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ADAS Training and Assessment Code of Practice

As a Registered training Organisation, ADAS has an obligation to operate within the Principles and Standards of the Australian Recognition Framework.  This includes a commitment to recognise the training qualifications issued by other Registered Training Organisations.

This Code of Practice is designed to provide information to prospective training and assessment participants. ADAS would like to acknowledge the generous contribution made by the Western Australian Fire and Emergency Services Authority in the production of this document.

The Organisation

ADAS (the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme) is the Australian national occupational diver certification scheme.  It was developed by the Commonwealth government in 1988 to promote safe occupational diving operations through accredited training and assessment and diver certification/licensing.  ADAS provides occupational diver training and assessment to Australia, New Zealand and to South East Asia, Asia and the Middle East.  It comprises 7 commercial Diver Training Establishments (DTEs) and 6 military and police DTEs.  This document applies to all competency-based training and assessment services supplied by ADAS.

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), ADAS operates within the principles and Standards of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF).  ADAS provides quality training and assessment services to ADAS employees, DTE training staff and external clients using accredited courses and National Training Packages.

ADAS provides training and assessment services within our scope registration as an RTO as follows:

·  Certificate III in Occupational Diving (Scientific Diving)

• Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training

·  Certificate IV in Occupational Diving (Aquaculture Work to 30m)

·  Certificate IV in Occupational Diving (SCUBA Underwater Work to 30m)

·  Certificate IV in Occupational Diving (Surface Supplied and SCUBA Underwater Work to 30m)

·  Certificate IV in Occupational Diving (Advanced Underwater Work to 30m)

·  Certificate IV in Occupational Diving (Surface Supplied Underwater Work to 50m)

·  Certificate IV in Occupational Diving (Advanced Underwater Work to 50m)

·  Certificate IV in Occupational Diving (Diver Medical Technician)

·  Diploma of Occupational Diving (Dive Supervisor – SCUBA Underwater Work to 30m)

·  Diploma of Occupational Diving (Dive Supervisor – Surface Supplied and SCUBA Underwater Work to 30m)

·  Diploma of Occupational Diving (Dive Supervisor – Surface Supplied Underwater Work to 50m)

·  Diploma of Occupational Diving (Dive Supervisor – Advanced Underwater Work to 30m)

·  Diploma of Occupational Diving (Dive Supervisor – Advanced Underwater Work to 50m)

·  Advanced Diploma of Occupational Diving (Dive Manager/Superintendent – SCUBA Underwater Work to 30m)

·  Advanced Diploma of Occupational Diving (Dive Manager/Superintendent – Surface Supplied and SCUBA Underwater Work to 30m)

·  Advanced Diploma of Occupational Diving (Dive Manager/Superintendent – Surface Supplied Underwater Work to 50m)

·  Advanced Diploma of Occupational Diving (Dive Manager/Superintendent – Advanced Underwater Work to 30m)

·  Advanced Diploma of Occupational Diving (Dive Manager/Superintendent – Advanced Underwater Work to 50m)

Recruitment

All applicants for ADAS training must comply with the prerequisites listed below before starting training. Occupational diving is a high risk occupation that requires candidates and certified divers to be exposed to the hazards of hyperbaric and aquatic environments.

It can involve strenuous activity in and under the water and the performance of tasks that require the candidate to have reasonable degrees of mobility, agility, dexterity and strength. 

Candidates will be required to enter and exit the water from boats, piers and jetties and to assist team mates to do so.  They will need to don and doff relatively heavy items such as weight belts and scuba tanks, to load and unload equipment from vehicles and to rescue and recover their team mates from the water in simulated  (and perhaps real) emergencies.

Candidates must be able to communicate clearly and accurately with team mates and supervisors, to relay instructions to and from divers underwater, to write accurate, clear, concise and legible reports on inspections and underwater work and to carry out reasonably complex mathematical calculations involving pressure, time, depth, changes in buoyancy, decompression etc.

In the interests of personal and team safety, no allowances can be made for any disability.

Prerequisites for ADAS training

Medical fitness of candidates

Divers are subject to substantial changes in pressure as they descend and ascend and operate at depth.  This exposes the diver to a range of physical, physiological and medical effects that can increase the level of risk to the diver.  Additionally, the existence of certain physical, physiological and medical conditions are also well known to substantially increase risk to the diver. 

Also, occupational divers are required to undertake strenuous underwater activities that increase the level of physical and physiological stress.

