PROJECT AWARE International Clean Up Day Pattaya 2008

Der 20. September 2008 sah die Wiederkehr eines speziellen jährlichen Ereignisses – der Project AWARE International Reef and Beach Clean Up Tag. Jedes Jahr kommen mehr und mehr Taucher, Schnorchler und Schwimmer um zusammen mit Mermaids CDC Meeresboden und Strände vor Pattaya zu säubern. Erfreulich ist auch, dass immer mehr Thailänderinnen und Thailänder an diesen Anlässen teilnehmen und ihr wachsendens Umweltbewusstsein zeigen.

Mermaids CDC ist sehr stolz auf das Ergebnis des Clean Up dieses Jahres. Nach beinahe 20 Jahren als aktive Tauchbasis, war der 20th September 2008 Project AWARE Cleanup der geschäftigste Tag in unserer Geschichte. 176 begeisterte Teilnehmer stellten unsere Logistik auf Probe, eine Probe die wir alle mit Bravour bestanden haben. Alles lief nach Plan. Nach einem erlebnisreichen Tag wurde der grosse Einsatz aller mit einem köstlichen Buffet im Hotel Boathouse gefeiert und viele konnten schöne Preise aus der Lotterie, der Erlös ging an Project AWARE, entgegennehmen.

154,562 Baht (cirka Euro 3’800.00) wurden für Project AWARE gesammelt!

Wir könnten mehrere Seiten über diesen Anlass füllen. Aber heisst es nicht Bilder sagen mehr als Worte?Schau Dir die grossartigen Bilder dieses Anlasses an und denke daran, der nächste Project AWARE Clean Up Tag findet 2009 statt. Wir hoffen, dann auch mit Deiner Teilnahme rechnen zu können.

SCUBA cylinder information for your safety

How do I know if the person inspecting my scuba diving cylinders is properly trained to do so?

Luxfer recommends taking your cylinder to an authorized Luxfer service center or to an inspector trained by Professional Scuba Inspectors, Inc. (PSI) or the Association of Scuba Service Engineers & Technicians (ASSET).2 It cannot be overemphasized that the quality of inspection is far more important than the frequency of inspection! An untrained or improperly trained inspector can look at a 6351 – alloy cylinder numerous times without detecting SLC, “Sustained – load Cracking”!How many aluminum cylinders have exhibited SLC?

 

Out of a total US population of 1,073,000 Luxfer scuba cylinders made of 6351 alloy, only 1.25% have exhibited SLC. That’s Thirteen thousand four hundred twelve cylinders.

LIA Intern scuba diving affiliates have invested $1200.00 in a VISUAL PLUS test set, a nondestructive technology that uses eddy currents to thoroughly inspect the threaded neck region of aluminum cylinders. Luxfer says do not use Luxfer 6351- alloy scuba cylinders that have not been both visually inspected and eddy-current tested and then properly documented.

Catalina Cylinders supports the use of eddy current devices to aid in the inspection of the threads of aluminum cylinders. Eddy current devices have proven themselves valuable in detecting linear defects (i.e. folds, cracks, intergranular corrosion, etc.) in the threads of aluminum cylinders that are hard to detect during visual examination aided by a light source and a 2X dental mirror.

For yours and our safety, LIA Affiliates (For the dive internships) do not fill tanks made from 6351 alloy with out a current eddy current test and visual inspection.

New: Federal Register: July 26, 1994
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Research and Special Programs Administration
Notice No. 94-7
Since issuing these advisory notices further work into the nature of sustained load cracking (SLC) has offered new insight into its causes and effects. However, one key factor in preventing further damage from this type of failure has to date been missing: a reliable method of early detection. Several nondestructive testing (NDT) methods of inspection have been developed, but their efficacy has not been established.
In response the RSPA contracted the Nondestructive Testing Information Analysis Center (NTIAC) to quantitatively evaluate three common methods of cylinder inspection:
visual testing (VT), eddy current testing (ET), and ultrasonic testing (UT). Conducting an extensive round-robin testing procedure, NTIAC evaluated the performance of each technique in terms of its accuracy and reliability in detecting flaws in the neck and shoulder region of the cylinder. This report is a summary of our findings and concludes with a recommendation to the RSPA on a testing technique and procedure.

Based upon the results compiled by NTIAC as part of this project, our recommendation is to adopt the combined visual and eddy current testing (designated VET) as the standard for inspection of aluminum gas cylinders.

You can find the complete 40 page report online at http://www.ntiac.com/mainreport.pdf

Please find the scuba service technician traineeships and courses outlined below for costs. Like everything else on the site – feel free to contact me for further details – contact here!

