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Underwater Skills

Underwater Skills

Program Code: UWS Campus: King
Duration: 34 Weeks Start Dates: Fall
Start dates are subject to change
Credential Awarded: Ontario College Certificate

Program Description

The program operates from September to June. Students receive training and practice in underwater skills relating to construction and salvage work in rivers, lakes, canals, and in inspection and repair work related to the offshore oil industry. The students receive instruction in the safe use and maintenance of commercial diving equipment.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older).
  • Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U).
  • Grade 12 Mathematics: (C) or (U) or Grade 11 Mathematics (U) or (M).
  • Grade 11 Physics (C).
  • Recreational Scuba Diving Certificate from an approved organization.
  • Successful completion of an approved commercial diving medical prior to beginning the program.
  • Minimum 10 hours bottom time and 20 dives.


Applicant Selection:

  • During a College orientation session, testing will be conducted in the areas of English proficiency, mathematics, diving physics, and diving problem solving. The results of these tests will provide the basis upon which selection of applicants is determined. Applicants who are unable to attend the orientation session may make arrangements to write the tests at an approved location (i.e. a school) nearer their residence. Academic achievement (i.e. grades in pre-requisite subjects or their equivalents) may be used in the selection process.


Restrictions:

  • Since this program provides training in the field of Commercial Diving, any applicant who cannot show proof of successful completion of a full commercial diving medical from an approved Hyperbaric physician prior to the first day of classes, will not be eligible to start in the Underwater Skills program.

Your Career

Graduates may be employed world wide in underwater construction, inspection, and repair work for both offshore oil and onshore construction industries. Upon completion of the deep diving component, and successful completion of the UWS program, students may apply for certification by DIVER CERTIFICATION BOARD OF CANADA.

Affiliations and Associations

  • American Welding Society
  • Association of Diving Contractors Int.
  • Canadian Association of Diving Contractors
  • Canadian Standards Association
  • Canadian Welding Bureau
  • Construction Safety Association of Ontario
  • Diver Certification Board of Canada
  • Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)
  • International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA)
  • Ontario Commercial Diving Labour Management Health and Safety Committee
  • Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS)

Curriculum (Currently Under Review)

Semester 1
(19 Weeks)
Subject Name Hrs/Wk
October - December
EAC150 College English 3
UWS103 Diving Physics 2
UWS104 Diving Physiology 4
UWS105 Rigging Compressors and Tools 3
UWS109 Systems and Equipment I 6
UWS112 Applied Diving I 14
January - February
UWS203 Salvage, Explosives and Welding 4
UWS204 Hyperbaric Chamber Operations 4
UWS205 Navigation and Chartwork 3
UWS208 Underwater/Surface Welding Theory 4
UWS212 Applied Diving II 14
January - April
ICA001 Introduction to Computers and Applications 2
XXXXXX General Education Option 3
 
 
Semester 2
(15 Weeks)
Subject Name Hrs/Wk
March - April
UWS303 Surface Cutting and Welding 2 Weeks
UWS305 Small Engines and Compressors 2 Weeks
UWS312 Applied Diving III 1 Week
UWS315 Construction Diving Techniques 1 Week
UWS316 Marine Engineering Techniques III 2 Weeks
UWS319 Systems and Equipment II 1 Week
April - June
UWS401 Diver Medic (optional) 2 Weeks
UWS408 Underwater Welding 2 Weeks
UWS412 Applied Diving IV 2 Weeks
UWS416 Deep Diving - Practical 2 Weeks

Each student is required to complete a Canadian Red Cross Standard First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Basic Rescuer) prior to graduation.

Note: Each semester includes a physical fitness program which is designed: to develop the student’s level of fitness in order to pass an international level of fitness; to emphasize the importance of group effort and co-operation; to develop leadership and to develop the personal fitness required to carry out safe underwater operations.

For More Information, Contact:

Program Coordinator: Dave Geddes
Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 5020
Email: dave.geddes@senecac.on.ca
Program Chair: Philip Webster
Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 5010
Email: philip.webster@senecac.on.ca
Admissions & Records Contact: Krista Bigley
Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 5016
Email: krista.bigley@senecac.on.ca

Testimonial

“Our current full time diving and ROV staff is at fifteen, eight of whom are graduates of the Underwater Skills course. I am certain that this is the highest number of Seneca College graduates working for any employer in the marine industry in Ontario.”

Blake Goulet,
Manager of Diving Services,
ASI Marinet

Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology