Prior to participation on the "Covus Introduction to Offshore Diving" course, the following personal matters should be considered.

 Personal Requirements

Practical Training
Diving operations and preparations using heavy equipment and tools, require appropriate working attire. Students will be required to bring with them, on each day of the course, the following personal items; (Note: these items should also be in accordance with Covus standard operating procedures).

•  Boots - solid work boots are necessary to protect feet whilst working. Steel cap, non-
    slip boots are preferred.

•  Work clothes - sturdy cloths such as overalls or “King Gee” style trousers/shirts are     essential. Please note that work clothes must be clean and free of oils, grease, paints     etc.

•  Cotton Underwear – yes we are getting personal! However, nylon is a fire hazard in     compressed air environments.

•  Hat is recommended.

•  Towel.

•  Bathers.

•  Small seamanship knife is recommended but not essential.

Please remember that weather conditions can change quite rapidly on a dive site. It is best to be prepared!

Classroom
Students will require the following personal stationery items:

•  Pen.
•  Notebook/paper.

Diving Equipment
All diving and associated equipment is to be provided during the course by TUCF. It is recommended that students wishing to dive provide their own personal diving equipment. These items include:
•  Wetsuit.
•  Booties.
•  Gloves.
•  Hood.
•  Weightbelt.
•  Fins.

If students do not have this equipment TUCF will supply it.

 Statement of Understanding

Surface supplied diving recompression chamber operations are risk inherent activities. There is a clear requirement under the Fair Trading Act (WA), the Trade Practices Act 1974 (C’th) and Occupational Health Safety Acts to provide a safe working and learning environment. The Underwater Centre Fremantle has an obligatory duty of care to do so.

However, like other training institutions in similar risk inherent environments, we will ask students to sign a “Course Participation, Express Assumption of Risk, Liability Release and Indemnity Agreement” at the commencement of their training. In addition to the liability and indemnity release, the agreement clearly defines the potential hazards of the course, the limitations of the training provided by The Underwater Centre Fremantle, and what is included in the course. If you have any problems with this form please do not hesitate to call.

To view a draft copy of the "Statement of Understanding” click here.

 Health and Safety Considerations

Alcohol
Alcohol is a predisposing factor to decompression illness. You may be undertaking a deep 50 metre chamber dive on the first day of your course. It will be a requirement for safety that you restrict the consumption of alcohol in the 24 hours before the course. You should not consume alcohol after midnight on the night before the commencement of the course.

Diving Within The Past 48 Hours
Previous deep dives and repetitive dives are predisposing factors to decompression illness. Please restrict dives in the 48 hours prior to the commencement of the course to depths less than 20 metres. You will be required to inform your instructor of any dives undertaken in the week prior to the course at the commencement of your training.

Ears
Healthy ears and proper Eustachian tube function are essential for safe and enjoyable diving. This is particularly so for surface supplied diving and chamber operations. If you have had difficulty in the past equalising your ears please notify your instructor at the commencement of training.

Claustrophobia
Some students with a predisposition to claustrophobia may find surface supplied diving and chamber operations a little daunting. Please let your instructor know. We are keen to make your experience enjoyable and can assist you in this area.

 Prerequisites

The following mandatory course prerequisites must be met by divers wishing to dive on the "Covus Introduction to Offshore Diving" course:

•  Must have obtained the PADI Open Water Diver or approved equivalent.

•  Must be 18 years of age.

•  Must be medically in date. (A diving medical in accordance with AS4005.1 is required at     the commencement of initial scuba training. To remain "medically indate" the diver     must complete further medical examinations in accordance with AS4005.1 every five     years up to the age of 30, every three years up to the age of 50, and annually     thereafter.)

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