New Wave Media

 

David Loudon, Commercial Diver Trainer at The Underwater Centre in Tasmania, has been awarded the Maurie Vierow Award of Excellence by industry body Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS).

 

The award recognizes outstanding contributions and service from within ADAS and ADAS Accredited Training Establishments.

 

Loudon – who is a qualified supervisor and has obtained Certificate IV TAE in Training and Assessment – previously worked as an ADAS qualified commercial diver before joining The Underwater Centre in 2014, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

 

Recipients of the excellence award are those who show exceptional dedication to the support and training of people in the hyperbaric industry in such a way that encourages high levels of safety, cooperation, and skill as members of the Australian and international hyperbaric industry. 

 

Rob Gatt, Executive Director at ADAS, said, “This award was specifically established to recognize people within the ADAS team like David, people who are prepared to consider change and have input into the way we, as an organization, can improve. Whilst in the big picture David is relatively new to training he has certainly had a positive impact in that period of time and has shared some valuable input relating to promoting diver safety and training efficiency.  ADAS is committed to recognize individuals and organizations that are committed to working together to further the delivery of training in the ADAS network.  Dave has shown himself to be one of those people.”

 

Herb Mitton, Operations Manager at The Underwater Centre Tasmania, believes that the quality of commercial diver training at the Centre has constantly benefitted from David’s genuine interest and solid experience: “David regularly typifies ‘excellence’ throughout our commercial diver training operations and development, so it gives us great pleasure to see his dedication and skill recognized,” he says.

 

Mitton continued, “The achievements and contributions David makes to our workplace are numerous and widespread. He is a natural teacher, being well versed and highly knowledgeable on relevant subject matter; however he continues to strive to learn more rather than sit on laurels of knowledge already gained. Of particular note is the complete ownership and vast improvements David has contributed to our Part 1 SCUBA program: his ownership has turned this fundamental building-block of any dive career into something that is really stand-out.”

 

Loudon previously worked on civil and commercial subsea construction projects and now utilizes that knowledge and experience on the Centre’s commercial air diver training programs.

 

He was also instrumental in the recent ADAS training for Singapore’s SSE Training Centre Pte Ltd, as part of The Underwater Centre’s International Training Establishment (ITE) Partnership scheme. The scheme allows training centers around the world to deliver internationally recognized ADAS commercial diving courses. Delivered in conjunction with The Underwater Centre’s training experts, the scheme aims to guarantee consistent quality and high standards of safety in commercial diving worldwide.

 

Loudon said, “I am honored to be able to work alongside other staff and industry members that have the same goals in common; to provide commercial diver training to the best of our abilities in a safe environment. To be mentored by the likes of Herb Mitton, here at The Underwater Centre, and Rob Gatt, from ADAS, and given the support and encouragement to keep moving forwards. To now be able to also work in some exotic locations, like Singapore, tops it off!”

 

Mitton added, “Safety within the workplace and during student diving is of paramount concern to David. In this regard he really shines, always leading by example and taking that extra step to ensure his dive-sites, work areas and those within them are kept as safe as can be, ultimately improving the overall quality of the training students receive.”

 

“In short, David is a ‘star’ within our organization; we are a better and safer team and much stronger company thanks to his input.”

 

theunderwatercentre.com