These effects are well known and understood, and modern diving medial and fitness standards and diving practices and procedures are designed to control those risks within acceptable limits.  The Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2299.1 Occupational Diving Operations prescribes medical fitness levels for occupational divers and details the medical examination and tests to be carried out by a medico specially trained in underwater medicine in order for an occupational diver to be certified as medically fit to undertake occupational diving. 

All Part 1 trainees must, before commencing training, be in possession of a valid medical certificate of medical fitness to dive issued within 90 days of the start of the course.

If for any reason the medical certificate is older than 90 days, the medical history of the candidate during the intervening period must be checked to identify if there are any obvious occurrences that would require the candidate to be re-assessed by a medico.

Age of Candidates

The Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2299.1 Occupational Diving Operations requires that candidates for occupational diver training be a minimum of 18 years of age.  This is due to a combination of factors

·  Bone growth continues in humans until late teens and can continue in individuals into the early twenties.  There is some evidence that bone growth can be inhibited or impaired by exposure to the some of the conditions experienced in diving.

·  Occupational divers are required to be able to undertake reasonably strenuous work including potential involvement in the rescue and recovery of the team mates.  This requires a degree of size and strength that is generally directly related to the physical maturity generally occurring in the late teens.

·  Occupational divers are often required to make decisions based on understanding and judgment that generally comes with age and increased experience.

Fitness levels and water skills of candidates

Candidates are required to undertake reasonable arduous underwater activities involving manual handling, lifting and carrying and extended times in and underwater.  Candidates need to be reasonable fit and to have good swimming skills.  They must be able to competently swim a minimum of 200 metres in good form without stopping.

ADAS courses are normally based on intensive and active 10 – 12 hour days for 5 days a week.  The courses do not include basic SCUBA diving training and all candidates must hold a recognised certificate of recreational diving competence (e.g. a sports diver qualification from a recognised scuba training organisation, or a certificate as a military diver)

Language, Literacy and Numeracy Requirements

Occupational diving has clear minimum requirements in regard to language, literacy and numeracy as explained below.

ADAS courses are designed to take account of this and all ADAS trainers and assessors provide:

·  materials, resources and assessment tools and tasks that do not require clients to have language, literacy and numeracy skills of more complexity than those used in the workplace for the competencies being taught/assessed;

·  clear models of the language/literacy/numeracy task;

·  opportunities for repeated and supported practice; and

·  opportunities for independent practice.

All students have the option to be assessed in order to ascertain if their Literacy and Numeracy skills are sufficient to successfully undertake the training program. This is usually via interview or completion of exercises contained in the proposed training program.  Where clients require additional practice and training ADAS can provide some language, literacy and numeracy support. 

Language

Effective communication is a fundamental aspect of safety in occupational diving.  Instructions and changes in situations and conditions must be able to be communicated clearly, concisely and accurately between supervisors, attendants and divers.  This is especially important under conditions of increased stress as may be experienced in an emergency and/or when communication is inhibited by adverse environmental conditions and/or substandard radio or telephone equipment.  All members must be able to communicate effectively in a common language.  Additionally, occupational divers are often required to report on specific aspects of seabed, equipment or work site conditions with other divers or client representatives on the surface.

Except in ADAS courses specifically conducted in a foreign language, candidates must be able to understand written and verbal communication in English, and be able to communicate accurately in English with other persons (this is of particular importance where trainees or instructors are of differing nationalities. It must also be remembered that an ADAS certificate entitles the holder to dive in Australian, UK, Canadian or Norwegian waters where fluent communication in English is a key factor in safe diving).

Literacy

Occupational divers as part of their job are often required to undertake underwater surveys and inspections and must be able to write accurate, clear, concise and legible reports on inspections and underwater work displaying acceptable standards of spelling, grammar and syntax.

Numeracy

Occupational divers are often required to carry out reasonably difficult mathematical calculations involving pressure, time, depth, changes in buoyancy, decompression etc. 

Some of these are fundamental to effective dive planning and diver safety and others are required to fulfil the requirements of the job. 

All ADAS diver candidates must be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers, decimals and fractions; calculate percentages (non-programmable calculators may be used); and transpose and solve simple formulae such as may be required to demonstrate understanding of, for example, the gas laws. 

These mathematical requirements will be revised during ADAS courses but candidates must commence the course with reasonable standards of numeracy in order to be able to cope with these demands.