DIVE INDUSTRY TECHNICIANS COURSE (DITC)

10 days – US$1,960

This is the 10-day A.S.S.E.T. & S.I.T.A. and IDEST approved traineeship, covering all aspects of scuba service, repair and workshop operation. The course has a 9-module curriculum supported by ‘The Dive Industry Technicians Handbook’ specifically written to accompany the course. The course is designed to give as much emphasis as possible to practical knowledge and skills with a large proportion of the course devoted to ‘hands on’ practical work. Repair sessions include full ‘strip down & rebuild’ tasks on most major makes of regulators and Valves, together with user level maintenance of Compressors and air banks systems.

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DITC Gold Package – DITC + CYLINDER TESTING TECHNICIANS COURSE Pt2

12 days – US$2,530

All the comprehensive technician training from the DITC plus Advanced Cylinder inspection and hydrostatic testing, with emphasis on advanced Metallurgy knowledge and inspection of known cylinder defect conditions with analysis of borderline pass/fail samples. A comprehensive final practical exam, tests the individual’s ability to detect cylinder defects yet not to ‘condemn’ truly serviceable tanks. Pt1 is covered in the DITC. This course is a pre-requisite for all new Centers applying for IDEST Test House Approval.

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DITC Platinum Package – DITC + Cylinder Testing Pt2 + NITROX TECH & GAS BLENDER	14 days – US$3,100
The A.S.S.E.T.  Nitrox Service Technician & Gas Blender Courses are of the same high standard as the Dive Industry Technicians Course. Developed to reflect the Engineering, Gas Industry, & International standards. Essential for anyone who is serious about NITROX. The course includes comprehensive Gas Blending and Oxygen Cleaning practical sessions and includes free gas blending software.

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COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT (CASM)

2 Days – US$570

For Diving industry or other industry employees who have responsibilities for filling high-pressure cylinders, and carrying out day-to-day ‘user level’ maintenance on compressors. The course covers general compressor maintenance, Air Bank operation, standards and relevant legislation. Practical work on user level maintenance, Air bank use to 300Bars. Filter choice and replacement. Tank Identification for operator safety. Air purity Testing. Compressed air safety. Compressor Theory of operation. Based on the popular ‘Bauer’ or ‘Coltrisub’ compressor models. This course is included in the DITC.

 Kontaktiere Mermaids Tauchbasis in Pattaya, Thailand jetzt!

 

Orientation & Assessment (DITC) Thailand

Are you an experienced dive technician?

The purpose of this course is to orientate candidates to ASSET Standards & Codes of Practices, American DOT & CGA regulations, British & European Standards, Health & Safety Law, revise knowledge requirements, assess practical skills and experience so that the experienced Technician can gain ASSET Advanced Technician Certification. This certification is a pre requisite for IDEST Service Centre Approval.

3 days – Cost US$1,470 (exchange rates) - The package:

 

 

 

Course pre requisites:

Proof of:

• At least 2 years experience of servicing and repairing diving equipment (must include regulators).

• At least 3 Dive Manufacturers repair clinic certificates.

• (Manufacturers dedicated Technicians need only their own company certification).

• Evidence of experience required in the form of a Curriculum Vitae/Resume.

Kontaktiere Mermaids Tauchbasis in Pattaya, Thailand jetzt! 

Scuba Cylinder Testing Technicians Course

The course outlines all the current regulations to test DOT approved scuba diving cylinders which represent the majority of all cylinders, found in South East Asia together with information on the latest European Standards regarding cylinder testing. Changes in European legislation together with the requirement for ‘competent and approved’ persons to carry out dive cylinder testing have created the need for a higher standard of training and certification of those who carry out this work.

The A.S.S.E.T. approved 4 day cylinder testing technician course is a comprehensive training course covering the theory and practice of cylinder testing.

This course is a pre requisite all new centers applying for IDEST test house approval.

Cost: US$1170 – (exchange rates) – The package:

The theory part of the course includes:

• Cylinder testing practices and procedures; hydrostatic, visual & eddy current.

• Valve maintenance.

• Thread gauging.

• Standards.

• Codes of practice.

• DOT, CGA & HSE Procedures and regulations.

The practical part of the course is designed to introduce all the required practical skills including:

• Inspection.

• Measurement.

• Hydrostatic Testing etc.

• Metallurgy.

• Determination.

• NDT – Eddy current testing – Aluminum cylinders.

On successful completion of the Cylinder Testing course the candidate will be awarded the A.S.S.E.T. Membership grade of Cylinder Testing Technician.

Course Pre requisites: None

Course Fee Includes:

• Full tuition.

• Course completion certificate.

• Visual Plus- NDT – certificate of training.

• Handbook.

• Asset Membership at Cylinder Testing Technician Grade.

