IMCA Dive Technician Course

Purpose-built training for working dive techs

Commercial dive operations demand reliable equipment and traceable maintenance. This intensive workshop takes you from foundations to confident, job-ready practice on surface-supplied diving (SSD) equipment, giving you repeatable processes for inspection, service, testing and documentation aligned to IMCA guidance and manufacturer manuals.

Who it’s for

• Trainee/assistant dive technicians entering commercial operations

• Experienced recreational techs transitioning to commercial environments

• Supervisors/foremen seeking a structured refresher for workshop standards

• Technicians in civil, inshore/offshore, utility and harbour teams

What you’ll learn

• Standards & documentation: overview of IMCA guidance, manufacturer manuals, SOPs, risk assessments, maintenance schedules, logbooks & audit readiness

• Surface-supplied systems overview: air supply paths, bailout, panels, pneumo, communications, hot-water integration

• Helmets & masks: inspection, strip & rebuild (practice rigs), dynamic O-ring seals, neck dam, side block, demand/regulation checks, functional testing

• Umbilicals & hoses: identification, handling, terminations, strain relief, pressure testing, storage & damage criteria

• Panels & pneumo: gauges, regulators, non-returns; calibration basics, leak testing, function checks and common faults

• Compressors & gas systems: HP/LP compressors, filtration, coolers, banks & manifolds, air qualityconsiderations, filling procedures & records

• Gas management: blending basics (air/Nitrox overview), oxygen compatibility principles, cleanliness controls, labelling & traceability

• Hot-water machines: setup, circulation, temperature control, safety interlocks, routine maintenance

• Electrical & comms basics: connectors, continuity checks, headset testing, common failure points

• Testing & fault-finding: pressure/leak tests, performance checks, systematic diagnostics and safe return-to-service criteria

• Workshop safety: PPE, lifting/handling, chemical & pressure hazards, housekeeping and tool control

Format, duration & locations

• Format: Instructor-led theory briefings + bench-top practical blocks & supervised servicing

• Duration: 5 days (approx. 40 hours)

• Locations: Swindon (serving Berkshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire & Hampshire)

• Group size: Small cohorts for maximum hands-on time

Assessment & certification

• Daily knowledge checks and a final practical assessment (inspection, service & function test).

• Note: IMCA membership/certification and company approvals are administered by IMCA/your employer. This course does not in itself grant IMCA certification but prepares you for workshop roles within IMCA-member operations.

What’s included

• Expert tuition & workshop access

• Practice helmets/masks, panels, umbilicals (training rigs)

• Tools, test equipment and consumables for practical blocks

• Course handbook, service checklists and maintenance templates

• Tea/coffee/water

What to bring

• Photo ID for certification

• PPE: safety footwear and eye protection (spares available)

• Optional: your company forms or sample equipment for alignment (by arrangement)

Entry requirements

• Minimum age 18

• Mechanical aptitude essential; basic electrical understanding helpful

• Prior diving/servicing experience beneficial but not required

Progression

Strengthen your profile with: Oxygen Cleaning, Cylinder Inspection (Visual & Hydro), Valve Servicing, and advanced modules on communications and panel maintenance.