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Technician training in relation to:-
ASSET Standards and IDEST
Approval
Expansion of the IDEST Approval Scheme
The Inspectorate for Diving Equipment Servicing and Testing (IDEST) is an
independent organization that has been set up to establish acceptable standards
for the servicing and testing of sport diving equipment.
ASSET, IDEST and SITA have joined forces and agreed to set comprehensive
standards for the maintenance and testing of Diving Equipment by implementing an
expanded Standards and Approval Scheme developed by ASSET. Last year IDEST
expand its operation, adding approval for Regulator Maintenance (compressed
air). During 2000 approval for Oxygen/Nitrox Equipment Maintenance and the
Preparation of Breathing Gases will be added to the IDEST scheme.
Technician Training is central to the above agreement. In order to achieve
IDEST Approval and comply with ASSET Codes of Practice, the Service Center or
Test Station must employ ASSET Technicians holding the appropriate
Certification.
IDEST Approval and ASSET Technician Certification
In order to satisfy the requirement for a "Competent Person", ASSET
has set Certification Grades for its Technician Members; Technicians are graded
according to training and experience. These grades are: Associate, Technician,
Advanced Technician, Cylinder Tester and Nitrox Technician.
- An IDEST Approved Regulator Service Center working in accordance with
ASSET CP1 must Employ an ASSET Advanced Technician.
- An IDEST Approved Cylinder Test Station working in accordance with ASSET
CP2 must Employ an ASSET Cylinder Tester.
- An IDEST Approved Nitrox Service Center working in accordance with ASSET
CP3 must Employ an ASSET Nitrox Technician.
- An IDEST Approved Breathing Gas Producer working in accordance with ASSET
CP4 must Employ an ASSET Nitrox Gas Blender and/or Compressor Operator.
Technicians Training
ASSET Certified Technicians receive comprehensive theoretical and practical
training. A comprehensive range of highly practical Certification courses have
been developed, which include:
- The Dive Industry Technicians Course - required for Technician/Advanced
Technician.
- A Nitrox Technician and Gas Blending Course
- A Cylinder Testing Course.
- A Compressor Operators Course.
- An NVQ in Engineering Maintenance.
The Dive Industry Technicians Course has been available for a number of years
and over 700 Technicians have been trained. All ASSET courses have been
developed by STATS Ltd., Lancaster.
Through a short evaluation and orientation course, provision has been made to
certify Technicians with considerable practical experience but who have no
formal qualifications.
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