ERDI Confined Space Operations
Develop the operational knowledge and practical skills required for surface supplied public safety diving operations
Duration
2 days, 4 dives
Max Depth
Dependent on operational configuration
Level
Advanced Public Safety Diving Operations
Overview
The ERDI Confined Space Operations programme develops the knowledge and practical skills required to safely conduct public safety diving operations within confined and overhead environments.
Confined space diving presents unique operational hazards, including:
- restricted access,
- entanglement risks,
- limited visibility,
- complex navigation,
- restricted emergency egress,
- and elevated psychological stress.
This programme prepares divers to
- evaluate confined-space operational risks,
- conduct tethered confined-space diving procedures,
- manage communications,
- operate within overhead environments,
- and function safely as part of a public safety dive team during confined-space deployments.
Training focuses on:
- operational planning,
- hazard identification,
- tether and communications management,
- emergency procedures,
- team coordination,
- and operational risk mitigation.
At N9BO℠, this programme is delivered as advanced operational public safety diver training, emphasising procedural discipline, situational awareness, team coordination, and real-world operational readiness.
This programme is available through all three ERDI role tiers: Awareness, Operations, Technician (learn more about ERDI role classifications and operational pathways on our main ERDI Public Safety Diving page).
Course Facts
- Course name: ERDI Confined Space Operations
- Level: Advanced public safety diving operational speciality
- Minimum prerequisites: Minimum age 18, ERD II certification (or equivalent), Current CPR, First Aid and Oxygen Administration certification (or equivalent)
- Ratio: Conducted with controlled instructor supervision appropriate to overhead environments, operational complexity, and environmental conditions
- Configuration: Full public safety diving equipment configuration, Tether system, Redundant gas supply, Full face mask recommended, Surface communications equipment, Primary and backup lighting systems, Confined-space operational safety equipment
- Depth / environment: Confined-space and overhead operational environments, Black-water and limited-visibility conditions, Industrial, structural, and restricted-access operational settings
- Format: Knowledge development + operational planning + confined-space drills + practical operational dives + scenario-based exercises
- Duration: 2 days, 4 dives
What You’ll Learn
- Learn confined-space operational hazards, risk assessment procedures, emergency protocols, operational planning
- Conduct tethered confined-space diving procedures, communications drills, restricted-access operations, diver/tender coordination
- Practice emergency egress procedures, lost-diver protocols, low-visibility operational procedures, confined-space team coordination
- Develop operational discipline, situational awareness, and overhead-environment procedures
- Apply public safety operational protocols within realistic confined-space scenarios
Prerequisites
- Be at least 18 years old
- ERD I certification (or equivalent)
- Current emergency care and oxygen provider certification
- Be medically fit for diving
FAQ
Confined space diving involves operations conducted within:
- restricted-access,
- enclosed,
- or overhead environments
where direct vertical access to the surface may be limited.
Confined-space operations introduce elevated operational hazards including:
- entanglement,
- disorientation,
- limited visibility,
- restricted exits,
- and complex emergency-response considerations.
Specialised training is essential for safe operational deployment.
Yes. Training includes:
- emergency egress,
- communications failures,
- lost-diver protocols,
- tether-management emergencies,
- and operational contingency procedures.
Full face masks may be used depending on operational configuration and instructor discretion. Surface communications systems and tethered operational procedures are strongly emphasised.
You will develop the operational knowledge and practical skills necessary to participate in confined-space public safety diving operations within the limits of your training, agency procedures, and operational conditions.
Ready to Advance Your Public Safety Diving Capability?
Whether you are developing confined-space operational capability for your agency or progressing toward advanced public safety diving environments, we can help you determine the most appropriate ERDI training pathway for your operational goals and mission requirements.
Go Pro with ERDI Instructor
Train under operational public safety diving programmes delivered by an ERDI Instructor Trainer and continue progressing through advanced ERDI operational pathways. Develop the procedural discipline, operational mindset, and team-based capabilities required to function effectively within real-world public safety diving environments.
