Diving Supervisor and LST Training and Certification
IMCA runs certification schemes for the positions of offshore diving supervisor and life support technician, which lay down minimum requirements for certification in each position. These include relevant diving experience, basic theoretical training, supervised hands-on experience offshore and a multi-choice theory examination set and marked independently of employing contractors by IMCA.
Through the schemes, IMCA helps its members ensure that personnel working in these highly safety-critical positions are appropriately trained and skilled to work in these roles. The schemes are used by diving contractors operating world-wide and have been recognised by a variety of national regulators as providing appropriate levels of training.
In general, the certification process can be summarised as follows:
This website provides an overview of the process and details on approved training courses. The full scheme documentation is also available for downloading at the foot of this page.
Approved schools
The first step for those meeting the entry level requirements (such as holding a recognised diver certificate) is to attend an IMCA-approved training course.
Select from the links below to view schools currently approved to offer each course:
On successful completion of such a course, the individual can then work at the trainee/assistant level, gaining supervised hands-on experience offshore.
IMCA examinations and certification
Once a trainee supervisor/assistant LST has logged the required hours, their employer can put them forward to IMCA with a recommendation that they be entered for the relevant examination. There are multi-choice examination modules for air diving supervision, mixed gas/bell diving supervision and life support, as well as optional legislation modules which candidates can choose to take relevant to the parts of the world in which they might work.
Examinations are held around the world - we have established arrangements with venues in more than 25 countries and liaise with relevant organisations in other locations as required to try to identify venues which are reasonably convenient for candidates.
Candidates for IMCA examinations need to be put forward by nominated individuals within their companies, who should have the relevant forms, fee schedules and contact details. Should you need to contact IMCA direct, please click here for details.
Certificate verification
A list of withdrawn certificates (primarily where they have been reported lost or stolen and replaced by IMCA) is published and available for downloading at the foot of this page.
Anyone wishing to verify the validity of a certificate should first refer to this list and then, as necessary, contact the IMCA Certification Schemes Administrator.
Comparable certificates
IMCA has entered into recognition agreements as a result of which the following certificates are recognised by IMCA as being appropriate for diving supervisors for the purposes of compliance with IMCA guidance:
- ADAS offshore diving supervisor
- DCBC offshore diving supervisor
- NDC supervisor (for those working in Dutch waters only)
Full details are set out in information note IMCA D 04/07, which is available for downloading at the foot of this page.
To verify the validity of such certificates, please contact the relevant issuing body (ADAS, DCBC or NDC).
| |
Ref |
Title |
Date |
Version |
Info |
| Members |
Others |
VAT? |
IMCA Diving Division Series |
 |
IMCA D 013 |
IMCA offshore diving supervisor and life support technician certification schemes |
Feb 2007 |
Rev. 3 |
Info |
| |
£10.00 |
£20.00 |
0 |
|
IMCA D 020 |
IMCA scheme for recognition of diver medic training - Guidance for training establishments |
Dec 1999 |
|
Info |
| |
£10.00 |
£20.00 |
0 |
Related information notes:
| |
Ref |
Title |
|
|
IMCA D 05/10 |
Diver and Diving Supervisor Certification |
|
|
IMCA D 08/09 |
Diving supervisor certification - mutual recognition agreements |
|
|
IMCA D 07/03 |
IMCA Offshore Diving Supervisor and Life Support Technician (LST) Certification Schemes: Withdrawn AODC/IMCA certificates |
|
Useful links - Legislative modules
| 