Part 4 (Saturation) training prerequisites

Divers cannot commence training for Part 4 certification unless they are competent air divers and have held a Part 3 certificate (or recognised equivalent) and worked as a Part 3 diver for at least 12 months. They must have a range of experience at different depths and in different conditions. Their experience must include, within a period of no more than 5 years before the time of application:

(a)  at least 50 hours of logged bottom time working as a Part 2 and Part 3 diver, and at least 10 hours of t hat time at depths greater than 20 metres

(b) at least 6 hours at depths greater than 30 metres.

Participant Information, Enrolment and Orientation

Course information is provided on commencement of a training program.  Information on individual Units of Competence can be accessed via the National Training Information Service website at www.ntis.gov.au

ADAS and its DTEs will provide accurate, relevant and up-to-date information to participants prior to enrolment regarding their training and assessment program and options.  Information for each training program is available to all participants from ADAS and DTEs. 

The ADAS Trainee Record books provide information on required Units of Competence relevant to each of courses.  They are distributed as part of the induction process, together with information and guidelines relating to Skills Recognition (Recognition of Prior Learning or Recognition of Current Competence).  Students will be briefed on all relevant training and assessment issues including course progam, timetable and assessment details, occupational health and safety standards, required trainee behavior and discipline issues, appeal arrangements, and performance expectations.

Course materials are provided to all participants. Feedback in relation to course delivery, assessment procedures, relevance and outcomes, is actively sought to assist in reviewing existing programs, and in the development of future training and assessment activities.

ADAS or the DTEs can provide guidance in relation to training activities and training pathways.  If participants require additional information, advice or guidance they should contact ADAS.

Trainee records and personal information are available on request, by the candidate, by giving 48 hours written notice to the DTE or ADAS. At all other times trainee records are kept secure and confidential.

Training Delivery

ADAS ensures the resources in the area(s) of recognition sought meet the requirements of the relevant endorsed training package(s) and/or accredited course(s), for the delivery, assessment and issuance of qualifications.

ADAS affirms that it has in place and applies the following resources:

·  Diver Trainers and Diver Training and Assessment Managers (DTAMs) with appropriate training qualifications and experience as identified in the relevant accredited course and Training Package and industry experience that is current and relevant to the particular course or modules they are assessing.

·  delivery and assessment resources appropriate to the methods of delivery and assessment requirements; and

·  relevant Training Package and/or accredited course documents and support materials, with necessary copyright authorisations.

Delivery strategies utilised by ADAS are always selected to best achieve the required elements of competence while giving full consideration to the learning style of the participant. 

Delivery modes may include, but are not limited to:

·  demonstrations

·  group participation

·  individual projects

·  learning support works

·  audio/visual presentations

·  computer managed learning

·  site visits

·  internet access

ADAS Information-based training is normally conducted indoors using a variety of training aids and methods.  Occupational diving is a potentially high risk activity and in recognition of this, no on-the-job training in uncontrolled dive sites is undertaken during ADAS courses.  Skills-based training is, however, delivered in controlled, realistic environments using equipment and procedures similar to those used in the workplace.

Training materials are provided by the DTEs or are available in hard copy from ADAS.

Assessment

All ADAS competence assessment is undertaken by qualified assessors who are skilled in the competencies they assess. Evidence of competence is collected using a variety of assessment tools.  To accommodate the needs of individuals, ADAS offers various assessment methods including skills recognition, simulations, and written and verbal assessments.  All assessments are conducted using an open, supportive process, which ensures participants are aware of the precise requirements of their assessment.

Occupational diving is a potentially high risk activity.  All practical assessments are undertaken in a controlled environment providing realistic scenarios for participants to demonstrate their skills.  Participants are deemed 'competent' when they can consistently demonstrate their skills and knowledge against all performance criteria to the standards required in the workplace.

All assessment outcomes are recorded electronically.  All training and assessment records are held in the strictest confidence ensuring confidentiality and privacy of individuals.

ADAS provides feedback to applicants about the outsomes of assessments and guidance on future options.

ADAS has a formal complaints/grievance procedure (see below).  Appellants will be provided withthe opportunity to be reasssessed in an appeal situation.

Assessment Principles

ADAS ensures that all assessment conducted within the organisation is valid, reliable, fair and flexible.

·  Valid - Assessment activities will always meet the requirements as specified in the unit of competence/module.  Sufficient evidence will always be collected, and will be relevant to the standard/module being assessed.

