied diver or hard hat diver, is a diver who has attended an accredited dive school for commercial dive training. One of the first requirements before starting dive school is to have a SCUBA certification. Commercial dive school typically takes 6 months to a year of continuous training to complete. In this time the student will learn and be tested on various subjects like the Physics of Diving, Diving Physiology, Dive Medicine, as well as the Standards and Safe Practices of Commercial Diving, and Decompression Tables for air or mixed gas diving, just to name a few, before getting into the diving portion of commercial dive school. A commercial diver is trained in emergency procedures, the use of his or her equipment and how to trouble shoot when needed. We are trained in school at a minimum the basics of underwater welding and burning and how to accomplish both safely. Some schools offer a certification in underwater welding or underwater burning. We have an entire course devoted to tying knots properly as well as a rigging course which is an API (American Petroleum Institute) approved course. Commercial diving is regulated and has strict standards for safety that must be followed. At the end of school and if you have completed all requirements and passed all tests, a certification card is issued to the student that says entry level Tender/Diver. That student can now work for many commercial diving companies and have a great career.
I think it’s safe to say that the training received from commercial dive school is far superior to that of SCUBA and it should be. SCUBA is a mode of diving that when properly trained can be used for underwater work, but the majority of SCUBA is supposed to be a relaxing experience exploring our underwater world. Unfortunately, there is no regulation when using SCUBA as a dive mode to perform underwater work. When this happens it puts peoples lives at stake who aren’t properly trained. There are many who use their SCUBA certifications to perform tasks beyond their capabilities and aren’t trained or at the very least working under someone who is. Do your research and if you will be happy by staying in the parameters of SCUBA then do just that and stay within those parameters. Remember, plan your dive, and dive your plan. If you want a career working underwater completing various construction tasks, then go to a reputable dive school and get properly trained. Whatever your decision is please don’t cut corners because your life or someone else’s could depend on it.
Commercial, surface- supplied diver or hard hat diver, is a diver who has attended an accredited dive school for commercial dive training
SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) is a diving certification that is limited by depth, work, or activity underwater.
If you want a career working underwater completing various construction tasks, then go to a reputable dive school and get properly trained.