Become a Trained Cylinder Visual Inspector!!

Attention PSI Inspectors

In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 172.704(c) (ii) (2-4) recurrent training must be completed at least once every three years to be in compliance for Hazmat handling.

PSI/PCI Visual Inspection Training complies with this regulation by issuing training certificates valid for only three years, therefore you as a PSI/PCI trained inspector must comply by receiving recurrent training once every three years.

In order to purchase and use PSI Evidence of Inspection (EOI) stickers you must have current training (within the last 3 years).

Please email omnidive@omnidivers.com if you are interested or want additional information.

EOI Sticker Dilemma Revisited

EOI Sticker Dilemma Revisited

By

Bill High, PSI

Can you defend the statement printed on your evidence of inspection (EOI) sticker? Take a moment, look at what is written; study what is stated and what is implied. Do you perform what is written and do you inspect to gas industry standards? I have, over the past 15 years written several articles and lectured frequently on the importance of what is written on inspection stickers and the need to be trained. Many self-proclaimed inspectors as well as some trained inspectors have ignored important warnings.

The significance of sticker wording and training became a relevant issue in a civil lawsuit several years ago. A cylinder ruptured and questions by the plaintiff’s attorney were asked about the quality and visual inspection completeness. The sticker wording (this cylinder was inspected inside and found free of significant corrosion. Valid for one year) made the task of defending the inspector difficult. Can you visualize why?

A similar lawsuit settled in 2005 at great financial loss to the inspector was partly due to his use of an EOI sticker that, by it’s wording, made it clear his inspection was both inadequate and incomplete. His case was also diminished by his failure to have documented formal inspector training.

Visual inspection is a technical, objective assessment of a cylinder’s condition and its suitability for continued service. The EOI sticker applied by the inspector should be a statement as to the standards followed, identify who performed the inspection and when the inspection was performed. Those standards should be in written form and on hand at the inspection site.

In the first paragraph of this article I urged you to look at your EOI sticker. Does it only state “inspected to CGA C6? If that sticker is applied to an aluminum cylinder then the inspector has stated the cylinder was inspected to standards for steel cylinders not aluminum. Does your sticker say valid for one year? If so, you have implied a one year service guarantee. Can you even approximate that once out of your control, the cylinder will be serviceable and safe for one year? A common sticker legend states: inspected to dive industry standards. Ok, does the inspector have a copy of those standards? Not likely as there is no dive industry standard except for the PSI inspection protocol. Only the PSI inspector training and inspection standard is recognized by the US Department of Transportation (DOT), Transport Canada (TC) and cylinder manufacturers. Even the Compressed Gas Association refers to the PSI training and inspection manuals.

When an inspector applies an EOI sticker, he/she must understand the standard used and be prepared to prove the inspection was conducted according to the standard(s) listed. A written, detailed inspection report is the best proof of a complete technical inspection. CGA documents often become law by reference and although they are usually general in the subject matter, if you say you inspect to that standard you best have a copy of it and know its contents. CGA C6 is a guide for steel cylinders while the C6.1 provides guidance for aluminum cylinder inspection. C6.2 provides specific instructions for visual inspection of composite cylinders.

Dive stores often use a sticker that advertises the business as well as lists the inspection standard and month of inspection. When more than one inspector uses those stickers, it is not possible to identify the actual inspector. If later, there is a problem with that cylinder, those who did NOT handle the cylinder will want to be eliminated from scrutiny. Provisions should be made to identify the actual inspector.

Can you find fault with the following selection of EOI sticker legends?

(1) Inspected to gas industry standards and found free of significant rust or corrosion.

(2) Inspected and found free of significant corrosion. Valid for one year.

(3) The inside of this cylinder has been visually inspected and is good for 1 year from date marked.

(4) This tank has passed a visual inspection which conforms to standards set by the dive industry. This certificate valid for 1 year from date punched.

(5) Visual Inspection Certificate. This certificate valid for 1 year from date punched.

