Surface Supply is a core module for commercial diving learners operating in inshore surface-supplied diving environments. It develops the foundational knowledge and operational understanding required to safely identify, assemble, use, and maintain surface-supplied diving equipment (SSDE), including helmets, masks, umbilicals, bailout systems, safety harnesses, and surface gas supply control systems.
Surface-supplied diving is a specialised form of underwater diving where the diver receives breathing gas from the surface through an umbilical, supported by continuous communication and surface monitoring. Because SSDE operations involve complex life-support systems and surface-based controls, this module builds strong competence in equipment familiarity, pre-dive checks, safety requirements, emergency readiness, and correct equipment care. Learners develop the understanding required to recognise the function of each component and apply correct operational practices to reduce risks during commercial diving operations.
Learners explore the components and configurations of surface-supplied systems, including helmets and masks, lightweight surface supply, communications, harness and buoyancy support, bailout selection and endurance, umbilical structure and strength requirements, and gas supply panel functions. The module also reinforces best practices for maintenance, hygiene, and operational readiness to ensure equipment remains safe and serviceable for continued use.
Key areas covered include:
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Components and configurations of surface-supplied diving equipment
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Advantages and limitations of surface-supplied systems
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Helmets, masks, band masks, and lightweight surface supply equipment
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Diving helmet types, components, pre-dive checks, and maintenance routines
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Diver communications and hardwire/voice systems
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Safety harness systems and support requirements
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Bailout configuration, capacity, and bottle endurance
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Umbilical components, strength, care, and maintenance requirements
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Gas supply panels, primary and secondary supplies, and minimum gas requirements
By the end of this module, you will be able to identify and explain surface-supplied equipment components, apply correct pre-dive checks and operational procedures, support safe communications and gas supply control, select and manage bailout systems appropriately, maintain equipment correctly, and demonstrate readiness for surface-supplied diving operations in accordance with industry safety standards.
Course Features
- Lectures 29
- Quizzes 2
- Duration Lifetime access
- Skill level All levels
- Language English
- Students 366
- Certificate Yes
- Assessments Self
- 10 Sections
- 29 Lessons
- Lifetime
- Introduction1
- Components of Surface-Supplied Diving EquipmentObjective: Develop the knowledge and operational understanding required to identify the key components of surface-supplied diving equipment (SSDE) and how they support commercial diving operations.
Knowledge: Explain the purpose of masks/helmets, umbilicals, bailout systems, safety harnesses, and surface control systems, including system advantages and limitations.
Skills: Demonstrate equipment awareness by identifying SSDE components correctly and explaining how each component supports diver life support, control, and safety.5 - Surface Supply Breathing ApparatusObjective: Develop the knowledge required to explain surface supply breathing apparatus options and their applications within surface-supplied diving operations.
Knowledge: Explain helmet and mask systems, lightweight surface supply systems, and the differences between full-face masks, band masks, and helmets.
Skills: Demonstrate selection understanding by identifying appropriate breathing apparatus based on diving conditions, operational requirements, and safety considerations.4 - Diving Helmets10
- Safety Harness and BuoyancyObjective: Develop the knowledge and safety understanding required to explain the role of harness systems and buoyancy support in surface-supplied diving operations.
Knowledge: Explain the purpose and design of safety harness systems and how harness use supports diver safety, recovery, and surface support control.
Skills: Demonstrate safety awareness by identifying correct harness use requirements and explaining how harness systems support diver control and emergency response.1 - Bailout SetsObjective: Develop the knowledge required to explain bailout configuration requirements and how bailout systems support emergency readiness during surface supply operations.
Knowledge: Explain bailout size selection, configuration, capacity requirements, and bottle endurance principles.
Skills: Demonstrate emergency readiness by applying bailout capacity logic and explaining how bailout endurance supports safe decision-making during surface supply operations.2 - UmbilicalObjective: Develop the knowledge and operational understanding required to explain umbilical system components, strength requirements, communications, and maintenance.
Knowledge: Explain umbilical components, umbilical strength requirements, hardwire communications, and care and maintenance procedures.
Skills: Demonstrate operational support awareness by identifying correct umbilical configuration requirements and explaining safe care, handling, and inspection procedures.4 - Gas Supply Panel, including Primary and Secondary SuppliesObjective: Develop the knowledge required to explain gas supply panel functions and minimum gas requirements for safe surface-supplied diving operations.
Knowledge: Explain primary and secondary gas supply systems, gas panel functions, and minimum gas supply requirements for safe operational support.
Skills: Demonstrate surface support understanding by explaining gas supply control requirements and identifying minimum gas planning considerations during surface supply operations.2 - Practice TestObjective: Reinforce knowledge and confirm understanding of surface-supplied diving equipment principles through structured revision and practice assessment.
Knowledge: Review key equipment components, safety procedures, communications, bailout and umbilical requirements, and operational readiness standards.
Skills: Demonstrate assessment readiness by applying knowledge to test questions and identifying areas requiring further revision before final evaluation.1 - Final ExamObjective: Confirm competence in surface-supplied diving equipment knowledge and operational readiness through formal assessment.
Knowledge: Demonstrate understanding of SSDE equipment systems, safety requirements, and operational procedures covered throughout the module.
Skills: Demonstrate competence by applying equipment knowledge and operational logic to assessment scenarios and achieving the required pass standard.1
