Programme Information
Next Programme Dates
2024
- Monday 26 February to Friday 29 March
- 30 September – 25 October
Who is the Programme for
- Anyone interested in pursuing a career in the Irish aquaculture sector as a commercial diver.
- Anyone already working in the aquaculture industry as a diver who does not hold a commercial diving qualification.
- Anyone working in aquaculture who is interested in expanding their skill-set/experience.
- Divers currently holding a Commercial Scuba qualification are eligible to progress to the Surface Supplied diving course.
Location
National Fisheries College of Ireland (NFCI),
Castletownbere,
Co. Cork
Duration
Four weeks full time
Training Methodology
The Commercial SCUBA Diver course is the foundation programme for all commercial diver training. It covers the requisite dive theory and practices that are fundamental to commercial diving operations. Students will learn the principals of basic scuba equipment and how to use it in a commercial setting, with the addition of simple communication systems and the safety protocols, that define commercial diving.
Divers learn how to work underwater in a range of environments and how to use core tools to complete their underwater tasks. Diver search and recovery, rescue, underwater photography, use of hand tools, survey and inspection, dive tendering, communications are some of the elements covered during the course.
Certification
QQI Level 6, 15 Credit, Special Purpose Award in Commercial Scuba Diving Operations.
The BIM Commercial Diving course is the only course in Ireland approved by the HSE UK. Under SI 254 Safety Health and Welfare at Work (diving) Regulations 2018.
Entry Requirements
- The ability to swim 200m
- Commercial divers medical completed by an approved Doctor
- Numeracy and Marlins Maritime English for seafarers
- National powerboat certificate or equivalent
- Occupational first-aid
Progression
Candidates can progress to Surface Supplied Diving Operations Certificate.
Employment Opportunities
Prepare divers for working inshore as a commercial diver. With experience and training, commercial divers can continue their career within the aquaculture industry.
Assessment
Written exam and practical assessment
Skills demonstration 50%
Examination – theory 40%
Portfolio/collection of work 10%
Fees
€5,500
'Diving is like being in space' 
Programme Overview 