(6) This tank met or exceeded all standards of the diving program and pamphlet C-6 of the Compressed Gas Association at time of inspection (used on 3AL cylinders).

Lets look closely at a popular sticker legend. This tank has been visually tested in accordance with all regulations of the Department of Transportation and was found to be free of visible defects on the test date shown. First, visual inspection is generally not considered to be a test but rather an examination. The DOT regulations offer very little in the way of inspection guidelines. A person reading only the Code of Federal Regulations will not find the information necessary to be a quality visual inspector. Does the person using this sticker have a copy of the most current Title 49 codes? The Compressed Gas Association is a recognized source for inspection information although its manuals are often general in nature to cover a wide variety of cylinder types.

Most scuba cylinders have some corrosion damage or other abuse appearing on the cylinder after the first year of service. Therefore, very few cylinders are “found to be free of visible defects”. A properly trained inspector will determine that damage found is within the manufacturer’s prescribed allowable limits and the cylinder remains suitable for continued service.

Some DOT regulations do have specific inspection references to certain scuba cylinders. DOT states cylinders made from 6351 alloy should be inspected annually by a TRAINED inspector. Also, the E12479 scuba cylinder MUST be inspected annually by a PSI trained inspector. Visual inspectors with formal, documented training recognized by the cylinder manufactures will be most defendable.

If you, as a high-pressure cylinder visual inspector want to have a high level of defensibility then you MUST:

(1) Be trained for the cylinder types you inspect and be current (at least every three years) in your training;

(2) Possess and understand a printed copy of the standards that you follow, and ensure those standards are recognized by the cylinder manufacturers;

(3) Never allow unauthorized persons access to your EOI stickers; and

(4) Use an EOI sticker with a legend that truly represents the type of inspection performed.

Cylinder inspectors, handlers and owners are encouraged to visit the PSI, Inc. website (www.psicylinders.com) for additional information on scuba cylinder inspection and safety.

The author, Bill High is President of PSI, Inc. the only Federally recognized, full service cylinder inspector training corporation.

Please email omnidive@omnidivers.com if you are interested or want additional information.

DAN Instructor Qualification Course (IQC)

DAN Training and Education

As a DAN Instructor, you can offer your students nine classes that will help make them safer divers.

These classes are:

Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries

Oxygen First Aid for Aquatic Emergencies

Advanced Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries

First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries

Automated External Defibrillators for Scuba Diving

Automated External Defibrillators for Aquatic Emergencies

Basic Life Support for Dive Professionals

Remote Emergency Medical Oxygen (REMO2™)

On-Site Neurological Assessment for Divers

Diving First Aid for Professional Divers

Diving Emergency Management Provider Program

DAN Instructors are scuba diving educators who want to offer dive safety programs to their students. To become a DAN Instructor, you must participate in a DAN Instructor Qualification Course (IQC).

The IQC follows a modular format. There is a Core Module and then a separate module representing each training program. You can take all nine modules as part of one course, or just take the Core Module and one course module - whatever you are interested in teaching. Later, as long as you remain a current and active DAN Instructor, you can take additional modules without retaking the Core Module. The Core Module is now available online.

Prerequisites for DAN Instructor Qualification Course:

DAN Member
Active scuba diving educator*
Current CPR Instructor
Documentation of First Aid training

Prerequisites for DAN IQC Modules:

Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries

CPR Instructor

Oxygen First Aid for Aquatic Emergencies

CPR Instructor

Advanced Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries

Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries Instructor

First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries

CPR Instructor

Automated External Defibrillators for Scuba Diving

CPR Instructor

Automated External Defibrillators for Aquatic Emergencies

Automated External Defibrillators for Scuba Diving Instructor

Basic Life Support for Dive Professionals

CPR Training

Remote Emergency Medical Oxygen (REMO2™)

Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries Instructor

On-Site Neurological Assessment for Divers

Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries Instructor

Dive Accident First Aid for Non-Divers

To offer this program, DAN Instructor Trainers and Instructors must be in Active Teaching Status for:

Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries
First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Scuba Diving

Diving First Aid for Professional Divers

To qualify, the candidate must:

Have an affiliation with an aquarium, scientific diving program, public safety diving program or a commercial diving operation
Be a CPR Instructor
Be a current DAN Member

Current DAN Instructor Trainers and Instructors who are certified to teach Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries, AEDs for Scuba Diving and First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries, and who meet the other criteria, may complete an online crossover to be certified in this program as well.

