Experienced Diver Competency Assessment (EDCA) of Surface Supplied and Closed Bell / Saturation Divers and Life Support Technicians
- Recommended Practice
- January 2026
This document sets out the recommended practice for assessing the competency of experienced divers and life support technicians (LSTs) who lack IMCA-recognised in-water diving qualifications but have substantial offshore experience. It covers three main groups:
- Surface Supplied Divers
- Closed Bell / Saturation Divers
- Life Support Technicians (LSTs).
The EDCA is not a substitute for formal in-water diver training but is intended for divers from regions without IMCA-recognised training schemes or where access to such training is restricted.
Contents
- Background: IMCA’s Experienced Diver Competency Assessment (EDCA) Scheme
- Eligibility Criteria
- Assessment Criteria: Surface Supplied Divers
- Assessment Criteria: Closed Bell / Saturation Divers
- Assessment Criteria: Life Support Technicians
- Assessment Team
- Post Assessment Procedure
- EDCA: Diving Contractor’s Responsibilities
- Certification
- Submission of EDCA Candidates’ Data to IMCA
- Retention of Records
- Feedback and Complaints Process
- Appeals Process
- Appendix A – Experience Statement (Surface Supplied Diver with No Formal In-Water Training Diving Certificate)
- Appendix B – Experience Statement (Surface Supplied Diver with In-Water Training Diving Qualification)
- Appendix C – Experience Statement (Closed Bell / Saturation Diver with No In-Water Saturation Diver Training Certificate)
- Appendix D – Experience Statement (Closed Bell / Saturation Diver with In-Water Saturation Diver Training Qualification)
- Appendix E – Experience Statement (Life Support Technician)
Revision
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Rev. - January 2026initial publication