·  Reliable - All assessment methods and procedures will ensure that competency standards/modules are applied consistently and that there is always consistency in the interpretation of evidence.

·  Fair - Assessment methods and procedures will not, under any circumstance, disadvantage any client.

·  Flexible - Assessment will be offered in the workplace (on-the-job), in the training environment (off-the-job), in a combination of both or via recognition of prior learning/recognition of current competence.  ACES will ensure that all assessment methods and practices allow for diversity with regard to how, where and when competence has been/will be acquired.

ADAS offers clients a number of assessment pathways appropriate to the qualification outcome.  Assessment conducted for the purposes of national recognition will lead to a part or a full qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework.  The main assessment pathways to a qualification utilised by ADAS can be listed as follows:

·  off-the-job training and assessment

·  recognition of prior learning/recognition of current competence

·  credit transfer

Recognition of Prior Learning [RPL]

Recognition of Prior Learning [RPL] is the acknowledgement of competencies obtained through formal training, work experience and life experience.  RPL processes are available to all potential applicants and will be conducted in a manner fair to all parties involved.  Through these processes we will determine whether a person has already developed any of the skills and knowledge which would normally be acquired in a program of training. This allows for the opportunity to gain credentials without the duplication of learning effort.

Applicants for ADAS diver training who can demonstrate comprehensive relevant theoretical knowledge and occupational diving experience gained in on-the-job situations and who have formal logbook evidence of such experience may claim up to a maximum of two weeks’ credit towards the normal at-level training programs.

This maximum period of credit is based on the assessment by ADAS that divers who have not undertaken formal diving training will not have been exposed to the required standard of training in safety-critical activities such as diver and surface emergency procedures, diver rescues and risk assessment, and to the professional standard of teamwork expected of ADAS certified divers. The latter competency in particular cannot be adequately assessed in the limited time and opportunity afforded by an assessment-only procedure.

Applicants for ADAS non-diver courses who consider they already possess the competencies identified in all or part of any course/qualification offered by ADAS will be encouraged to seek formal Recognition.

The process can also include Credit Transfer. It is the determination on an individual basis of the competencies obtained by a client through:

·  previous formal training,

·  work experience, and/or

·  life experience

Recognition therefore determines the consequent advanced standing to which the client is entitled in relation to a course/qualification.  The main focus of Recognition is what has been learned rather than how, where or when it was learned.  Recognition focuses on both the demonstration of competence and the currency of that competence to industry standards.

If any client has gained competencies at work or elsewhere which are relevant to the course/qualification in which he/she is participating, then he/she may not have to study module(s)/unit(s) of competence covering that content. Clients seeking Recognition must establish the currency of their competence.

Recognition Process

It is the candidate’s responsibility to gather sufficient evidence to support his/her application for Recognition. This evidence may include:

·  obtaining a copy of the relevant units of competency from ADAS;

·  aligning the competencies for the qualification with the competencies associated with previous education, training or workplace experience;

·  collecting any documentation, references and relevant examples to support your application;

·  providing proof of ownership of any examples of work;

·  submitting certified copies of qualifications. Certification can generally be obtained from any bank or Post Office as long as identification is provided.

Access and Equity

Occupational diving is all about divers undertaking potentially arduous and skilled work as a member of a dive team, and the course training is structured around this concept.  Participants must therefore be capable of functioning during training as a working member of a dive team and contributing to the achievement of the diving and work task (s) allocated to the team, although every effort will be made to provide individuals with assistance to accommodate special needs where it is possible in the overall context of the training. 

Bearing in mind that occupational diving is a high risk occupational that demands appropriate medical and physical fitness and ability, ADAS will ensure that all participants have equitable access to the benefits of training and assessment, irrespective of their gender, age, race, religion, culture, linguistic background, marital status, location, socio-economic background, disability, sexual preference, family responsibility or political conviction.

Nominations and enrolments into training courses and programs will be conducted at all times in an ethical and responsible manner, ensuring fairness and compliance with equal opportunity legislation.

ADAS is committed to ensuring that all training and assessment policies and procedures incorporate access and equity principles. Members of staff are committed to acting in an ethical and responsible manner, ensuring fairness and compliance with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation.

Legislative Requirements

ADAS is committed to meeting all legislative requirements of State and Federal Government. In particular, Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Relations and Vocational Placement Standards will be met at all times.

