School Catalog for International Diving Institute's Surface Supplied Commercial Diving Certification Course
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IDI's logo 2 hammerhead sharks around diver's helmet

2005 Catalog
(web version, with bookmarks and other hyperlinks)

Welcome to the
International Diving Institute.

We Train the World's Divers.

 

This catalog, with its programs, policies and requirements, represents the official publication of the International Diving Institute. Students enrolling in the Institute are subject to these provisions and should read this catalog carefully.  Failure to read this catalog does not excuse students from following the Institute's rules and regulations. If there is an inconsistency between the web version and the printed version of this catalog the printed version shall be considered correct.

888-SAT-DIVE (728-3483) toll free (for initial calls only)

Phone: 843-821-0001

Fax: 843-821-9933
 

IDI Corporate & Retail
206B East 5th North Street
Summerville SC 29483 USA

 

IDI Diver Training Facility
1400 Pier Side Street Building 190

North Charleston SC 29405 USA

Send an e-mail to IDI

 

IDI Affiliated, Partnered and/or Mirrored Web Sites:

               www.shipwrecks.com

               www.internationaldivinginstitute.com
               www.internationaldivinginstitute.net

               www.internationaldivinginstitute.org

© Copyright 2005 by International Diving Institute LLC for composition and compilation, all rights reserved
.

 Mission Statement

 

The Institute's mission is to provide and prepare the graduates of IDI for a career in the commercial diving industry as entry-level divers/tenders who excel in knowledge, skills and safety. The Institute strives to accomplish this mission by setting comprehensive criteria and high standards for quality learning that meet the diving industry expectations.

 

The faculty consists of experienced personnel from the diving industry inland and offshore; The North Sea; Asia and the Gulf of Mexico.

 

The Institute is aware of its responsibilities to provide the highest standards of safety, and the Institute has chosen to have a close relationship with the diving industry, in the best interest of the students to update all the safety guidelines.

 

The Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI), the National Association of Scuba Educators (NASE), and the Sea Research Society recognize International Diving Institute (IDI).  The Institute trains to the Standards published by the Association of Commercial Diving Educators (ACDE) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). 


 General Information

The Institute (IDI)  


IDI was first established in 1996 as the East Coast Dive Connection LLC and quickly became an innovator in diver training. In 2004, ECDC was reorganized and renamed International Diving Institute LLC and sought and received both state licensure and ADC membership.

 

 Facilities
The corporate office and retail shop, located at 206 B East 5th North Street, Summerville, South Carolina, is a 6,000 square ft. facility providing academic classrooms, a library, and administrative offices.

The main campus and dive site, located at 1400 Pier Side Street, North Charleston, South Carolina, consists of a 21,000 square ft. area on the Cooper River. This facility also houses a fully functional hyperbaric chamber, and both topside and underwater welding and burning stations.  
                                                                                                                                                    (Go to Catalog Index)

 Memberships

 

The International Diving Institute is a member of the:

Association of Diving Contractors International (ADC)

5206 FM 1960 West, Ste. 202

Houston, TX 77069

281-893-8388


 Affiliations
 

 

Trident Technical College

7000 Rivers Avenue

North Charleston, SC 29406

 

NASE Wordwide (NASE/WASI)

360 South Fort Lane, Ste. 107

Layton, UT 84041

801-363-9274

               

                Sea Research Society

                1600 Meeting St.

                Charleston, SC 29405

                843-532-8222

 

 Licensure

 

IDI is licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, located at 1333 Main Street, Suite 200, Columbia, SC 29201. The phone number is (803)-737-2260. Licensure indicates only that minimum standards have been met; it is not an endorsement or guarantee of quality.

 Program Assessment and Verification of Training

In order to ensure compliance with our Mission Statement we utilize an external organization to assess and verify the competency of our students and staff and further to audit our training programs.  This external organization is:

· ADCI (Association of Diving Contractors International)

 

 Hours of Operation


Main Campus and Dive Site

Monday - Friday                  07:00am - 05:00pm

Saturday                                08:00am - 12:00pm

 

Corporate Office and Retail

Tuesday - Friday                 10:00am - 06:00pm

Saturday                               10:00am - 05:00pm

 

 Start and End Class Dates

 

Classes will begin on the first Monday of the month and will last 16 weeks. There will be no new classes starting in December.

See insert for specific dates.             
                               

 Student Holidays   

New Years Day                             January 1, 2005

Good Friday                                  March 25, 2005

Memorial Day                               May 30, 2005

Independence Day                      July 4, 2005

Labor Day                                     September 5, 2005

Veterans Day                                November 11, 2005

Thanksgiving Day                       November 24 & 25, 2005

Winter Break                                 December 19 - January 1, 2006                                         (Go to Catalog Index)

 General Policies

 

DISCLAIMER: The International Diving Institute assumes no responsibility for any consequences that may arise from a student entering into a relationship with an instructor / employee outside of school activities.

