Prerequisite training for HSE SCUBA

Prerequisite training and course preparation
Two people sat on a boat adjusting diving equipment.
If you are are interested in completing the the professional diver training at the University of Plymouth there are certain prerequisites that we ask you to obtain prior to the start of the course.
These prerequisites can be obtained during the first year of your degree, however if you have not dived before it is worth doing a ‘try-dive’ as soon as possible.
The ability to be confident around water is vital for candidates wishing to undertake the HSE SCUBA training, and the course is physically demanding. Please make sure you are suitably prepared!

Enrolment process
On arrival at University all students eligible to undertake the HSE SCUBA will be able to attend an induction talk during their first week, which will provide all the necessary information on how to enrol on the course and subsequent steps that need to be taken. This information will also be emailed to all students. After attending the induction talk, and/or receiving the enrolment information email, students will need to undertake the following steps:
  • Register their interest for the HSE SCUBA course by emailing the address provided upon arrival at University.
  • Once randomly selected for one of the 56 spaces on the courses, candidates will be notified and asked to pay a deposit (currently £1000) to secure their place. This payment will need to be made before a deadline (usually a few weeks).
  • An enrolment form will need to be completed at this stage.
  • Those not selected will be placed on a wait list and would be offered spaces as and when they become available, should selected candidates choose to withdraw from the course.
  • Candidates will select which course they attend (June, July, August or September) in January by paying a second deposit (currently £1000). Dates for this will be confirmed by email. These courses are selected on a first come first served basis through our online store.
  • The balance of the course fees (currently £995) is due no later than a month prior to the start of the course.
All of this information will be detailed in the induction week talks and emails, should there be further questions please feel free to contact us at the Marine Station.

Recreational diving qualification
All students need a basic recreational diving qualification prior to starting the HSE SCUBA course. This needs to be a minimum of PADI Open Water, BSAC Ocean Diver or a valid equivalent.
If you are unsure, please contact the Marine Station. Tel: +44 1752 584660 email: HSE-SCUBA@plymouth.ac.uk

Diving experience
As part of recreational training divers usually complete four or five open water dives. In addition to this we ask students to complete a further ten dives, of which five should be completed using a drysuit. The most recent prerequisite dive needs to be completed during the month prior to your HSE SCUBA course.
Gaining as much experience diving in a drysuit prior to the HSE SCUBA course is particularly beneficial to students less familiar with this style of diving.

HSE diving medical
Divers must have a valid certificate of fitness to dive under the Diving at Work Regulation 1997, which must be issued by an Approved Medical Examiner of Divers (AMED) and not a regular GP. HSE diving medicals are thorough, cost between £150–£200, and are valid for a year.
  • Prior to obtaining a full medical you must complete an MA1 medical questionnaire and have your GP sign it. Be aware that it can take up to 6 weeks to get your MA1 back from your GP (some practices may charge for this; fees have been recorded ranging from £20–£40 in some cases).
  • If there are any medical issues raised it is worth addressing these quickly, so you know whether you are likely to be able to gain a full HSE Commercial Diver Medical. Can I Dive With...? DDRC Healthcare
  • Do not leave obtaining your medical too late. Ordinarily we would recommend leaving it no later than the end of February. Contact GPs to ascertain the time frames and procedures involved.

First aid at work (FAW) and oxygen administration
First aid at work is a three day course that provides the skills, knowledge and confidence to deal with first aid emergencies. We require all our students to have a first aid at work qualification prior to starting the HSE SCUBA course. This course allows students to apply their knowledge base to the rescue scenarios presented throughout the HSE SCUBA course. Furthermore, FAW is the minimum qualification recognised by UK legislation for a first aider in a working environment.
Oxygen administration can be taken as a stand alone course, or an add on to some FAW courses. Either way it is a mandatory prerequisite qualification due to the commonality of oxygen being administered in diving related first aid. Oxygen administration is normally a one day course that is often taught by diving agencies.

Diving equipment
During the training candidates will need to provide their own drysuit, undersuit (or form of thermal protection), hood and gloves for their personal use and be proficient in the buoyancy skills needed for diving in a drysuit.
All other equipment needed for the course will be provided by the Marine Station, although, students are welcome to bring their own fins and mask (particularly if prescription lenses are required).

Additional resources

Two divers at the surface with their arms in the air signalling a boat.