Please note: the first 2 days of this course are included in the DITC

 Kontaktiere Mermaids Tauchbasis in Pattaya, Thailand jetzt!

 

Scuba Dive Industry Technician course (DITC)

The DITC scuba technician education program is a 10-day ASSET, SITA and IDEST approved course, covering all aspects of scuba diving equipment service, repair and dive workshop operation. The course has a 9-module curriculum supported by a Dive Industry Technicians Handbook specially written to accompany the course.

The course is designed to give as much emphasis on practical knowledge and skills with a large proportion of the course devoted to ‘hands on ‘practical work experience.

Cost US$1,960 – (exchange rates) - The package:

Syllabus includes:

• The physics of diving related plant and equipment.

• Equipment theory – design and construction.

• Setting up a professional scuba workshop.

• Working practices, standards and procedures.

• Cylinder testing (pt 1) – visual inspection & hydraulic testing.

• Regulator service and repair.

• Compressors, air banks – operation and air quality (CASM).

• Basic metallurgy.

• Warranties and customer care.

• Regulations and standards.

• NDT – Eddy Current Testing – Aluminum Cylinders.

This is a highly practical course, with hands on experience in a real scuba diving workshop.

Course Fee Includes:

Course Fee Includes:

• Full tuition.

• Comprehensive handbook.

• Course completion certificate.

• Visual plus certificate.

• ASSET membership.

Course Pre requisites: None 

Please note: This course is suitable for the complete beginner and more experienced person alike as the small class numbers (max 8) allows the Instructor to cater to the requirements of all levels.

 

Technician training in relation to ASSET standards and IDEST approval

Expansion of the IDEST Approval Scheme:

ASSET, IDEST and SITA have joined forces and agreed to set comprehensive standards for the maintenance and testing of scuba diving equipment, by implementing expanded standards and approval scheme developed by ASSET. Approval is now available for both scuba cylinder testing and for dive regulator maintenance (compressed air).

Technician training is central to the above agreement. In order to achieve IDEST approval and comply with ASSET codes of practice, all new service centers or test stations must employ ASSET technicians holding the appropriate certification. For cylinder testing, existing IDEST test houses may come under slightly different compliance rules, please ask for information.

IDEST Approval and ASSET Technician Certification:

In order to satisfy the requirement for a competent person, ASSET has set certification grades for its scuba equipment technician members; technicians are graded according to training and experience.

These grades are:

Associate, Technician, Advanced Technician, Cylinder Testing Technician & Nitrox Technician.

• An IDEST approved regulator service center working in accordance with ASSET CP1 must employ an ASSET Advanced Technician.

• An IDEST approved cylinder test station working in accordance with ASSET CP2 must employ an ASSET Cylinder Tester (for cylinder testing, existing IDEST test houses may come under slightly different compliance rules, please ask for information).

• An IDEST approved technical Nitrox service center working in accordance with ASSET CP3 must employ an ASSET Nitrox Technician.

• An IDEST Approved Breathing Gas Producer working in accordance with ASSET CP4 must employ an ASSET Nitrox Gas Blender and/or Compressor Operator.

Technicians Training:

ASSET certified technicians receive comprehensive theoretical and practical training. A comprehensive range of highly practical certification courses have been developed, which include:

• Scuba dive industry technicians course (DITC).

• Advanced technicians course.

• Nitrox technician and gas blending course.

• Cylinder testing technicians course.

• A compressor air systems management course (CASM).

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ASSET aims and benefits of membership

The World Leaders In Technician Training & Standards For The Diving Industry

Scuba diving can be very safe fun and enjoyed by all knowing that their dive equipment, tanks, generators, compressors etc. are all in tip top condition and maintained by a competent ASSET trained service technician. The Asset (Association of Scuba Service Engineers and Technicians) training for dive engineers can only be taken here in Pattaya, Jomtien, Chonburi, Thailand – if you wish to learn in Asia. First class scuba diving education is our main priority.

Aims of Association:

• To educate.
• To set training standards.
• To improve customer service.
• Originate & implement codes of practices.
• Promote quality assurance.
• Training & development.
• Set technical standards.
• Represent members interests.

Benefits of membership:

• Access to an on-line database of manufacturers drawings, parts lists and technical data for regulators, compressors, scuba tanks etc. All major regulators covered. Also available on CD.
• Access to scuba regulator spare parts, overhaul kits, custom tools for regulator and compressor overhaul.
• Subscription to “The Mouthpiece” newsletter. The latest tips and hints for technicians repairing scuba equipment. Design flaws exposed. workarounds. Supplier News.
• Free consultancy and advice on scuba repair, maintenane and testing problems.

Kontaktiere Mermaids Tauchbasis in Pattaya, Thailand jetzt!