 

 Sexual Harassment   

The International Diving Institute strives to maintain an academic and work environment that protects the dignity and promotes the mutual respect of all students and employees. In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, sexual harassment of students or employees will not be tolerated.

 

 Accuracy Policy

 

Although the editor and publisher of this catalog have made every reasonable effort to attain factual accuracy, no responsibility is assumed for editorial, clerical or printing errors.

 

 Discrimination  

 

International Diving Institute does not discriminate in admissions or employment on the basis of race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion or disability. We are in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. 

                                                                                                                                                     (Go to Catalog Index)

 Admissions

 Physical Attributes and Aptitude

The work done by commercial divers is very demanding. It requires physical and psychological endurance. Students seeking admission should be mechanically adept, hard working and responsible.
 

 Admission Requirements and Procedures

An applicant must

1)       Be 18 years or older.

2)      Schedule an interview with program faculty in order to review student's compliance with admission requirements. Interviews may be conducted by phone for students outside of South Carolina.  Call 843-821-0001 for an appointment.

3)      Complete the official International Diving Institute application/enrollment form. This may be obtained by visiting/contacting the admissions office.

4)       Sign release and waiver of liability form.

5)       Provide copies of current driver's license, birth certificate and social security card.

6)       Submit official transcripts demonstrating high school graduation, GED or equivalent.

7)       Submit to a formal background check with law enforcement agencies.

8)       Submit to drug testing prior to admission and randomly throughout the program.

9)      Undergo an approved physical examination by a licensed physician recognized by IDI's Medical Director within 30 days of the start date. (approximately $300.00) 

              10)    Submit to a US Navy pressure tolerance test.

Disqualifying Conditions

According to ADC, a person having any of the following conditions, as determined by a physician's examination shall be disqualified from engaging in diving or other hyperbaric activities.

  • History of seizure disorder other than early childhood febrile (high fever) conditions.

  • Cystic or cavitary disease of the lungs, significant obstructive or restrictive lung disease, or recurrent pneumothorax

  • Chronic inability to equalize sinus and middle ear pressure

  • Significant central or peripheral nervous system disease or impairment

  • Chronic alcoholism, drug abuse, or history of psychosis

  • Significant hemoglobinpathies

  • Significant malignacies

  • Grossly impaired hearing

  • Significant osteonecrosis

  • Chronic conditions requiring continuous control by medication

  • Pregnancy


 It is recommended but not required that students have

                1)       Open water certification by a recognized certification agency.
                2)     Personal medical insurance.

 International students

International students are required to meet the same admission requirements as U.S. citizens.

International students must also:

1)       Have a valid U.S. Visa for studying in the U.S.A.

2)       Have transcripts accompanied by certified translations.

3)      Provide financial documentation that they can pay tuition and living expenses in US currency while enrolled in the Institute.

4)       Show proof of medical insurance.

 

Important: All the above requirements will be fulfilled at the student's expense.

 

 Tuition and Fees
                                                                                                           current              effective January 2006

Application Fee (non-refundable)  $100.00 $100.00
Tuition $8,500.00 $8,800.00
Open Water Certification  $250.00 no longer applicable
Commercial Diving Equipment (approximately)  $1,800.00 $2,000.00
Dormitory (4 months)   $900.00 $1,200.00

                                                                                                                                                    (Go to Catalog Index)

 Cancelation

Cancellation must be made in person or by certified mail. All monies except the application fee of $100.00 will be refunded if the school does not accept the applicant or if the student cancels within three business days after signing the enrollment agreement. Cancellation after classes have begun, but prior to 60% completion of the program, will result in a pro-rated refund (See table). 

Cancellation after completing 60% of the program will result in no refund. Termination date for refund computation is the last date of actual attendance by the student unless earlier written notice is received. Refunds will be made within 30 days of termination or receipt of cancellation notice. 

Hours CompletedRefund in Percentages
  1 - 6490
  65 - 12880
129 - 19270
193 - 25660
257 - 32050
321 - 38440
385 - 640  0

                                                                                                                                           (Go to Catalog Index)
 Financial Aid


Financial Aid (in the form of loans) is available for those who qualify.  Students who require financial aid should contact the office for required paper work.

 

 Student Services


 Dormitories:  The International Diving Institute provides apartments for student housing. One facility is located near the dive facility and can accommodate up to eight students. Each facility complies with county and state fire and building codes.

 

 Insurance:  The International Diving Institute does not provide medical insurance and is not responsible for the payment of personal hospital bills or physicians charges. The Institute strongly recommends that all students carry their own personal health, dental and accident insurance coverage.

