Subsea Cener to Deliver Enhanced Diver Training Courses
Photo: The Underwater Center
Subsea training facility, The Underwater Center, is helping to increase its students’ employability in the downturn by adding new modules to its commercial air diving courses, offering an enhanced package which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
From March 2016, the ‘Premium’ and ‘Construction’ diver training packages will also include:
- Commercial Enriched Air Nitrox Course;
- MJI 21 Hydraulically Tensioned Subsea Bolted Connections Course;
- IMCA Diver Medic Training (DMT) or IMCA Assistant Life Support Technician (ALST) Training
The modules have been added after consultation with industry and will provide students with important additions to their CVs in the current challenging climate.
The MJI 21 Hydraulically Tensioned Subsea Bolted Connections Course provides students with the knowledge and practical experience of working with and using bolt tensioning equipment. Delivered by an expert from Stork, who also supplied the equipment, the course includes isolations, dismantling, inspection and assembly, and tightening techniques in this specialist area.
The Commercial Enriched Air Nitrox Course – the only one of its kind delivered by an independent training provider – gives a recognized industry qualification and ensures training in specific techniques around using Nitrox as a diver.
Steve Ham, The Underwater Centre’s Commercial Director, said: “These courses are being included now because they have been highlighted as important by industry and they will make important additions to our students’ CVs when it comes to looking for a job as a commercial diver.
“This is a very challenging time for the oil and gas sector and we believe that these additions to our air diving courses will improve our students’ employability while also increasing the competency of new divers.”
The IMCA DMT is a highly sought after ticket and the Center’s course incorporates hands-on skills training with their decompression chamber and saturation and air diving systems.
The IMCA ALST certificate is seen as a good springboard to getting offshore - the majority of ALSTs work in this sector. This course will provide students with practical experience and exposure to a real saturation system, with mixed gas divers in training.
Chris Barratt, Senior Trainer at Stork, added: “The one day Subsea Bolt Tensioning Course, or more commonly known as the MJI 21 Course, is a fundamental skill required within the commercial diving industry. Developed from the ECITB technical training standard, the course has been specifically designed with the diving industry in mind due to the lack of any robust training in Subsea Bolt Tensioning, for divers and deck crew.
“The course covers theory and practical, but in a laymen understanding on the various components of a bolted connection, inspection, assembly and alignment, and finally applying the correct bolt loading using Subsea Bolt Tensioning Equipment.
“Delivering the course at The Underwater Center in Fort William allows a concentrated focus in familiar surroundings for divers; ensuring individuals are trained and knowledgeable in Subsea Bolt Tensioning when they graduate from their diving course.”
All of the training courses have been added at no extra cost to the student.
With accommodation and additional classrooms based at the landward end of the pier, The Underwater Center is set up to provide its students with the skills and experience to succeed in their new careers, and continue providing the subsea industry with the workforce that it needs.
With accommodation and additional classrooms based at the landward end of the pier, The Underwater Center is set up to provide its students with the skills and experience to succeed in their new careers, and continue providing the subsea industry with the workforce that it needs.
February 2024
