Commercial Course No.56 - Week 4

Pre-dive checks before entering Dartmouth Dam

Monday 2nd February

It the start of the last week, it is amazing how quickly the time passes.

After a relaxing weekend in record heat wave temperatures, we start on Equipment. We cover regulators, hydrostatic pressure testing, cylinders, valves and compressors. The students quickly realise there is a lot more involved in the equipment that we use and get an increased understanding of the functionality and internal workings of the equipment we use.

The students are encouraged to head home and study the new information as the next exam is quickly approaching.

Tuesday 3rd February

Diver exits Hume Weir

A quick review of yesterdays theory, its pleasing to see that everyone has picked up the theory well and are ready for the next modules - Instruments, BC & exposure suits.

A study period to brush up their knowledge then its straight into the exam. We have covered all the theory requirements for the course and now it only leaves the final two days of diving to be completed. We finish the day off with some Tables revision in readiness for the final exam on Friday.

Wednesday 4th February

Sudesh dresses in ready to dive

Diving out at the weir again. This is our second last day of diving. Last week the groups were split into two and one used the metal saw, the other the wooden saw. Today the groups swap to the tool the havent used yet. The tasks are the same, however we are getting into deeper water, which means the divers have to watchful on their air consumption and ensure that they complete the task as well. A good days diving and we are back in the shop to wash gear and fill cylinders for the next days diving - a early start to head to Dartmouth for deeper water.

 Thursday 5th February

Dive team prepares to dive at Dartmouth Dam

An early start to get up to Dartmouth and set up the boat, get organised to start diving. We are diving in the deeper ranges of the course today. Some hand tool tasks along with knot tying exercises are on the agenda. Again, being under water makes things that little bit more difficult and its a challenging task to tie knots, especially when some of the group are tying these knots for the first time underwater. Its pleasing to see that everyone has been practicing their knots and a good job by all.

The diving component of part 1 is now completed, it just leaves the final theory exam to complete tomorrow. I can see a late night of cramming from the boys!!!

Friday 6th February

Andrew acts as supervisor

Final exam! These two words make most the group start to tremble. The final exam covers all the theory from the past 4 weeks. Its probably the toughest exam of the whole part 1, 2 & 3 course.

After lunch we mark the exam and finish off paper work for the end of part 1. Sadly we say goodbye to Joe, Zack, Nathan and Steve. Hopefully we will see them again soon to complete further training.

Congratulations to everyone who are now officially part 1 Occupational divers.