Diving Emergency Management Provider

To offer this program, DAN Instructor Trainers and Instructors must be in Active Teaching Status for:

Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries
First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Scuba Diving

Preferred Additional Credentials:
Advanced Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries

Take the Core Module Online

* Note about the scuba diving educator requirement: Any scuba diving instructor or assistant instructor with a recognized scuba training organization can attend the IQC. A divemaster/divecon who is also a CPR and First Aid instructor with a recognized training agency can also attend the IQC.

Course Objective

The DAN Instructor Qualification Course (IQC) trains and educates qualified scuba diving educators to plan, manage, conduct and promote dive safety through DAN Training Programs such as the Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries course, the Remote Emergency Medical Oxygen (REMO2™) course, the Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Scuba Diving and the First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries course along with the Oxygen First Aid for Aquatic Emergencies course.

In addition, the course develops role-model teaching techniques in the use of first aid for suspected dive injuries. Instructor Candidates also have the opportunity to develop further knowledge in relation to the special considerations involved in providing emergency first aid.

The DAN IQC consists of eight modules. There is a core module that introduces DAN and the DAN Training philosophy. This core program serves as the introduction for all other DAN Training programs. The remaining program modules represent each of the individual training courses offered by DAN. Qualified Instructor Trainers can present all seven program modules or select only the modules appropriate for the Instructor Candidates.

Qualifications of DAN Instructors

Successful completion of the DAN Instructor Qualification Course (IQC) results in certification recognizing the Instructor Candidate's understanding and performance of the knowledge and skills contained within this program.

Instructors must maintain active teaching status with DAN in order to conduct DAN Training programs. In order to maintain active teaching status, DAN Instructors must teach or assist with teaching each course they are certified in once within a 24-month period.

Recommended Minimum Hours of Training

Knowledge and Skills Development

Core Module: 4 Hours
Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries Module: 2-3 Hours
Oxygen First Aid for Aquatic Emergencies Module: 2-3 Hours
Advanced Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries: 1-2 Hours
First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries Module: 2-3 Hours
Automated External Defibrillators for Scuba Diving: 1-2 Hours
Basic Life Support for Dive Professionals: 8 Hours
Remote Emergency Medical Oxygen Module: 1-2 Hours

The time the course actually takes to teach varies depending upon many factors, including the number of students and their ability to process the educational components of the program along with the number of modules offered. Instructor Trainers desiring to include subjects or training beyond the course requirements may do so only before or following the course. Any additional training must not be required for completion of course requirements.

Required Curriculum Subject Areas

The Instructor Trainer must ensure Instructor Candidate familiarity with each of the following subject areas:

Knowledge Development

Core Module

What is DAN?
DAN Training Methodology
Role of the DAN Instructor
General Standards and Procedures for All DAN Training Programs
Marketing DAN Training Programs
Disease Transmission
Oxygen and AED Equipment/Safety
First Aid Equipment

Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries Course Module

Manual Overview - Standards and Procedures
Knowledge Development Session
Overview
Topics
Skills Development Session
Overview
Use of Scenarios
Injured Diver Scenarios
Teaching Exercise

Oxygen First Aid for Aquatic Emergencies Course Module

Manual Overview - Standards and Procedures
Knowledge Development Session
Overview
Topics
Skills Development Session
Overview
Use of Scenarios
Injured Diver Scenarios
Teaching Exercise

