Are you an IMCA-recognised school?
The Academy is registered with the DoEL (South African Department of Employment and Labour).
The DoEL Class II 50‑metre Surface Supplied Commercial Diving qualification is recognised by IMCA for offshore commercial diving operations.
IMCA recognises offshore commercial diver training only when the qualification is issued or overseen by a national government or a government‑appointed regulatory authority. For South Africa, this authority is the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) under the Commercial Diving Regulations.
Because DoEL issues and regulates South African commercial diving certificates — including Class II — these qualifications are recognised by IMCA for offshore work.
IMCA does not approve or certify individual diver training schools, and it does not issue in‑water diver training certificates. Instead, IMCA recognises diver training only when:
The qualification is issued or endorsed by a national government or
A government‑appointed agency with regulatory oversight of diver training
The training meets IMCA’s acceptance criteria for offshore diving (as outlined in IMCA Information Notes such as IN 1385 and IN 1394)
This is why South African DoEL commercial diving qualifications — including Class II — are recognised by IMCA, while certificates issued solely by private schools are not
What accreditation does the school have?
The Academy is a DoEL‑registered and approved commercial diver training school (Registration No. CS04) authorised to deliver:
DoEL Class IV Air Diving
DoEL Class III Air Diving
DoEL Class II Surface Supplied Air Diving
These qualifications are issued under the authority of the South African government. The DoEL Class II Surface Supplied Air Diving (50m) falls within IMCA’s recognised list of offshore diver training standards.
We are also a T2 Member of IMCA under the Diving Division.
For what IMCA courses is the Academy approved for?
IMCA Approval for Safety‑Critical Courses
IMCA operates a separate programme to approve specific safety‑critical training courses for offshore roles. This is different from diver training recognition.
Under this programme, The Academy is IMCA‑approved for:
Diver Medic Technician (DMT) – IMCA Training Scheme (T1)
Trainee Air Diving Supervisor (TADS) – IMCA Training Scheme (T1)
Where is the Academy located?
The Academy of Diving and Offshore Medicine is based at:
21–23 Main Road, Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, South Africa.
Do you offer underwater welding training?
No. We offer Commercial Diver training.
Under DoEL training standards, students are introduced to a wide range of underwater tools and techniques required for professional commercial diving work. Training is aligned to specific dive tasks and may include, among others:
- Search and recovery operations
- General Visual Inspection (GVI)
- Dredging
- Welding
- Broco (thermal cutting)
- Flange work
- Use of industry-approved underwater tools and equipment
Underwater welding is a highly specialised field that requires significant career progression and additional qualifications.
Becoming an underwater welder typically requires:
- Commercial diving training
- Formal welding qualifications
- Extensive hands-on industry experience
Our Commercial Diver training qualifies you as a professional commercial diver, capable of safely reaching and returning from underwater worksites using industry-approved procedures and equipment, under the supervision of qualified dive supervisors, and in compliance with DoEL regulations and IMCA guidance.
When should I apply?
We recommend applying well in advance, as space is limited for the practical portion of the training.
Do all courses include a theory component?
Yes. All courses include a theory component, which must be completed online prior to attending the practical skills training at the Academy.
How long does the theory take to complete?
- Short courses: approximately 1 week
- Longer diving and supervisor courses: 1 to 3 months of online theory is recommended
What is required to qualify as an Air Diving Equipment Technician?
To be accepted into the training programme, you must:
- Hold a qualification in a trade or engineering field
- Successfully complete an industry-approved Air Diving Equipment Technician course
- Successfully complete the KMDSI Helmet Technician Course
When can I refresh my IMCA DMT?
You may refresh your IMCA DMT up to 3 months before the expiry of your current certificate.
The new certificate will be dated from the expiry date of the previous certificate and will be valid for 2 years.
IMCA also allows an 8-week grace period after expiry to complete the refresher 1 week course. During this grace period it is at the employer’s discretion whether they accept you as an in date DMT or not
Is English proficiency required?
Yes. Students must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
For candidates from non-English first-language countries, one of the following is required:
- IELTS B2 (Upper-Intermediate) English proficiency certificate, or
- A highest school certificate with English as a subject
What medical fitness requirements are needed?
- Divers: A commercial diving medical fitness examination conducted by an SAUHMA-approved diving medical practitioner
- Supervisors: A standard topside medical examination
Do you assist international students with visa requirements?
Yes. We provide an invitation letter and supporting documentation to assist with the application for a visitor’s visa, where required.
Do you provide accommodation and meals?
Yes. Accommodation and meals are available on request and will be invoiced separately.
Do you provide airport transfers?
Yes. On request, we offer a 24/7 meet-and-greet service at Cape Town International Airport, including transport to and from the Academy. This service is invoiced separately.
Do you assist with employment placement?
While we do not guarantee employment, we provide guidance, industry insight, and advice to help graduates pursue opportunities within the commercial diving sector.
When will I receive my DoEL Dive Permit after completing a diving of supervisor course and how long is the DoEL Dive Permit valid for?
The DoEL takes 30 to 90 days, from submission of application by the training centre, to issue your DoEL Dive Permit.
The DoEL Dive Permit is valid for a period of 4 years.
Who do I contact if I lose my certificate or DoEL card?
You can contact your training centre and they will be able to assist you or give you clear guidance.
Can I change my course dates?
Yes, in most instances you can, if sufficient notice is given and in writing.
