Offshore Career Package

What to expect:

Our courses run Monday through Friday. It is an intensive and challenging course that requires 100% focus and attention. Given our location, we occasionally experience weather that’s less than ideal for training. On rare occasions, we may need to schedule some weekend dives to ensure you complete the required number of assessments before the course ends.

Day1/Week1 typically begins with an induction, including a meet and greet with your Instructors, Support Staff and fellow Candidates. The Business Support team will check and verify all required documentation such as your HSE Diving Medical, passport photos and photo ID. Instructors will then walk you through the HSE assessment process and student code of conduct, concluding with the issue of your diving kit.

The First Aid at Work component is typically scheduled during the first week of the course. This means daily start times for that week might differ slightly from the rest of the program. Generally, First Aid sessions begin around 9:00AM.

Once you’ve mastered the art of resuscitation and gained first-aid proficiency, the start time for the remainder of the course shifts to 8:30 AM. Please ensure you’re onsite and ready to go by then! While our instructors enjoy your company, they won’t wait around if you decide to have an extended lie-in.  

- Week 1: HSE First Aid @ Work & O2 Provider (Commercial Diving Endorsement) and Introduction to HSE Professional Scuba, including Training Tank dives

- Week 2: HSE Professional SCUBA – Lazaretto Point (Beach Entry, Open Water)

- Week 3: HSE Professional SCUBA – Dunoon Timber Pier (Buoyancy Control, Self-Rescue)

- Week 4: HSE Professional SCUBA – DSB Sleat (Surface Standby Rescues, 18m-30m Dives)

- Week 5: HSE Surface Supplied – Dunoon Timber Pier (Subsea Tooling & Inspection)

- Week 6: HSE Surface Supplied - Dunoon Timber Pier (Subsea Tooling & Inspection)

- Week 7: HSE Surface Supplied- DSB Sleat (Surface Decompression/ Working Up To Depth)

- Week 8: HSE Surface Supplied- Coastal Guardian (Deep Week)

- Week 9: HSE Surface Supplied- DSB Sleat (Group Task, Subsea Tooling & Inspection)

- Week 10: HSE Wet-Bell Top-Up Course

On completion of the Offshore Career Package course, candidates will be issued with the following certificates:

- HSE Professional SCUBA

- HSE Surface Supplied

- HSE Surface Supplied (Top-Up)

- PDA Chamber Operator

- PDA First Aid at Work, Inc AED (Diving Endorsement)

- PDA 02 Provider(Diving Endorsement)

- PDA Commercial Nitrox

Yes, there will definitely be homework! The course is a comprehensive blend of lectures, theory, practical assessments, formal exams and plenty of time underwater.

All lectures, instructions for practical assessments, revision materials, and exams are conducted in English, so it’s essential that you have a strong grasp of both spoken and written English to keep up.

Please don’t underestimate the importance of the exams. In order to successfully complete the course, you must pass all exams, each with a minimum pass mark of 80%. Before each exam, you will sit a practice paper to help you prepare.

If you are unsuccessful on your first attempt, your instructor will identify the areas requiring additional support and assign further tuition, homework and another practice paper before you are permitted to re-sit the second exam.

Please note: a second unsuccessful attempt may not automatically entitle you to a third. The provision of a third exam is at the discretion of HSE UK. For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

The format varies: some exams are multiple choice, while others require full written answers. Additionally, upon arrival, you’ll need to pass a short academic exam. If you’d like a preview, visit DCTAS Examinations and navigate to the “Assessment of Academic Ability” section to try the practice materials. This will help you assess your readiness or identify areas that might need extra attention before you join us.

Be prepared—this course is no walk in the park. It will test you both physically and mentally. We highly encourage self-study when you're not onsite with us, remember you will get out what you put in. Your safety and our duty of care to you is paramount and will not be compromised. We will only deem you competent for every practical assessment when we are 100% verifiably assured of your competency to progress. However, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Our Instructors are here to guide you, offering support, encouragement and training in diverse diving environments to build your confidence. Their goal is to promote a positive learning environment and ensure that you leave with all the tools and skills needed for a successful career in the diving industry. You can trust them to keep you safe and ensure there’s plenty of laughter along the way.

To enrol in this course, you must:

- Be at least 18 years old.

- Be able to pass an HSE Diving Medical, which you’ll need to bring with you on the first day. For more information, please visit the HSE site.

‍Professional diving is a demanding career that can place you in challenging situations. Therefore, a high level of physical and mental fitness is essential—not only to complete the course successfully but also for long-term success in the diving industry.