Advanced Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries

Manual Overview - Standards and Procedures
Knowledge Development
O2 Resuscitation Systems (MTV and BVM)
Providing Advanced Oxygen First Aid
Recommendations for Advanced Oxygen Providers and equipment use
Skills Development
CPR Review
Resuscitation with an MTV
Resuscitation with a BVM

First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries Module

Manual Overview - Standards and Procedures
Knowledge Development Session
Overview
Topics
Skills Development Session
Overview
Use of Scenarios
Injured Diver Scenarios
Teaching Exercise

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Scuba Diving Module

Manual Overview - Standards and Procedures
Knowledge Development Session
Overview
Topics
Skills Development Session
Overview
Use of Scenarios
Injured Diver Scenarios
Teaching Exercise

Basic Life Support for Dive Professionals

Knowledge and Skills Development categories
Initial Assessment
Airway management
Breathing and ventilation
Circulation
Including AED use
Control of bleeding
Shock management
Ongoing Assessment

REMO2™ Course Module

Manual Overview - Standards and Procedures
Knowledge Development Session
Overview
Topics
Skills Development Session
Overview
Use of Scenarios
Injured Diver Scenarios
Teaching Exercise

Diving Emergency Management Provider

To offer this program, DAN Instructor Trainers and Instructors must be in Active Teaching Status for:

Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries
First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Scuba Diving

Preferred Additional Credentials:
DAN Advanced Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries

Examination

General Standards and Procedures Exam - 20 Questions
Module Exams - 10 Questions Each

Course Summary

The Instructor Trainer must ensure that the Instructor Candidate is able to successfully demonstrate the ability to perform the required skills for each certified program in a role model fashion.

Please email omnidive@omnidivers.com if you are interested or want additional information.

SDI adds Underwater Navigation specialty course to growing online elearning library

Topsham, Maine – June 20, 2006

Once again Scuba Diving International leads the way in the important area of interactive online learning with its launch today of a fully functional online SDI Underwater Navigation specialty course. Student and facility reaction to previous releases of online learning modules such as Open Water diver, Easy Nitrox diver and Deep diver have been overwhelmingly positive. This latest addition to SDI’s growing online curriculum solidifies the company’s commitment to presenting the very best in diver training in the most up-to-date and convenient format.

"We know from the feedback we received after the launch of SDI’s Deep diver specialty online course last month that the demand for more SDI specialty courses was huge,” explained Brian Carney, president of SDI. “The release of Underwater Navigation, another core specialty in the SDI curriculum, had to follow as quickly as possible and certainly in time for the start of the busiest season for our customers here in North America."

The SDI Underwater Navigation specialty is presented in a similar format to previously released online elearning programs, where students purchase a sign-up code and select a dive center to conduct their training through. With this code entered into the secure system and a simple sign-up procedure completed, they can begin their academic training immediately.

The proven online system sends automatic notification to the dive center when the student enrolls in the course and allows an instructor associated with that center to track the student’s progress through the course. When the final exam is completed, the student is reminded to contact the dive center for the fun part of the class – the diving – and a full report of the student’s progress through the course and their exam results are made available for instructor review.

“One reason driving us to develop and launch more and more SDI online specialty courses,” said Steve Lewis, director of product development for SDI, “is the success stories we have been getting from retailers who were the early adopters of this technology."

Lewis went on to explain that online training is a true favorite with divers, allowing them to do academics at times that suit their busy schedules. “But both divers and instructors are telling us that the time they spend together after students have completed the online portion of the course is more productive and more enjoyable!”

Look at www.tdisdi.com for a special introductory offer to SDI’s elearning programs.

Scuba Diving International (SDI) is the sport diving certification branch of the world’s largest technical diving agency, Technical Diving International (TDI). Also included is Emergency Response Diving International (ERDI), the only global public safety certification agency.

Others Follow… SDI Leads!

Please email omnidive@omnidivers.com if you are interested or want additional information.

