OPERATOR/USER CERTIFICATION

WHAT DOES THE OPERATOR/USER COURSE INVOLVE?
The course was primarily developed to teach trained commercial diving personnel standardized inspection, set-up, and operation procedures for the KMDSI SuperLite Helmets and Band Masks. It is not a Repair/Technician Course. The Operator/User (formerly Inspector) Course instructs commercial divers, tenders, and supervisors how to perform standardized, routine, daily pre-dive/post-dive procedures as well as corrective adjustments, and to identify equipment deficiencies which could hamper Helmet or Band Mask performance and/or pose a potential hazard. The course covers the KMDSI monthly and daily Helmet and Band Mask pre/post dive maintenance, set-up, adjustment, and inspection procedures for Kirby Morgan Helmets, Band Masks, and associated equipment. Upon completion, each trainee will receive a two-year certification. The course does not qualify or certify the individual to perform repairs, overhauls, or annual face port insert testing. Depending on the experience level and/or the number of persons being instructed, the course generally requires about 4-7 hours of instructions. Certification as a KMDSI Operator/User is valid for two years on initial certification and three years upon re-certification. KMDSI strongly encourages all users of KMDSI Helmets or Band Masks to attend the one-day Operator/User course that teaches the daily and monthly checklist procedures.

KMDSI requires those persons performing the A2.1 overhaul / inspections receive Certified KMDSI Technician training. Owners/users of KMDSI Helmets or Masks electing to perform their own inspections and repairs must maintain a log that reflects the maintenance was performed in accordance with KMDSI maintenance policies. No log means that no work was done or that dealer technician did no work.

TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

WHAT DOES THE TECHNICIAN COURSE TEACH?
The two-day course instructs divers, tenders, and diving personnel how to perform routine repair and maintenance of all KMDSI Helmets, Band Masks, and other specific associated equipment. The course also teaches how to conduct Helmet and Band Mask inspections, adjustments, and overhauls as well as face port insert testing. In addition, trainees learn about the KMDSI set-up and maintenance Checklists, and Operations and Maintenance Manuals. The basic technician course does not include instruction in fiberglass and gel coat repair but does teach insert testing. Upon completion, each trainee will receive a three-year certification valid to service his own equipment and/or the company equipment for which the individual works. Once certified as a Basic Helmet and Band Mask Technician, the technician is authorized to teach the KMDSI Operator/User Course using the curriculum guidelines set up by KMDSI and Dive Lab Inc. Course certification is given by Dive Lab, Inc. The main purpose for this course is to promote diver safety, within the commercial diving industry, through knowledge and training.  The KMDSI training policies and guidelines are intended to help ensure that persons performing repairs, maintenance and training have received KMDSI standardized training on the equipment as the manufacturer intended. The training also teaches the intended use and limitations of the equipment.

IF I TAKE THE KMDSI TECHNICIAN COURSE CAN I WORK ON OTHER PEOPLE’S EQUIPMENT?
Dive Lab trained and certified technicians working for diving contractors or as free-lance divers cannot perform repairs for profit and can only work on their own equipment, company equipment, and the equipment belonging to the employees of the company, as dictated by company policy. 

Only KMDSI Authorized Dealer Facility Technicians can perform repairs for profit.

CLASS SIZE:
There is no specific class size; however, the number of trainees should not be so many that there is insufficient time for hands-on training with the equipment. Off site: six to eight persons are ideal, with one helmet or mask per two persons. On-site: The DCI classroom has room for four persons comfortably.

TECHNICIAN TOOL BOX  (Not required to bring to class at DCI facility)

• Regulator Repair Tool Kit,  DSI part #525-620 (One per helmet, at DCI)                                         
• Torque Wrench 3/8” Drive (Craftsman, contact DCI for availability)                                               
• 10 Piece Crowfoot Wrench for Torque Wrench (Craftsman, contact DCI)                                       
• Torque Screwdriver, 2-36 in. lbs, dual scale, ¼” fem. Hex drive (Craftsman, contact DCI)            
• Bits for screwdriver, set of  3 (Craftsman, contact DCI)                                                                       
• Insert Test Block (available at DCI)                                                                                                         
• Dow Corning 111 (Lubricant, available at DCI)                                                                                       
• Dow 732 (Sealant, available at DCI)                                                                                                         
• Regulator nut socket (available at DCI)                                                                               
• Open End Wrenches include 3/8 inch, 7/16 inch, 9/16 inch, 3/4 inch, 7/8 inch, 11/16 inch,5/8 inch, 13/16 inch, 1 inch
• Three adjustable wrenches include  6 inch, 8 inch or 10 inch, 12 inch
• O-ring Removal Tool – (Dental Pick)
• Screwdrivers, one each:  #2 Phillips Screw Diver, Large Flat Head (Stubby), ¼” Flat Blade
• Small Needle Nose Pliers
• Allen Wrenches, one each: 1/8 inch, 9/64 inch, 5/32 inch, 7/64 inch
• Pistol cleaning brush, 38 caliber, nylon bristles
• Tooth brush
• Small S/S & Brass wire brushes (can be found in Dollar Stores)
• Q-tips, White Vinegar, Liquid Dish Soap, Paper Towels
• 3/32” Pin Punch
• Clean White Towel to work on helmet on (white so that you can see the parts)
• Teflon Tape
• Scuba Cylinder or Bail-Out Cylinder w/ adjustable 1st Stage Regulator (for offsite classes)

CERTIFICATION:
Upon completion of the course, each attendee will fill out a course completion form. The technician teaching the course will fill out the top portion of the form. All information should be filled out so that future important notices or changes to procedures can be e-mailed. Certification is issued by Dive Lab.
 

COURSE COSTS & REQUIREMENTS:

Bring one Helmet or Band Mask per each two persons to class
 (SL17 A/B, SL27, SL17K, KM37, KM47, KM57, KMB18 or KMB28)

Technician’s Course:                                       $450.00 per person
Course Materials & Certification:                    $50.00 per person
Maximum at DCI facility:                                           4 persons
               
Company rate for 4 or more persons from same company:
Technician’s Course:                                       $450.00 first person; $350 each additional person
Course Materials & Certification:                    $50.00 per person

Off-site Requirements:
Scuba Cylinder or Bail-Out Cylinder w/ adjustable 1st Stage Regulator must be provided
Each student must have a complete Technicians Tool Box for use in class
Off-site maximum:                                             8 persons

Courses are offered at DCI facility in Seattle. If taught at your facility course costs are as listed above plus expenses (mileage or airfare, car rental, meals and hotel)