Class 4 Commercial Scuba Diver

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Class 4 Commercial Scuba Diver. The Class 4 Commercial Scuba Diver enters water or other liquid or a pressurised environment at a pressure exceeding 100mb above atmospheric pressure, using SCUBA breathing apparatus, in order to carry out a range of tasks underwater inshore to depths of not more than 30 metres. A qualified learner will be able to: • Complete diving safety activities. • Carry out pre-dive activities. • Execute dive operations. • Provide surface support. • Perform post-dive activities.

There is currently no South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) registered qualification for Commercial Diving. However, Class 4 Commercial Scuba Diver is an important subsector of the South African maritime industry, regulated by the Department of Labour in line with international legislative and regulatory frameworks. Commercial divers are used across a multitude of subsectors including: • Marine Civil/Construction work. • Marine maintenance. • Aquaculture or fish-farming. • Renewable energy. • Oil and Gas. • Inland Waters (i.e. dam inspections). • Subsea pipeline and cable installation and maintenance. Commercial diving provides services in support of Operation Phakisa in the areas of: • Marine Transport and Manufacturing. • Offshore Oil and Gas. • Aquaculture. This qualification is one of the following regulated diving categories: • Class 2 Commercial Diver. • Class 3 Inshore Diver. Typical learners will generally be unemployed, recent high school graduates with a practical aptitude, who enjoy being in the water, who are fit and healthy and who are comfortable using numerical reasoning. Qualifying learners will generally be employed by local and international commercial diving companies, South African Police Services, South African Navy, Scientific institutions, Diamond Diving Companies and the like who carry out diving services across a variety of industries. The learning pathway for this qualification is vertically from Class 4 Commercial Scuba Diver, to Class 3 Inshore Diver to Commercial Diver. Learners are required to complete knowledge and practical skills training against the criteria for each category prior to being granted access to the next category.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: • Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: NQF Level 3 with Mathematical Literacy and Communication.

• Conduct Commercial Scuba diving operations in compliance with established safety requirements and regulations.
• Interpret the commercial scuba dive plan and set up, prepare and test job-related equipment on site.
• Enter the water and execute the dive plan for a Commercial Scuba Diver using a variety of methods for routine diving duties and for emergencies.
• Ensure safe commercial scuba diving processes at support level on the surface.
• Complete the post commercial scuba dive activities by completing the relevant documentation, performing postchecks and maintenance.