Best certification/training for equipment specialist and scuba technicians

[tstormdiver]

Most of my training has been through OJT with other technicians & going through the repair seminars at scuba trade shows like DEMA. Be aware, those seminars are rather expensive (IMO) running $100- $300 each typically, depending on the manufacturer & the equipment you expect to work on. Also be aware that some manufacturers like ScubaPro, Aqualung & such, you must typically have a dealership sponsorship to get into the seminars, to the best of my knowledge. Are there ways to circumvent this? I suppose, there probably is. I am not familiar with that.

 

[Subcooled]

it is both incorrect and unfair to denigrate it for not teaching how to service regulators, for example.

True. The equipment specialist course is not designed to be a regulator servicing course. So... maybe my opinion was a little bit too harshly stated. Did some editing.

 

[KevinNM]

Are there ways to circumvent this? I suppose, there probably is. I am not familiar with that.

I know that the Atomic DEMA seminar required that the dive shop contact their rep to schedule their people. But I doubt they are going to insist on seeing proof that you are an actual employee. So working out a deal with a local shop would seem possible. You pay them for the class or something. If you could do this, try to get the scubapro course first. It's far more of an actual "we'll teach novices how to fix regs" course per multiple people.Hands on, several days. Probably not cheap to run.

 

[tstormdiver]

No it is not. I've been through 2 of ScubaPro's & 2 Oceanic/ Hollis seminars.

 

[KevinNM]

What would you suggest as a place for someone to learn how to fix regs?

 

[tstormdiver]

Unless there are seminars offered to individual shops (rare, but does happen), which would probably offer the most,... Generally trade show seminars are probably the most convenient.

 

[bl6394]

What would you suggest as a place for someone to learn how to fix regs?

If you can cultivate a relationship with the repair technician at the shop you frequent, and that repair technical is skilled in their practice - that can be an excellent way to learn.

The repair technician at my shop has been doing this for decades - and is a fantastic resource and mentor. A two day manufacturer class can be great. But spending time with an experienced repair technician can been very valuable.

 

[electricb]

Hi y'all,
Now that I'm an instructor, I am looking to learn more about equipment. And as I was researching courses I found that I happen to live in the only city in Asia that offers the ASSET technician programme. It was brought to my attention by one of my own instructiors. Any way, so... I am thinking about getting technicians certification too. I was not impressed with the PADI equipment course.

I'm sure there are other courses, with TDI for example. I'm unaware of, or simply am not familiar with what else is out there, so I'm hoping for advice from seasoned technicians/shop managers. What training would you recommend, both in terms of good education/training and recognition in global diving industry as I want it to be an asset when applying for jobs.
Thanks

Hey Musicgirl,
I've been looking at the same course in Thailand. This one, right?http://www.scubatechnician.com/pdf/Course overviews .pdf

It's pretty pricey... I'd want another opinion before dropping five grand on it, too.
I've been asking at some of the local dive shops what certifications they're looking for when they hire and generally I get vague answers. You said your instructor mentioned the course to you... did they have an opinion on it?

 

[cerich]

Thanks again for more feedback. But I'm guessing no one here knows much about ASSET (Association of Scuba Service Engineers and Technicians)? I'm looking at an internship that includes courses and hands on experience. I believe it's a British association.

i do, heard good things, go for it

 

[Musicgirl]

I start the initial 10 day course tomorrow.