PTRD International Diver Training Standards and Procedures Manual

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Compressor Operator
Standard & Training Programme

Instructor Manual

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PTRD International Diver Training Standards and Procedures Manual
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1. Aim of the training programme
1.1 The PTRD Compressor Operator Training Programme is designed to provide divers
with proper
training in dive compressor operation and to help the student diver develop the skills,
knowledge
and techniques necessary for the safe use of diving compressors and filling dive cylinders.
2. Classification
2.1 The PTRD Compressor Operator Training Programme is classified as a medium level
speciality
diver training programme.
3. Instructor and Assistant Requirements
3.1 The Compressor Operator Training Programme may be presented by any Compressor
Operator Instructor with a minimum of a PTRD 1 Star Instructor grading that complies with
the requirements as prescribed by Clause 2.1.16 of the definitions in Chapter 1.
4. Competencies of a certified PTRD Compressor Operator
4.1 A PTRD Compressor Operator shall be trained such that when assessed by a PTRD
Instructor,
he shall be deemed to have sufficient knowledge, skill and experience to operate a dive
compressor and to fill dive cylinders.
5. Prerequisites for participation in the training programme
5.1 In order to gain access to the Compressor Operator Training Programme,
the participant shall:
5.1.1 Be at least eighteen (18) years of age; there is no upper limit;
5.1.2 Sign the appropriate form(s) as required by PTRD acknowledging and
assuming the risks of Compressor operation prior to participating in any practical activities.
6. Requirements for certification
6.1 In order to be certified as a PTRD Compressor Operator, the student shall:
6.1.1 Comply with all the prerequisites for participation in the training programme as
prescribed by Clause 5 of this Standard;
6.1.2 Successfully complete the theoretical assessment as provided for in Clause 10.1 of
this Standard; and
6.1.3 Successfully complete the practical skills assessment as provided for in Clause 10.2
of this Standard.
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7. Required theoretical knowledge and diving skills
7.1 The participant shall receive tuition in the theoretical knowledge and practical skills as
prescribed
in Standard 3.B.? in Chapter 3.
8. Theoretical training parameters
8.1 The PTRD Instructor shall conform to the standard theoretical training parameters as
prescribed
in Clause 4.5 of Chapter 1.
9. Practical training parameters
9.1 The PTRD Instructor shall conform to the standard practical training parameters as
prescribed in
Clause 4.6 of Chapter 1.
10. Assessment
10.1 Knowledge
10.1.1 The participant shall demonstrate to the PTRD Instructor knowledge of Compressor
Operation theory and techniques by taking and passing an oral or written
examination. This examination shall test Compressor Operation theory and
techniques as prescribed in Standard 3.B.? in Chapter 3.
10.2 Practical skills
10.2.1 The participant shall demonstrate to the PTRD Instructor his mastery of Compressor
Operation practical skills and safety, as prescribed in Clause 2.1 of Standard 3.B.? in
Chapter 3, during a practical skills assessment session.
11. Certification
11.1 Upon successful completion of the training programme the participant shall be
awarded with a PTRD Compressor Operator C-card.

1. Required theoretical knowledge

1.1 Subject Area 1: Introduction
1.1.1 The participant shall be provided with all such information, as provided for in Clause
4.2 of
Chapter 1 in order to enable him to take an informed decision about his participation in the
PTRD Compressor Operator Training Programme.

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1.1.2 The participant shall be provided with the information about the PTRD as provided for
in
Clause 4.3 of Chapter 1.
1.2 Subject Area 2: Equipment and Safety
1.2.1 The participant shall have an appropriate knowledge concerning the physical
characteristics
operating principles, maintenance and use of the following items of personal protection
equipment.
1.2.1.1 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
1.2.1.1.1 Safety eye glasses or suitable personal eye protection. Must be worn during all
practical
sessions.
1.2.1.1.2 Ear Muffs/Plugs or suitable personal ear protection. Must be worn when
compressor is
working.
1.2.1.1.3 Proper attire must be observed during all practical sessions (clothing, hair etc.).
1.2.1.2 Specific Equipment
1.2.1.2.1 A dive compressor in good working order. A stationary compressor or a portable is
acceptable.
1.2.1.2.2 Dive cylinders in test for filling during practical sessions
1.2.1.2.3 Dive compressor log.
1.2.1.2.4 Additional safety equipment, Fire extinguisher etc.
1.2.1.3 General Safety
1.2.1.3.1 Notes and warning signs displayed on compressors, power units and electric
switch
controls.
1.2.1.3.2 Compressor manual and/or manufacture’s recommendations.
1.2.1.3.3 Local and national laws regarding high pressure compressors and high pressure
vessels
Note: Prior to the commencement of class, students should consult with a PTRD
representative to
verify personal protection equipment requirements and suitability.

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1.3 Subject Area 3: Physics and theory of dive compressor operation and cylinder
filling
1.3.1 The participant shall have an appropriate knowledge concerning the physical
principles and
their application to compressor operation and hazards relating to:
1.3.1.1 Compressor Types
1.3.1.1.1 Stationary, portable
1.3.1.1.2 Power units- Electric motors and combustion engines
1.3.1.1.3 Installation of dive compressor, outdoor location and indoor location
1.3.1.2 Compressor design and function
1.3.1.2.1 Gas physics
1.3.1.2.2 Parts of compressor and basic layout
1.3.1.2.3 Compression and cooling
1.3.1.2.4 Filling stations, nitrox systems and storage tanks
1.3.1.3 Breathing air quality and filtration
1.3.1.3.1 Air contamination
1.3.1.3.2 Air quality EN12021
1.3.1.3.3 Filtration systems (Filters, PMV valve etc.)
1.3.1.4 Operation and basic maintenance checks
1.3.1.4.1 Preoperational compressor checks (compressor log, oil levels etc.)
1.3.1.4.2 Compressor location
1.3.1.4.3 Cylinder connection and filling
1.3.1.4.4 Condensate drain and compressor shutdown
1.3.1.4.5 Post operational compressor checks and log filling
1.3.1.5 Dive cylinders
1.3.1.5.1 Cylinder types
1.3.1.5.2 Cylinder marking and colour codes
1.3.1.5.3 Identification of test marks and/or labels
1.3.1.5.4 Cylinder valve thread types
1.3.1.5.5 Filling cylinders from storage tanks
2 Required Practical skills
2.1 Demonstrate proficiency in Dive Compressor operation and the safety considerations
when filling
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dive cylinders.
2.2 Demonstrate proficiency in cylinder identification, and the selection of cylinders
adequate for safe
filling.
2.3 Demonstrate awareness of breath air quality and possible contamination factors, taking
into
account compressor location and compressor log information.
2.4 Demonstrate proficiency in cylinder identification, and the selection of cylinders
adequate for safe
filling.
2.5 Demonstrate a safe and responsible demeanour throughout all training.

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