The Professional Diving Academy is the only commercial diver training school in the UK that is approved to teach the Kirby Morgan Maintenance and Repair Technician Course. This course consists of maintenance and inspection of fiberglass and stainless steel shells, side block and demand valves, yoke/neck clamp assembly and includes daily, monthly and annual overhaul procedures, face port testing, weights removal, checklists and recording procedure. It does not include instruction in fiberglass and gel coat repair.
Upon completion, each student will receive the official KMDSI approved certification, as issued from Dive Lab, Florida, which will be valid for a three-year period. Individuals who have this certificate will be authorised to conduct maintenance and repairs on their own and/or the company or affiliate company’s equipment for which the individual works, as well as equipment belonging to other diving employees of the company as dictated by company policy.
All our technicians are trained to instruct on the following Kirby Morgan equipment:
Superlite Series SL-17A/B SL-17K, SL-27, SL-17C Helmets; KM-37, KM-47, KM-57, KM-77 KM-97 Helmets; KMB 18/28 Band Masks; EXO 26BR, EXO Non Balanced; KMAC -5. M48 FFM Superflow 1st Stage Regulators
Once qualified, the Technician is authorised and encouraged to teach the KMDSI Operator/User Course using the curriculum and guidelines set-up by KMDSI and Dive Lab, Inc. The main purpose for this is to expand the knowledge and training within the commercial diving industry using trained persons, thus raising the level of awareness pertaining to the proper use and maintenance of KMDSI Helmets, Band Masks and associated equipment.
Training is delivered onsite at our excellent facility here in Dunoon, Scotland and all course material is supplied by the PDA.
- Training and Maintenance Policies/Guidelines for Kirby Morgan Equipment
- Kirby Morgan Operational Check Lists A2.1 through A2.6
- Kirby Morgan 17B Neck Clamp Assembly
- Neck Ring Assembly For “37 Type” Helmets
- Stainless Steel and Fiberglass Helmets Assembly
- Face Port Insert Inspection and Testing
- “Hands On” Instruction for The Side Block Assembly (Stainless & Brass)
- “Hands On” Instruction for The Kirby Morgan 350 Super Flow Regulator
- Disassembly & Reassembly
- Testing/Regulator Adjustment
- “Hands On” Instruction for The Kirby Morgan 455 Balance Regulator
- Disassembly & Reassembly
- Testing/Regulator Adjustment
- Band Mask (KMB 18 & KMB 28)
- Surfaced Supplied Breathing Requirements for Kirby Morgan Equipment
- Emergency Procedures for Kirby Morgan Helmets & Band Masks
- Post Dive Cleaning and Maintenance
- Kirby Morgan and Dive Lab Website Familiarisation
- Instructional Guide for the KMDSI Helmet and Band Mask Operator/User course
The course is designed to teach Commercial Divers, Tenders, and Technicians how to perform routine maintenance, inspections, and repair of Kirby Morgan Helmets and Band Masks and instruct personnel in the KMDSI/Dive Lab recommended configuration and use of KMDSI Helmets and Band Masks.
On successful completion of the Kirby Morgan Maintenance and Repair Technician training, candidates will receive:
- A Kirby Morgan Maintenance and Repair Technician card that will be valid for 3 years.
This can be used to demonstrate to third parties that competence has been assessed by an industry recognised external training provider.
Located on the stunning Cowal Peninsula, we’re lucky to have Argyll and Loch Lomond as our neighbours and the Trossachs National Park within easy reach. This makes us a year-round destination for hillwalkers and mountain bikers, with yachting and kayaking enthusiasts joining us in the warmer months. If you have the time, pack your bike, walking shoes, or kayak and explore the wilderness after classes or social activities!
Arriving by plane? The nearest airport is Glasgow Airport. Once you’ve navigated through security, you can choose your preferred transport option to Dunoon:
Driving: If you’re travelling by car, you have two scenic options:
- The Long Route: Drive through the Loch Lomond National Park for breath-taking views and a relaxing road trip.
- The Quick Route: Take a shortcut across the River Clyde by ferry. Two companies operate ferry services to Dunoon, but only Western Ferries accommodates vehicles. Ferries run every 20–30 minutes, so it’s convenient to plan your journey. Please note: tickets purchased online in advance or at one of the ticket agents are cheaper than purchasing on the boat itself.
Buses: Regular buses run from Glasgow and Glasgow Airport to Dunoon. Alternatively, you can hop off the bus at Gourock, then take a CalMac Ferry to Dunoon. The ferry docks just a 5-minute walk from Dunoon’s town centre.
Trains: Take a ride from Glasgow Central Station or Paisley Gilmour Street Station (near the airport) to Gourock.
- If departing from Glasgow Central, buy your ticket in advance to pass through the station barriers.
- If departing from Paisley Gilmour Street, you can buy a ticket either before boarding or onboard the train.
From Gourock, it’s then a short walk to the CalMac Ferry terminal.
Pro Tip: If the weather takes a turn and the CalMac Ferry service is suspended (it happens!), you can take a bus or taxi from Gourock to McInroy’s Point, where the Western Ferries operate.
On arrival with the Western Ferry:
- Western Ferries dock at Hunters Quay, which is about 2 miles from Dunoon’s town centre. You can enjoy a scenic walk or hail a taxi to get to your accommodation from there.
For taxis, you can try:
- Clyde Taxis: 01369 706444
- Thistle Taxis: 01369 704331
If buses are your preference, please check schedules at West Coast Motors.
To ensure you don’t miss out and secure your place on the course we require a 20% deposit. The remainder of your balance will then be due 8 weeks prior to the course starting.
This is dependent on how much notice you give if requesting to move to another course date, plus if there are available places on the course you are wanting to move to. Please refer to our T&C’s for full information.
What you will get on the day:
No, there are no pre-requisites to attend the course. The Kirby Morgan Tech certificate is a valuable qualification for employment with Civil Diving Contractors as all diving contractors are required to ensure that their Kirby Morgan helmets are maintained as per manufacturing requirements to remain compliant.
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout our onsite premises for all visitors and course participants.
