DoEL Class II – Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) For experienced SSDE divers only

This collection is designed to facilitate Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in commercial diving, focusing on modules from Class IV to Class II. It aims to assess and validate the skills and knowledge of experienced divers, providing a structured pathway for certification.

Course Dates – 2026

Duration: 6 Weeks

Enrollment Process

RPL required documentation for DoEL approval:

1. Complete the attached enrollment form and submit it with your application pack and required supporting documents.
2. The Academy will compile your pack and submit it to the Department of Labour (DoEL) for approval.
3. Approval from the DoEL typically takes 6 to 8 weeks for RPL fast-track training.
4. Once approved, you’ll be notified via email with available course date options.

Course Admission

RPL application must be clearly labelled as detailed below and in date order:

All documentation will first undergo verification before you are approved 

1. Diver Training Certificate & Certification Cards
   • The certificate must be verified by the training provider. Please ensure the copy includes the company stamp, date, and clear contact details for DoEL verification.
2. CV & Letter of Appointments
   • Attach these documents in the correct date order. All verification documents must include a clear name, address, and contact details for verification.
3. Current First Aid & O2 Provider Certification
   • Ensure these certifications are in date
4. Current Fitness to Dive Certification
5. English Proficiency Assessment
   • Must be conducted by an accredited assessor (minimum IELTS score of 5). Attach the certificate reflecting English proficiency and be interviewed by one of our appointed staff.
6. RPL Enrollment Form
   • Please complete the attached RPL Enrollment Form.
7. Summary of Dives for RPL Class IV, III, and II
   • The summary of dives must be attached (form provided).
8. Dive Logs
   • All required dive logs must be signed, stamped, and include a description of the work performed.
   • Logbook pages must be in the correct date order and validated.
9. Supervisor Verification
   • All dive logs must include a supervisor’s signature, stamp, and contact details. Logs without a supervisor’s signature, stamp, or date will not be accepted.
10. All dive logs must have page numbers for ease of cross-referencing to the attached control sheets
    • Commercial SCUBA dives
    • Commercial SSDE 0-9m dives
    • Commercial SSDE 10-20m dives
    • Commercial SSDE 30-40m dives
    • Commercial SSDE 40-50 dives
    • Commercial SSDE in-water decompression dive
    • Commercial SSDE Surface Decompression dives
    • A copy of your validated current dive experience (within the past 24 months) is required.
    • Attach a copy of each logbook page, numbered and in the correct date order.
    • Follow the Excel spreadsheets attached

Course Structure

The course is divided into three main categories based on the diving classes: Class IV, Class III, and Class II. Each category includes a set of modules that cover theoretical and practical aspects of commercial diving.

Theory Completion Requirement for On-Site Practical Assessment

For students attending The Academy of Diving and Offshore Medicine, it is mandatory to complete the theoretical components of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) course before arriving on-site. This ensures that students have a solid foundation in the principles of commercial diving, which is crucial for the practical assessment phase.

On-Site Practical Assessment

Upon completion of the theoretical components, students can attend a 6-week on-site practical assessment at The Academy of Diving and Offshore Medicine. This phase focuses on applying theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, ensuring that students are competent in the practical aspects of commercial diving.