Media Release
KBA Training & PROFESSIONAL DIVING ACADEMY JOIN FORCES TO TRAIN COMMERCIAL DIVERS TO HSE ACCREDITED (IMCA RECOGNISED) STANDARD
Reputable training providers KBA Training Centre Pte Ltd (KBAT) and the Professional Diving Academy (PDA), Dunoon, Scotland have signed a MOU to train commercial divers in Singapore to the UK HSE offshore diving standard. KBA Training Centre is the first accredited training provider for commercial diving training with ISO 29990:2010 standard and fully complies with the National Diving Standards in Singapore
In Singapore, KBAT is a leading training provider in the Asia Pacific region and has attained the acceptance of its commercial diver training programme to allow PDA to run a fast-track HSE competence assessment type course for its graduates. Delegates who have successfully completed the four-weeks Level 1 Commercial SCUBA Diver course and four-weeks Level 2 Surface Supplied Diving Equipment Diver course with KBAT can thereafter apply to PDA to attend a bespoke training programme that will fast-track them towards a UK HSE offshore diving qualification. The HSE commercial diving certificate is automatically recognised by IMCA, and is still regarded by many in the oil and gas industry as the “gold standard.” It is preferred by many major clients that require divers for subsurface repair and maintenance projects.
Diving standards vary across the board in Singapore, and this has raised an important concern that untrained commercial divers (and diving supervisors) have been entering the industry leading to various accidents/incidents in recent years. In order to promote professionalism and safety standards in Singapore’s commercial diving industry. KBAT has been working closely with local authorities and association (Commercial Diving Association Singapore – CDAS) to develop the highest standards of training and certification for commercial divers in accordance to Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA).
The courses are accredited under ISO 29990: 2010 Standard and under a train-and-job placement programme spearheaded by Employment and Employability Institute (e2i). Delegates who are Singaporeans/PRs are eligible for a training grant. Both e2i and KBAT will assist the delegates to be recruited by local diving companies on successful completion of their training. The KBAT course is also approved for SkillsFuture Credit where all Singaporeans aged 25 and above are entitled to a further grant for their skills development and lifelong learning. It is win-win situation for all parties where diving companies acquired a trained and certified diver whilst the diver receives a training and potential of secured job placement.
Over recent months KBAT have been working closely with the PDA to provide the relevant information so that HSE recognition of a prior learning and competence programme would be accepted. Commercial divers who have completed a full KBAT training course can now apply to PDA to attend the shortened HSE Surface Supplied with Top-Up competence assessment programme.
Darren Brunton, Managing Director of KBAT said, “The training programme is initially developed with the aim that we have a more competent workforce with safer work systems and procedures for the Singapore Commercial Diving Industry. Because of their excellent reputation, we wanted very much to work with the Professional Diving Academy on this training advancement. We are satisfied that this MOU will allow KBAT trained commercial divers to further their career options with arguably one of the best commercial divers training schools in the world, gaining a highly recognised international offshore commercial divers’ qualification in the process. Ultimately, we seek to provide a training platform where our delegates are able to develop their competencies, thus improving international employment opportunities with these enhanced skills, whilst simultaneously enhancing local commercial diving services and standards.
Alastair Baird, Managing Director of PDA, commented “KBAT are a highly respected training provider within the diving industry, and we are delighted to be working with them. By furthering training and enhancing global employment opportunities for divers graduating from KBAT’s diver training programme, we are proud that we are directly influencing diving safety standards within the region.
For further information regarding course fees, scheduled dates, please contact KBAT at Tel: +65 6542 4984, courses@kbatraining.org or visit our website at www.kbatraining.org
ENDS
Editor’s Notes:
About KBA Training Centre Pte Ltd – KBAT represents the training arm of KB Associates Group, with a significant focus on Health, Safety & Environmental training for the onshore and offshore industries. KBAT offers all forms of commercial safety training – both nationally and internationally accredited such as NEBOSH, IOSH, CIEH, Ministry of Manpower (Singapore), IMCA diving related courses, first aid courses, work at height and IRATA training courses.
KBAT remains the premier venue for International and National accredited training and the Group is positioned to offer specialized services in consultancy, training, marine, engineering, technical authorship, equipment and system audits (company, diving systems, ROV systems, Vessels) to synergistically fulfill the industry as a quality solution provider in the diving, marine and oil and gas industries.
About Professional Diving Academy: The Professional Diving Academy was set up in response to several years of frustration within the diving industry at an apparent lack of skills with newly qualified divers. It was noted by many companies that commercial diver training wasn’t educating divers in many of the basic working skills that divers require, such as underwater tools use, rigging and lifting or underwater burning and welding. Our training model from the very outset was to ensure that PDA graduates had a significant skills advantage over other new divers entering the industry, therefore providing a solid foundation from which they could build a successful future diving career.
Our courses have been designed to include advanced skills training in essential working techniques, and remains our primary goal to ensure that during their time at the academy, students are acquainted with a variety of tools in a realistic and safe working environment. More information can be found at http://www.professionaldivingacademy.com
