Each of the courses conducted at The Underwater Centre Fremantle has its own set of specific prerequisites or selection criteria. The points outline on this page should be considered generic to all TUCF diving courses.

On this page we have included information on prior diving experience, personal suitability, English language skills and professional liability. For information on medical prerequisites click here.

 Prior Diving Experience

It is an advantage, and indeed a prerequisite, to have had some scuba diving experience prior to undertaking occupational diver training. Open water qualifications from NASDS, PADI, SSI, NAUI etc are quite acceptable. We strongly recommend that any student with no previous diving experience complete a PADI open water dive course prior to enrolling in an occupational diving program.

 Suitability

A suitability assessment test (SAT) and familiarisation dive accompanied by a qualified instructor is available. The tests are conducted in conjunction with our "Introduction to Commercial Diving" course. The cost of a SAT and familiarisation dive is AUD$340.00. AUD$200.00 is deducted from the price of your occupational diver training should you continue with an occupational diving course and the dives undertaken are credited to your occupational course.

 English Language

Students must be able to understand written and verbal communication using the English language, and should able to communicate easily with other persons using the English language.

This is very important. Diving is an international activity. The diving language is English. Divers will be taught and examined in English. It must also be remembered that an ADAS certificate may entitle the holder to dive any where in the world including Australian, UK, Canadian or Norwegian waters where fluent communication in English is a key factor in safe diving.

Students with English as a second language will need to have an advanced understanding of written and verbal English. Any student with doubts about commencing training is more than welcome to contact us to discuss their concerns. For contact details click here.

 Liability Release

Occupational diving is a risk inherent activity. 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". A copy of the agreement will be forwarded to you for your consideration prior to the course. In addition to the liability and indemnity release, the agreement clearly defines the potential hazards of occupational diving, the limitations of the training provided by The Underwater Centre Fremantle, and what is included in the course.