First aid

As part of diver training and assessment, commercial divers in Great Britain are taught diving physiology (which includes the function of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems), and diving medicine (which includes decompression illness and ear problems).

At the same time as the diver undertakes training and assessment, they must also gain an HSE first aid at work qualification. This provides training in the immediate initial treatment to reduce the effects of the common injuries or illnesses suffered at work, for example bleeding, fractures, shock, burns and respiratory arrest.

This qualification is valid for three years. It may be renewed at a first-aid training organisation recognised by HSE. The refresher training should be started before the current certificate expires. If undertaken up to three months before the expiry date the new certificate will be valid from the original expiry date. If the certificate expires a full first-aid at work course will have to be taken again.

Commercial diving projects inland/inshore

While it is not a requirement for all inland/inshore divers to hold a valid HSE first-aid certificate the diving contractor has a responsibility to ensure that suitable and sufficient people are available at the dive site to provide first aid.

Inshore divers may also be trained and assessed in other first-aid procedures such as the emergency administration of pure oxygen which should also be refreshed every 3 years. When considering who should be in an inshore dive team, the diving contractor will include people who can offer these skills. The supervisor and at least one diver in each diving operation should have in-date first-aid qualifications.

Commercial diving projects offshore

All offshore divers should have an in-date HSE first-aid at work qualification. There should be at least one diver medic in every offshore diving project. For details of diver medic courses please contact the International Marine Contractor Association (IMCA) on 020 7931 8171. The diver medic qualification also requires retraining every three years during the final three months.