All medicals must be conducted by an HSE-approved doctor.

You will need to complete the Medical Questionnaire (MA1 Form) with your GP prior to attending your HSE Diving Medical appointment.

Please note that certain medical conditions may prevent you from diving or restrict the type of diving you can perform. These conditions include:

- Diseases of the heart or circulation (e.g., high blood pressure, angina, chest pain, or palpitations).

- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or other chest/lung problems.

- Ear, nose, throat, or sinus issues.

- Persistent stomach or intestinal problems.

- Mental health conditions.

- Epilepsy or childhood convulsions.

- Claustrophobia or severe motion sickness.

- Severe migraines.

- Diseases of the brain or nervous system (e.g., strokes,  multiple sclerosis).

- Blackouts or recurring fainting episodes.

- Head or spinal injuries/surgeries.

- Skin conditions.

- Blood disorders.

- Diabetes.

- Asthma.

Additionally, anyone who is pregnant or suspects they might be should not dive during pregnancy and may need to avoid diving for some time afterward.

International Students must have the Medical Questionnaire (MA1 Form) completed by their own GP. It is highly recommended that international students consult with a local diving doctor to complete the Chester step test and VO2 max test out with eight weeks prior to the course start date.

This form can also be found above in our ‘Download’ area.

Included in the course:

- O’Three Drysuit and Base Layers

- Wet Weather Gear (Fladen Salopettes and Jacket)

- Life Jacket(Seago, Self-Inflating)

- All PPE (Hard-Hat, Ear Defenders, Safety Glasses, Work Gloves)

- PDA Branded Polo-shirts, T-shirts and Coveralls

- PDA Branded Hoodie

- PDA Branded Beanie & Snood

- All Course Manuals and Notebook

- The Professional Divers Reference Handbook (by John Bevan)

- Green River Diving Knife

- IMCA Divers Logbook

- Reusable Water Bottle

The must bring-along to attend the course:

- Safety shoes or boots with reinforced toe protection for practical activities.

- Original HSE Diving Medical (copies will not be accepted)

- Indoor shoes for classroom sessions (flip-flops, trainers, or crocs work well).

- Neoprene diving gloves.

- Four high-quality passport-sized photographs, signed on the back.

- Writing tools, including a marker pen for labelling your issued kit.

- A calculator (mobile phones cannot be used during exams).

- Photo ID (passport, driving licence or national ID card).

Located on the stunning Cowal Peninsula, we’re lucky to have Argyll and Loch Lomond as our neighbours and the Trossachs National Park within easy reach. This makes us a year-round destination for hillwalkers and mountain bikers, with yachting and kayaking enthusiasts joining us in the warmer months. If you have the time, pack your bike, walking shoes, or kayak and explore the wilderness after classes or social activities!

‍Arriving by plane? The nearest airport is Glasgow Airport. Once you’ve navigated through security, you can choose your preferred transport option to Dunoon:

Driving: If you’re travelling by car, you have two scenic options:

- The Long Route: Drive through the Loch Lomond National Park for breath-taking views and a relaxing road trip.

- The Quick Route: Take a shortcut across the River Clyde by ferry. Two companies operate ferry services to Dunoon, but only Western Ferries accommodates vehicles. Ferries run every 20–30 minutes, so it’s convenient to plan your journey. Please note: tickets purchased online in advance or at one of the ticket agents are cheaper than purchasing on the boat itself.

‍Buses: Regular buses run from Glasgow and Glasgow Airport to Dunoon. Alternatively, you can hop off the bus at Gourock, then take a CalMac Ferry to Dunoon. The ferry docks just a 5-minute walk from Dunoon’s town centre.

‍Trains: Take a ride from Glasgow Central Station or Paisley Gilmour Street Station (near the airport) to Gourock.

- If departing from Glasgow Central, buy your ticket in advance to pass through the station barriers.

- If departing from Paisley Gilmour Street, you can buy a ticket either before boarding or onboard the train.

From Gourock, it’s then a short walk to the CalMac Ferry terminal.

Pro Tip: If the weather takes a turn and the CalMac Ferry service is suspended (it happens!), you can take a bus or taxi from Gourock to McInroy’s Point, where the Western Ferries operate.

‍On arrival with the Western Ferry:

- Western Ferries dock at Hunters Quay, which is about 2 miles from Dunoon’s town centre. You can enjoy a scenic walk or hail a taxi to get to your accommodation from there.

For taxis, you can try:

- Clyde Taxis: 01369 706444

- Thistle Taxis: 01369 704331

If buses are your preference, please check schedules at West Coast Motors.