TDI – Semi-Closed Circuit Rebreather Instructor and Diver Course - Drager Dolphin

TDI – Semi-Closed Circuit Rebreather Instructor and Diver Course, Unit Specific- DOLPHIN

Drager Dolphin Semi-Closed Rebreather course required dives to be held at Crescent Lake, Oregon on August 4 and 5, and August 25 and 26, 2007.

Introduction

This is the entry-level certification course for recreational divers wishing to utilize one of the following Semi-closed circuit Rebreathers; Dolphin. The objective of this course is to train recreational divers in the benefits, hazards, and proper procedures for using SCR Rebreathers.

Required Equipment

The following equipment is required for each student:

1. Drager Dolphin Rebreather.
2. Integrated PO2 monitoring device for inhaled PO2.
3. Mask and fins.
4. Exposure suit appropriate for the open water environment.
5. Access to oxygen analyzer.
6. Appropriate weight.
7. Bailout cylinder (minimum size 3L / twelve (12) cu. ft.)
8. Flow meter.

The Rebreather Manual and the manufactures’ manual are mandatory for use during this course.

The following topics must be covered during this course:

1. History and Evolution of Rebreathers.
2. Comparison of Open Circuit, Closed Circuit, and Semi-closed Circuit.
3. Practical Mechanics of the System
A. Assembly and disassembly of the Rebreather.
B. Layout and design.
C. Scrubber recharge.
D. System maintenance.
E. Breathing loop decontamination procedures.
4. Review of nitrox
A. Dalton’s Law (triangle)
B. Optimum nitrox mix
C. Oxygen Tracking
D. Gas preparation
E. Dive planning examples
5. Gas physiology
A. Oxygen toxicity.
B. Hyperoxia.
C. Hypoxia.
D. Asphyxia
E. Hypercapnia
F. Nitrogen absorption.
G. CO2 toxicity.
H. Gas consumption.
i. Cylinder sizes
ii. Depth and workload
6. Formula work / metabolic consumption
A. 02 metabolizing calculations.
B. Inspired 02 calculations (Rebreather Equation).
C. Equivalent air depth.
7. Dive Tables
A. Inspired 02 table.
B. Equivalent air depth.
8. Dive Computers
A. Mix adjustable.
B. 02 integrated.
C. P02 monitoring devices
9. Problem Solving
A. Canister flooding
B. Mouthpiece loss
C. Scrubber exhaustion
D. Battery or sensor loss
E. Breathing Bag rupture
F. Open circuit bailout system
i. On board gas
ii. Off board gas
G. Hyperoxia scenario
H. Hypoxia scenario
I. hypercapnia scenario
J. Post problem maintenance of equipment
10. Dive Planning
A. Operational Planning
i. Gas requirements.
ii. Oxygen limitations.
iii. Nitrogen limitations.

Required Skill Performance and Graduation Requirements:

The dive depth shall not exceed one point six (1.6 ATM) P02.

The following skills must be completed by the student during open water dives:

1. Properly analyze gas mixture.
2. Perform all pre dive checks (positive, negative, flow rate, by-pass regulator operation, relief valve pressure) a minimum of six (6) times.
3. Demonstrate a leak check and repair scenario.
4. Not required for the Dolphin.
5. Properly packing a scrubber canister a minimum of two (2) times (if using the ExtendAir cartridge one packing must be with granular material).
6. Properly execute set-up and breakdown a minimum of four (4) times for Draeger rebreathers.
7. Demonstrate adequate pre-dive planning.
A. Limits based on system performance.
B. Limits based upon oxygen exposures at planned depth with mix.
C. Limits based upon nitrogen absorption at planned depth with mix.
8. Properly execute the planned dives within all pre-determined limits.
9. Properly execute a recovery from a system failure and switch to bail-out stationary a minimum of two (2) times.
10. Properly execute a recovery from a system failure and switch to bail-out hovering a minimum of two (2) times, one of the bail-out scenarios the diver must switch to open circuit and complete dive and safety stop on open circuit (direct ascent must begin when diver switches to open circuit, this scenario should be conducted no deeper than 60 fsw / 20 meters).
11. Properly demonstrate hose clearing technique after each bail-out scenario.
12. Not required on a Dolphin.
13. Proper PO2 monitoring on all dives (if unit is equipped with P02 monitoring device).
14. Properly execute a mask clearing exercise with emphasis on minimal gas loss.
15. Safely and properly execute a buddy out of air scenario, it is preferable the buddy is on a SCR unit also.
16. Diver will demonstrate actual safety stops at pre-determined depths.
17. Properly execute cleaning and maintenance of the Rebreather, including breathing loop decontamination.