Complaints/Grievance and Appeals

All trainees have the right to lodge a complaint, grievance or appeal if they are dissatisfied with the training and/or assessment services that they have been provided. Should the complaint, grievance or appeal not be resolved internally, ADAS will advise and assist the participant regarding their right to seek appropriate external assistance.

General

Grievance resolution is an integral part of the duties of Board Members, the Executive Director and diver training establishments (DTEs).  Such duty includes responsibility for identifying, preventing, responding to and redressing problems in the workplace and training environment. 

Participants have the right to lodge a complaint, grievance or appeal if they are dissatisfied with the training and/or assessment services that they have been provided.  Each appellant has the right to formally present his or her case in writing and shall be given a written statement of the appeal outcomes including reasons for the decision and guidance on future options

Principles to be applied  

The following principles should be applied to all aspects of ADAS activities:

·  Participants have the right to lodge a complaint, grievance or appeal if they are dissatisfied with the training and/or assessment services that they have been provided and shall be given a written statement of the appeal outcomes including reasons for the decision and guidance on future options

·  Grievances should be treated seriously, expeditiously and sensitively, having due regard to procedural fairness, confidentiality and the potential for victimisation.

·  Grievances should be handled quickly and as close as possible to their source.  This may be influenced by the nature of the complaint and the complainant's wishes.

·  Staff or students should raise concerns as early as possible after the relevant incident or event has occurred.

·  Wherever possible, grievances should be resolved by a process of discussion, cooperation and conciliation.  The aim is to reach an acceptable outcome that minimises any potential detriment to ongoing work or study relationships.

·  Both the complainant and the respondent will receive appropriate information, support and assistance where possible in resolving the grievance.

·  Staff or students should not instigate grievances that are frivolous or malicious.  Staff and students are expected to participate in the grievance resolution process in good faith.

·  Requirements relating to confidentiality and privacy extend to the use and storage of any information and records related to a grievance.

·  Appellants who are appealing the outcome of an assessment shall be given an opportunity to be reassessed.

Grievance Resolution Procedures

The following procedure is to be applied to all incidences of grievance or complaint:

a)  The issue should be reported to the relevant person/s and resolution or remedial action be agreed to by all parties, within 24 hours;

b)  If the issue is in regard to the outcomes of an assessment, the trainee shall be given the opportunity to be reassessed;

c)  A written record should be made by both parties at the time of the initial raising of the issue;

d)  Where resolution of the issue cannot be achieved within 24 hours, the issue is to be formally submitted in writing in accordance with the following arrangements:

i.  Students being trained internally directly by ADAS head office staff to submit grievance to the Executive Director, ADAS or to the ADAS Board if the complaint is in relation to the Executive Director;

ii.  Students being trained by a DTE who have a grievance regarding an internal DTE matters should submit their grievance to the relevant Diver Training and Assessment Manager (DTAM) or to the owner/manager of the DTE;

  iii.  DTE students who have grievance regarding a DTE’s performance in regard to general matters such as safety breaches, non-compliance with ADAS instructional, assessment or operational standards, failure to achieve competence, etc, may submit their grievance to the ADAS Appeal Committee through the Executive Director, ADAS. 

iv.  DTEs and DTAMs who a have a grievance relating to an ADAS administrative matter to submit grievance to the ADAS Appeal Committee;

v.  Complaints regarding the pending suspension or cancellation of certificate, should be submitted to the ADAS Appeal Committee (see ADAS Appeals Process);

vi.  ADAS employees submit grievance to the ADAS Board.

e)  All such complaints should be submitted by the complainant as soon as possible but within 28 days of the issue arising.

f)  The receiving body dealing with grievances, in accordance with point (d), should provide to the appellant a written determination - as soon as possible but within 28 days - on the outcomes of the assessment including reasons for the decision and guidance on future options. This determination may be arrived at through consultation and discussion with any additional individuals that can add value to the determination, eg, legal, medical or other expert advice, individuals that can corroborate or provide details regarding claims made by either party to the complaint.

g)  Should it be impossible to provide a determination within 28 days, the appellant will be notified in writing as soon as possible (but within 28 days) of the delay and the reason for it.

Behaviour and Discipline

A dive team has to be closely knit as every member knows that he or she is relying on others as well as being relied upon in return.  Assessment of competence as an occupational diver includes consideration of a trainee’s ability to function effectively as part of the dive team.  Competence includes the trainee’s ability to interact positively, with the other members of the team and to behave responsibly, appropriately and considerately during all facets of training. 

