Surface Supplied Diving - Restricted and Unrestricted
Restricted Surface-Supplied Diver
The Restricted Surface-Supplied Diver is trained to dive using surface-supplied diving equipment to a
maximum depth of 30 metres. Holders of this certification often work in seafood harvesting,
aquaculture, underwater engineering inspections, archaeological investigation, police operations,
underwater film production and emergency services rescue response.
The CSA Occupational safety code for diving operations (CSA Z275.2) clearly states that unless the diver
has received special training for and is qualified to perform specific tasks restricted surface supplied
diving shall not be used on operations that involve the following functions: welding, burning/cutting,
high-pressure jetting, explosives, hoisting, dredging, using power tools, working in a contaminated
environment, and liveboating.
Although Restricted Surface Supplied Divers may go on to obtain further training in various tools, DCBC
does not provide endorsements for such training. Candidates wishing to be employed in underwater
construction and maintenance, either inshore or offshore, should consider choosing unrestricted surface
supplied diver training.
Click on the school of your choice:
DiveSafe International; Minnesota Commercial Diver Training Center; Santa Barbara City College;
Note: All the schools listed below can also teach Restricted Surface Supplied Diving
Unrestricted Surface-Supplied Diver
The Unrestricted Surface Supplied Diver is qualified to work inshore and offshore to 50 metres
depth. They are trained in a range of power tools (air and hydraulic), hot water systems and dry suits,
burning & welding, surface decompression on oxygen (Sur-d-02) procedures and dive management. The
USS diver is qualified to work on marine construction and maintenance inshore as well as in support of
hydrocarbon development and production offshore.
After at least one year of experience, the Unrestricted Surface Supplied Diver is eligible for further
training, to become certified as a Closed Bell Diver, also known as a saturation diver.
Click on the school of your choice:
Canadian Working Divers Institute; CDA Technical Institute; Commercial Diving Institute of Canada;
Divers Academy International; Divers Institute of Technology; Holland College; Institut maritime du
Quebec; Seneca College.
Note: All these schools can also provide a “top-up” to bring a Restricted Surface Supplied Diver to the
Unrestricted Surface Supplied Diver level.