 

 Dive Log Book:  It is mandatory for all students to maintain an approved Diver's Log Book for all diving activities and experience. The student is responsible for keeping the logbook current and accurate.

 

 Library The library maintains a wide selection of books, periodicals, journals and reference materials to support research, vocational study and recreational reading. In addition, computers with internet access are available. The library is open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm. 

 Graduate Placement Assistance:  Securing employment is a cooperative effort between the student and the Institute. The Institute therefore does not and cannot guarantee employment. The Institute does however, provide assistance to graduates through personal contacts, media advertising, and employment surveys. Additionally the Institute provides didactic instruction on developing resumes and conducting employment interviews.

                                                                                                                                                      (Go to Catalog Index)

 Student Conduct

 

 Code of Conduct

Noncompliance with this code of conduct may result in disciplinary action that may include dismissal from the program.

The International Diving Institute's code of conduct does not permit the following:

·     Use or possession of illicit drugs  

·     Use of any substance that may impair the student mentally or physically  

·     Cheating

·     Stealing

·     Falsification of records

·     Plagiarism

·     Behavior harmful to the Institute's image, function, or contractual arrangements

·     Possession of weapons on campus

·     Violent, disorderly or disruptive behavior

·     Physical or sexual abuse or harassment

·     Discrimination by race, color, religion, age, disability, or gender.

·     Failure to meet financial obligations to the institute.

·     Failure to comply with municipal, state and federal laws.

·     Damaging property or equipment

·    Use of computer to view material the Institute deems inappropriate, for example: pornography, drugs, alcohol or anything that incurs charges.

·     Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, and demonstrate a positive learning attitude.
                                                                                                                                    (Go to Catalog Index)

 Safety Code

The safety of the staff and students must be the primary concern throughout all school activities. The following Safety Code requirements will be strictly enforced. Failure to comply with safety requirements and instructions will be grounds for disciplinary action.

·     Students will wear safety gear at all times

o       Steel toe boots

o       Hard hat

o       Other gear as instructed

·     Any unsafe equipment must be reported immediately

o      Equipment or gear in need of maintenance or repair must be tagged with a written explanation.

·     Tobacco of any kind is not allowed in the classrooms, work areas, or on the dive stations.

·     All accidents must be reported to an instructor immediately.

·     When operating the hyperbaric chamber no jewelry of any kind may be worn.

 

 Medical Conditions

A student who cancels or takes a leave of absence for medical reasons must have documentation from a physician. The student must also have a release from a physician to return to class. The Institute's physician will give final release stating the student is fit for diving. This will be done at the student's expense. If the student is not able to dive for five consecutive days for medical reasons, the Institute, at its sole determination, will have to evaluate whether the student can continue with their class or be rolled back to the next available class.

 Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all classes and practical training.

 Absences:   A student with more than four (4) unexcused absences a month will not be awarded credit for the class.

 Tardiness:  Up to 15 minutes will be considered tardy, 15 minutes or more the student will be considered absent for the day. If the student is tardy three (3) times in one month it will be considered one (1) absence.

 Makeup work:  Any work missed must be made up within the next four weeks.

 Readmission:  Students who have left the program for any reason and desire to return must reapply and submit a letter requesting readmission.  If the student has taken the midterm and passed he/she can reenter the program within 3 months without retesting academically. If its been longer than three months, the student will have to pass a pre-assessment test. If the student fails the midterm, he/she will have to restart the program at his/her own expense. If a student reapplies after one year it will be considered a new application and new application fees will apply. If the student was dismissed from the program for violation of the drug/alcohol policy, he/she must provide proof of counseling/rehab along with the letter for readmission.


 Student Complaints

Students are encouraged to first discuss their concerns with the faculty and owners of the Institute. Unresolved issues may be addressed with the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.

                                                                                                                                                    (Go to Catalog Index)

 Academic Policies

 Graduation Requirements

Upon satisfactory completion of all course material, the student will be awarded a Certificate for Air/Mixed Gas Surface Supplied Diver. Additionally, students will receive a certificate for each advanced class successfully completed.

 Grading *

The student will be evaluated in both academic and practical aspects of the course.

Each section must be successfully completed with a score of 75 or more prior to advancement to the next section in the program. The student may be allowed to retest, however the grades will be combined and the student must average a 75 or better. The students will not be allowed to retest on the midterm and final exam. If the student fails to maintain a 75, he/she will be rolled back to the next available class. If this occurs, the student will be charged for the additional prorated tuition and housing.

*VA Students: Must sign standard of progress addendum.

 Grades will be assigned as follows

ScoreGradeAchievement

92 - 100

   A

Excellent

84 - 91

   B

Good

75 - 83

   C

Fair

  0 - 74

   F

Failure