National Certificate in Diving (Foundation Skills) (Level 3)

The National Certificate in Diving (Foundation Skills) (Level 3) [Ref: 1321] recognises the foundation skills and knowledge required of people entering any sector of the dive industry.

Holders of this qualification will have demonstrated competence in a number of required introductory and prerequisite diving skills and experiences. Candidates may choose to advance to a variety of dive and underwater construction qualifications such as the National Certificate in Diving (Leadership) (Level 4) [Ref: 1322], the National Certificate in Aquaculture (Diving) (Level 4) [Ref: 1210], or the Australian Dive Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) Part One and Two.

This qualification can be an entry point for people working in the dive industry. The qualification structure also recognises the diversity in diving workplaces and the nature of work that they can undertake. To reflect this, the qualification includes an elective section where candidates are able to choose unit standards relevant to their workplace. The compulsory unit standards meet the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Service's Limited Certificate of Competence, which allows entry into dive sectors such as Aquaculture, and Film and Photographic. They also allow entry to further training in the Underwater Construction, Scientific, Recreational Instruction, and Dive Tourism sectors of the industry.

Academy of Diving Trust is registered and accredited as a multi-site Private Training Establishment by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) pursuant to the Education Amendment Act 1990. Academy of Diving Trust is accredited to provide education and training and undertake assessment of unit standards on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in a range of subject areas.

The Academy is an independently governed not-for-profit trust incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957. Academy of Diving Trust is registered as a charitable entity under the Charities Act 2005. A Board of Trustees governs the Academy of Diving Trust. The Trust is structured to be responsible for the governance of its approved regional tertiary education delivery sites located the length of New Zealand.