IMCA Trainee Air Diving Supervisor (TADS)

Trainee Air Diving Supervisor (TADS) Course Overview
IMCA-Approved – Aligned with D022

This IMCA-approved course prepares experienced commercial divers to become Air Diving Supervisors (ADS). It is the first step in the IMCA certification pathway, as outlined in D013, and includes:

• Completion of a TADS preparatory course with us at The Academy of Diving and Offshore Medicine

• On-the-job practical experience

• Final written IMCA ADS examination

Course Objective

To equip candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to safely supervise surface-supplied air diving operations.

Key Learning Areas

Diving Physics

• Gas laws (Boyle’s, Dalton’s, Henry’s, etc.)

• Buoyancy and lift (Archimedes’ Principle)

• Heat transfer and unit conversions

Diving Physiology

• Body systems and effects of pressure and gases

• Thermal regulation and decompression theory

• Diving-related illnesses and emergency response

Leadership & Control

• Dive planning, risk assessment, and checklists

• Team leadership, communication, emergency response

• Accurate recordkeeping and reporting

Supervisor Duties

• Dive plans, permits, and safety procedures

• Use and maintenance of diving equipment, valves, and chambers

• SCUBA limitations, wet bell, nitrox procedures, and emergencies

• Platform operations, DP vessel precautions, ROV coordination

• Managing simultaneous operations and lifting tasks

• IMCA/DIVING regulations, DESIGN audits, and D018 compliance

Assessment

Ongoing assessment and a final exam (minimum 70% pass) using written tests and/or simulations. Successful candidates receive a TADS certificate, allowing them to log panel hours toward full ADS certification (within 3 years).