IN 1687 – IMCA registration of in-water commercial diving training schools

  • Information Note
  • Published on 19 July 2024
  • 7 minute read

1. Introduction

This document supersedes Information Notes 1653 and 1668, which are now withdrawn.

IMCA has launched a scheme for registration of in-water diver training schools which offer courses leading to IMCA-recognised certification.

These schools can pay an annual fee to gain access to key documents in IMCA’s diving technical library.

This scheme is intended to promote the safe planning, operation and supervision of diver training activities by providing access to industry good practice guidance.

The scheme does not confer membership on schools. Unless schools offer other IMCA-approved courses, they are non-members of the Association.

Schools wishing to register for the scheme should complete the Application form. Subject to confirmation from the certifying authority and payment of an annual fee, schools will be provided with document access via our website and will be listed on our site.

2. Background

In 2023, IMCA withdrew its T1 membership category, which had been available to in-water diver training providers. IMCA’s Board and Diving Division Management Committee agreed that it was impractical to continue with the category, and that IMCA would no longer be directly involved in in-water diver training.

IMCA continues to influence such training through participation in the International Diving Regulators and Certifiers Forum (IDRCF). Training overseen by the IDRCF forms the basis for IMCA recognition of diver training certificates.

3. South Africa

Regulation three of the South African Commercial Diving Regulations, 2022 states the following:

“Registration
3. (1) An application for registration as a registered commercial diving school, commercial diver, commercial diving supervisor, diving instructor, recompression chamber operator and a commercial diving contractor must be made to the chief inspector in the form of Annexure F together with the prescribed fee.

(2) A registered commercial diving school must undertake only commercial diver, commercial diving supervisor and chamber operator training for which it is registered by the chief inspector.

(3) Subject to subregulation (1), a commercial diving school must be registered with IMCA when conducting class II commercial diver training.”

In-water commercial diving schools approved by the South African Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) were invited, via Information Note 1653, to register with IMCA, for the sole purpose of facilitating compliance with the above regulation.

That registration status is now incorporated into this broader scheme, with DEL among the certifying authorities overseeing IMCA-recognised diver certification.

4. Terms and Conditions

IMCA registration of in-water commercial diving training schools

  1. Registration with IMCA as an in-water commercial diving school does not in itself constitute membership of the Association.

  2. IMCA-registered in-water commercial diving schools are responsible for the safe and proper conduct of their undertakings. Registration with IMCA as an in-water commercial diving school does not constitute a representation, warranty or guarantee by IMCA that the registered school will perform its operations safely and properly. IMCA assumes no responsibility or duty of care to any person in respect of any operations of any IMCA registered in-water commercial diving school and IMCA shall not be liable in tort, contract or otherwise in respect of such operations.

  3. Applications to be registered with IMCA as an in-water commercial diving school will not be reviewed until IMCA has received the required payment of fees.

  4. IMCA will verify the applicant’s approval status with the relevant certifying authority and write to successful schools confirming their registration with IMCA.

  5. Once registration is confirmed, access will be provided for school representatives to selected items from IMCA’s technical library via the IMCA website. This access is for the sole use of school personnel. It is for the purpose of facilitating safe planning, operation and supervision of diver training activities, which may include extracts and references within student documentation. However, it is not permitted to pass copies of full IMCA documents to students nor to third parties.

  6. Should approval of a school by the certifying authority be suspended or withdrawn, the school must notify IMCA immediately and its registration will be suspended or withdrawn accordingly.

  7. Registration must be renewed annually. IMCA will contact the school in advance of expiry to confirm registration details and seek payment of the annual administration fee.

  8. If the operations of any registered diving school (or any employee) give rise to, or cause or contribute to any claim being brought against IMCA or any of its affiliates, directors, officers or employees that registered diving school shall: (a) co-operate with IMCA and its affiliates, directors, officers and employees to ensure the effective defence of such claim; and (b) indemnify IMCA and its affiliates, directors, officers and employees against all liabilities, costs, expenses, damages and losses they suffer as a result of such claim.

  9. IMCA’s total cumulative liability to any applicant/registered diving school shall not exceed the greater of (i) the total amount of fees paid by applicant/registered diving school in the preceding 12 months; and (ii) £2,000. This limitation on liability shall apply to claims against IMCA and/or its affiliates, directors, officers and employees and shall apply irrespective of cause and notwithstanding the negligence or breach of duty (whether statutory or otherwise) of IMCA or any other entity, party or person. This limitation on liability shall apply irrespective of whether the claim is made in tort, under contract or otherwise at law.

  10. Applications for registration and any non-contractual obligations arising from or in connection with applications/ registrations shall in all respects be governed by and interpreted in accordance with English law. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising from or in connection with applications to and registration with IMCA or relating to any non-contractual obligations arising from or in connection therewith.

5. Fees

  • In-Water Diving Training School – Initial registration – £500
  • In-Water Diving Training School – Annual revalidation fee – £250

6. Technical Library

The following selected technical guidance will initially be accessible under this registration scheme. This list is subject to change as documents are introduced, revised and withdrawn and to suit the scheme requirements.

Guidance on competence assurance and assessment: Diving Division (IMCA C003)
Guidelines for oxy-arc cutting (IMCA D003)
The initial and periodic examination, testing and certification of hyperbaric evacuation launch systems (IMCA D004)
Guidance on testing of through-water communications (IMCA D008)
Diving operations from vessels operating in dynamically positioned mode (IMCA D010)
Guidance on stainless steel in oxygen systems (IMCA D012)
IMCA international code of practice for offshore diving (IMCA D014)
Guidance on open parachute type underwater air lift bags (IMCA D016)
Lost bell survival (IMCA D017)
Code of practice for the initial and periodic examination, testing and certification of diving plant and equipment (IMCA D018)
Diving in contaminated waters (IMCA D021)
DESIGN for surface orientated (air) diving systems (IMCA D023)
DESIGN for saturation (bell) diving systems (IMCA D024)
Marking of hyperbaric rescue systems designed to float in water (IMCA D027)
Surface supplied mixed gas diving operations (IMCA D030)
Cleaning for oxygen service: Setting up facilities and procedures (IMCA D031)
Neurological assessment of a diver (IMCA D036)
FME(C)A guide for diving systems (IMCA D039)
Use of battery-operated equipment in hyperbaric conditions (IMCA D041)
Guidance on operational communications (IMCA D046)
Acrylic plastic viewports (IMCA D047)
Guidance on surface supplied diving operations using nitrox (IMCA D048)
Code of practice for the use of high pressure jetting equipment by divers (IMCA D049)
Minimum quantities of gas required offshore (IMCA D050)
Registration of In-Water Commercial Diving Training Schools (IMCA D053)
DESIGN for the hyperbaric reception facility forming part of a hyperbaric evacuation system (IMCA D056)
Oil lubricated compressors (IMCA D058)
Diver attachment to structures by means of a weak link (IMCA D060)
Guidelines for lifting operations (IMCA D065)
Guidance on the use of whip checks (hose restraints) (IMCA D070)
Guidance on the use of inert gases (IMCA D074)
Guidance on underwater excavation works involving divers (IMCA D077)
Guidance on prevention and mitigation of lost bell emergencies (IMCA D078)
Guidance on diving umbilical management (IMCA D082)
Guidance on diving operations in support of underwater ship husbandry (IMCA D082)

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