Trainees will be counselled whenever their performance is unsatisfactory or when their behaviour is considered inappropriate.  This includes behaviour which impacts adversely on the safety, performance or functioning of the team. 

Counselling may be informal or formal.  All formal counselling will be recorded.  The outcome of initial counselling may include a caution.  Continued behavioural problems after formal counselling may lead to more severe forms of disciplinary action.

• Probation indicates a previous caution has been given and if the trainee’s performance or behaviour continues to be unsatisfactory would normally lead to suspension from the course.
• Prohibition is appropriate is the event of alcohol or substance abuse or a health problem and may be used with probation.  The trainee will not be permitted to enter the water during this prohibition period.
• Suspension is appropriate for a serious offence such as ignoring a safety directive, aggressive or abusive behaviour, continued alcohol or substance abuse or wilfully damaging equipment.  The trainee will be suspended from all course activities at the discretion of the DTAM, but will however be given the opportunity to complete the course at a later date at the student’s own expense.
• Dismissal is appropriate in the event of theft, violent behaviours, cheating, plagiarism, collusion or interference with other participant's work and when all other disciplinary action has failed.  The trainee may be dismissed from the course and will not be given a refund or an opportunity to attend further training without a demonstration of a substantial change in behaviour.

Quality Management and Administration

ADAS has policies and management strategies to ensure sound financial and administrative practices.  Management guarantees the organisation's sound financial position and safeguards the fees paid by trainees.  We have a refund policy which is fair and equitable.  Trainee records are managed securely and confidentially.  ADAS has adequate insurance policies.

ADAS has a strong commitment to providing a quality service with a focus on a continuous improvement.  The organisation values feedback from students, tutors, and industry representatives.

Under the provisions of the Australian Quality Training Framework, ADAS is required to develop and use quality assurance mechanisms to ensure the assessment of units of competency and qualifications against approved Training Packages are in line with their registration requirements. 

ADAS is committed to:

·  providing support to training staff to assist in the delivery of the program and to ensuring that all necessary materials and equipment are available to the trainers and trainees and that all administrative matters are handled efficiently;

·  implementing clearly documented procedures for managing, monitoring and evaluating all training and assessment and for reviewing student/client satisfaction;

·  implementing and refining procedures for selecting and developing trainers and assessors and ensuring that they are kept abreast of best practices in vocational education and training;

·  recording, monitoring and reviewing the assessment process; and

·  developing a comprehensive bank of resources for students and assessors. 

The executive Director of ADAS is responsible for the overall implementation of the policy detailed in this document, monitoring compliance with the policy and addressing any complaints or suggested improvements.  The effectiveness of this policy will be monitored through self-assessment and internal audit.  Should a breach of any policy be identified, an improvement initiative will be instigated for immediate action. 

ADAS seeks formal and informal feedback for quality assurance, performance and standard measures from all staff and students.  This will enhance the quality of services provided, by promoting and establishing a comprehensive team approach between all departments, employees and students of ADAS.

ADAS complies with the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) standards of the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA)

Mutual Recognition

As per its RTO's mutual recognition obligations, ADAS recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other RTO's for all non- diving activities.

ADAS diver certification is a legislative requirement under Australian State and Territory laws for occupational diving.  In view of the high risk of occupational diving, ADAS does not authorise occupational diver training under the ADAS accredited courses by other RTOs except those who are ADAS-approved Diver Training Establishments.

The procedure for applying for mutual recognition will be:

· the applicant must provide original documentation.  ADAS reserves the right to verify the authenticity of the qualification or statement of attainment

· a copy of the qualification or statement of attainment will be retained by ADAS on the student file

· a credit transfer will be recorded on the student records management system

· mutual recognition is only given for qualification or Statement of Attainments where there is clearly a direct correlation.  RPL will need to occur in other instances

Admissions/Enrolment

ADAS trainees will be recruited responsibly and ethically at all times and recruitment will be consistent with any training package/product requirements. ADAS is committed to non-discrimination in any form when recruiting and selecting and at all times comply with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation. There may be prerequisites before commencing a program due to health requirements or the nature of the program.

Recruitment decisions will rest on assessment of the extent to which the stated competency standards and outcomes are likely to be achieved by the applicant given their qualifications, abilities and aspirations, guided by the relevant selection criteria.

