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I'm the science/research rep on an expert working group, setup to
restructure New Zealand diving qualifications into one, continuous,
modularised programme, which has international acceptability. 
Our construction industry is using this as an opportunity to establish HSE
regulations here.  At present NZ Construction diving qualifications are
not recognised internationally.  NZ divers have to pay out up to $40,000 
to get qualified to work in the NZ offshore industry through HSE
in the UK.  Although we normally adopt Australian Standards, our industry
believes their salvation is through ISO 9000 and HSE is accepted in this
already. 
There is a certain inevitability to the process as our government is
committed to the concept of international equivalence and the NZ
Qualifications Authority has the diving industry well in it's grip.  The
recreational divers see this as an opportunity for their qualifications to
be taught in the school system and credited to the academic studies of 15,
16 and 17 year olds.  

Because we are neither recreational (but use their training
programmes) or construction divers (but are classified as Occupational) 
it's seems to be the diving scientist who is destined to be penalised by
any changes.  I know some of you will be thinking "we've been through this
all before...etc".

I have followed the progress of HSE Diving Operations at Work since their
introduction in 1981. I was a member of the UK Underwater Association and
read all the gloom and doom that followed it's introduction BUT what I
would like to know is HOW the diving scintist in the UK is coping now and
what has been the effect of the 1990 ammendments.  I'd really like any
comments, long or short to be emailed ASAP.  These people have a tendency
to work really quickly when they want something to happen. 

Thanks for your time,   


Steve Mercer - Diving Officer              Snailmail:  Fisheries Research Centre
   Usenet: mercer@fr*.ma*.go*.nz*                      PO Box 297 
Telephone: +64 4 3860507                               Wellington
      FAX: +64 4 38605743                              NEW ZEALAND         
    Telex: MAFFCC NZ30049                                         

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