IMCA DIVE TECHNICIAN COURSE

The IMCA Dive Technician Course is a comprehensive two-part training program designed for technicians who aim to inspect and test diving cylinders in test centres. Participants can choose to complete both parts of the course or attend Part 1 and Part 2 separately. In line with the HSE’s Pressure System Safety Regulations 2000, this course ensures that owners/employers provide suitable training to guarantee the competency and safety of their employees.

This course targets staff aspiring to become proficient cylinder testing technicians. It encompasses the necessary knowledge and practical skills for visually inspecting diving cylinders both externally and internally and extends to physically testing cylinders using hydraulic test rigs, stamping, and issuing test certificates. The course content adheres to BS EN 1968:2002 and BS EN 1902:2002 standards for the inspection and testing of cylinders.

Aim of the Course
By the end of this short course, students will be able to:

• Confidently and competently visually assess diving cylinders both externally and internally.
• Determine whether a cylinder can be safely filled or requires further testing/action.
• Accurately complete booking-in and visual assessment forms.
• Check cylinder and valve threads.
• Hydrostatically test a cylinder to determine its permanent set.
• Stamp and label the cylinder according to ISO standards.
• Issue test certificates for cylinders that pass the test.

The course is divided into two main parts, combining classroom instruction and hands-on workshops.

Part 1: Visual Inspection (3 to 4 hours)
• Begins with a short presentation covering the following topics, followed by a practical workshop session where cylinders are booked in and assessed for safety.

• IDEST and the scope of its work
• Cylinder manufacture
• Cylinder testing methods
• Cylinder stamping and labelling
• Tools/equipment required for basic assessment
• Checking the external condition of cylinders
• Valve removal using appropriate equipment
• Checking the internal condition of cylinders
• Actions to take in the event of concerns over condition
• Forms and paperwork for assessment
• Standards covering assessment and inspection

Begins with a presentation on the following topics, followed by practical sessions involving disassembly, hydrostatic testing, drying, reassembly, stamping, and labelling of cylinders according to ISO 13769:2002 standards.

• Various cylinder testing methods
• Tools and equipment required for hydraulic testing
• Ensuring the testing system is functioning correctly and troubleshooting issues
• Preparing the cylinder for testing in the chamber
• Ensuring the system is pressure tight
• The hydraulic test procedure
• Recording readings and calculating results
• Removing the cylinder from the chamber
• Methods for drying the cylinder and post-drying internal insption
• Valve replacement and proper torqueing
• Cylinder stamping and labelling
• Completion of documentation