Recruitment decision will address the principles of equity and access and the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The ADAS DTE will provide learners with information regarding:

• qualifications to be issued on completion or part completion of courses
• competencies to be achieved during training
• assessment procedures including recognition of prior learning
• student support services

Marketing

The marketing of ADAS courses will always be carried out with integrity and professionalism and will remain within the guidelines set down by industry and government bodies.  ADAS will take every care to avoid vague and/or ambiguous statements.  In the provision of information, no false or misleading comparisons are drawn with any other training organisation or training product.

The organisation markets training products with integrity, accuracy and professionalism, avoiding vague and ambiguous statements. In the provision of information, no false or misleading comparisons are drawn with any other Training Providers. The organisation's marketing strategies will not contravene legislation.

Care will be taken to ensure that ADAS will market its services consistently with the education, cultural and regulatory systems of countries in which it seeks to market and will not detract from the reputation and interests of other Australian institutions.  Written permission will be sought from any Facilitators, trainees, clients or other organisation referred to in ADAS marketing or advertising material.

ALl advertising copy for ADAS courses, whether delivered  by ADAS or Diver Training Establishments, must first be authorised bythe Executive Director, ADAS. 

Fees and Charges

The fees payable for each ADAS nationally accredited course are shown in the relevant information package.  These fees, unless otherwise specified, are a once-only payment and no further fees will be charged in respect of that course or training program for the issue of qualifications.  Unless other specified, all training and assessment materials are included in the cost.

In general, fees are to be paid one month before the commencement of the course.  If for any reason any monies are owed or outstanding at the end of the course, certification will not be issued until accounts are settled.

ADAS will ensure that fees paid by candidates in advance of the commencement of training are duly protected. Details of such fees (including the name of the candidate, the amount paid and for what purposes and the date of the payment) are recorded in an appropriate file under the name of that candidate, that receipts are issued, and the monies are banked in accordance with normal ADAS financial practices.

Refund Policy

ADAS realises that cancellation or deferment of a course registration is sometimes unavoidable and therefore have established the following guidelines -

Students will be entitled to a refund of fees paid in non-government funded courses as follows:

· If the student withdraws from the course within two weeks of the commencement of the course and returns all training materials in good order, then a refund of all monies paid less an amount of $100 administration charges will be made;

· If the student withdraws before the halfway point of the course, then a refund of 50 percent of the fees paid , less an amount of $100 administration charges will be made.

· If the student withdraws at or after the halfway point of the course, then no refund will be made.

· At the discretion of the Executive Director, forfeited course deposits may be transferred to future courses.

· If the course is cancelled by ADAS a full refund will be paid.

In relation to government funded courses, refunds will be made in accordance with the requirements and conditions imposed by the government body funding the course.  Any administration fee paid is generally not refundable if a participant withdraws from the course or training program.

ADAS will consider applications for refunds outside of the parameters of this policy

ADAS DTEs are required to have in place a Fees Refund policy that is broadly consistent with the principles above.

Certificates and Statements of Attainment

ADAS will issue certificates to all trainees who satisfactorily complete the requirements of the accredited diving courses on the ADAS scope of registration.  As occupational diving is a high risk activity and ADAS certificates of Competency are in effect ‘licenses’ to undertake occupational diving, ADAS does not issue Statements of Attainment for incomplete diver training programs.  ADAS does issue Statements of Attainment for the successful completion of individual competences for ADAS non-diving courses.

Certificates and Statements of Attainments will include the ADAS name and RTO code, the name of the person receiving the certificate, the name and code of the accredited course, the date issued and the signature of the Executive Director of ADAS. 

Individual competencies completed will be identified by an individually numbered code.

ADAS aims to have Certificates and Statements of Attainment issued to trainees at Graduation or within 10 working days after receiving evidence of the assessment.  This will be monitored as part of the audit process.

Duplicate Certificates

A fee will be charged by ADAS in the event that a candidate requires a copy (either duplicate or replacement) of their Certificate / Statement of Attainment.  This fee is to cover the costs of reproducing the document and associated handling and administration.

Contact Details

Further details of training policies, procedures and guidelines are contained in the ADAS Policy and Procedures and Requirements Manuals.

The ADAS Policy and Procedure and Requirements Manuals meet the ADAS obligations against the AQTF.

ADAS personnel can provide information and advice on training and assessment services.  Additional information is available from ADAS internet site.

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