CSAO attendees at first Dive Supervisors Course (Bob Landry Photo)

The first ever-diving supervisor’s course was held by the CSAO (Construction Safety Association of Ontario) on February 18, 2002.

A total of 45 individuals took the course for all sectors of the diving community including Ministry of Labor, Canadian Working Divers Institute , Seneca Collage , Galcon Marine ,Diving Services, ODS and many independent contractor for Telisman Energy . Many of the local law enforcement agencies were also represented.

The event was held over 3 days with the first day dedicated to such topics as Elements of Supervision , Motivation and Communication, Occupational Health and Safety Act and other related regulations . Past CADC president Gord Hay gave a talk on Diving Hazards, Recognition, Evaluation and Controls . This was followed by John Walley’s talk on CSA Standard Z275.4 and the changes made to the standard.

Bob Landry, Diving Inspector for the Ministry of Labor, committed Day two to Statistics, Diving Regulations and legal Responsibilities. Later that day Wayne McPherson (O.P.P.) discussed Accident Investigation and Diving Case Studies.

Day three’s topics included Fatality Stats and Accident Causes. This was presented by Dan Flemming (C.S.A.O.). John Walley (Seneca Collage) discussed Dive Management Planning and Dive Accident Prevention.

Throughout the three-day event there were many round table discussion and a lot of topics where covered. Many of the contractors who attended agreed that although it was a very informative course and much needed that it could have been spaced over a longer period of time.The center instructor Dan Flemming agreed that the next course may be longer and would contain more diving related content.

Participants received a CSAO Diving Supervisor’s certificate and a letter of participation from Seneca College.

Thanks to Dan Flemming and John Wally and the many others who put this together.