Course Structure and Duration

Open Water Execution:

A minimum of four (4) dives with a minimum of one hundred (100) accumulated minutes for the Drager units.

Course Structure:

1. Structure of the course is according to the number of students participating and their skill level.

Duration:

1. The minimum number of classroom and briefing hours is six (6).

In order to complete this course, students must:

1. Satisfactorily complete the TDI Rebreather Course written examination.
2. Complete all open water requirements safely and efficiently.
3. Demonstrate mature, sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution.

Qualifications of Graduates

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in no decompression diving activities utilizing the Dolphin to a maximum depth of forty (40) msw / one hundred thirty (130) feet, without decompression utilizing nitrox mixes not exceeding their level of certification.

Please email omnidive@omnidivers.com if you are interested or want additional information.

DAN Instructor Trainer Workshops 2007-2008 – Sign Up Now!

DAN Instructor Trainer Workshops 2007-2008 – Sign Up Now!

Want to be a DAN Instructor Trainer?
Choose one of these weekends to get training.

June 22-24, 2007
August 3-5, 2007

January 11-13, 2008
March 28-30, 2008
May 16-18, 2008

Or contact or email omnidive@omnidivers.com if you are interested, want additional information or specific times to hold your own weekend in your own location.

PRICING

Package 1 Complete ITW includes all DAN Training courses: $1,000 (a $1,600 value).

Package 2 Scuba Oxygen, Advanced Oxygen, HMLI, AEDs, REMO2: $650 (a $1,075 value); Aquatics Oxygen & Aquatics AED's included.

INDIVIDUAL MODULES

See attached document for pricing and call or email DAN for more information.

Special room rates are available to attendees.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, email oxygen@diversalertnetwork.org or call 1-800-446-2671 or +1-919-684-2948 ext 555

Please email omnidive@omnidivers.com if you are interested or want additional information.

DAN Announces DES Quest II

DAN Challenges divers to improve their skills to become Diving Emergency Specialists

The DES Quest II has begun, time for divers to challenge themselves to dive deeper into dive education and hands-on experience in rescue. Last year more than 250 divers met the challenge: This year could be yours.

Beginning June 1, DAN is challenging all interested divers to pursue and achieve the level of Diving Emergency Specialist (DES), a training recognition program designed to commend divers who have continued their education and training in obtaining knowledge and becoming both better buddies and better divers.

To achieve the level of Diving Emergency Specialist, a diver must:

1. be a rescue-level (or higher) diver with their training agency

2. hold a current CPR and First Aid certification

3. hold a current certification in Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries (or equivalent)

4. complete three of the following:

• Advanced Oxygen First Aid for Scuba Diving Injuries (or equivalent)
• First Aid for Hazardous Marine Life Injuries (or equivalent)
• AEDs for Scuba Diving (or equivalent)
• On-Site Neurological Assessment for Divers (or equivalent)
• Remote Emergency Medical Oxygen (REMO2™)

The DES Quest II runs from June 1 – Dec. 31, 2007. During the Quest, when DAN is notified of a diver’s achievement of DES, that diver will receive a specially designed T-shirt and ballcap prize package. In addition, the diver will automatically be entered in a drawing for a DAN Gift Certificate worth $250.

Plus, you’ll have the added confidence of training. Join the growing ranks of DES providers by completing the DES Quest II.

To find out more and to download an application, go to http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/news/article.asp?newsid=

Please email omnidive@omnidivers.com if you are interested or want additional information.