Diver Air Quality Compressor Operator Handling Course Completed in Thailand

Koh Tao, Thailand - Big Blue Tech completed a BSAC Compressor Operator course today for Divemaster Intern Dylan Thornton by BSAC Instructor Ash Dunn.

The BSAC Compressor Operator course is about teaching the proper handling, procedures and functions of divers air quality compressors and banked air systems.

Divers air quality compressors are not the same as compressors you use for filling tires or using a nail gun. The quality of the air has to be high to prevent any respiratory problems for the divers breathing it under pressure. With the quality of the air so important Dylan was also taught how to change the filters which have special chemicals inside to help remove toxins and moisture before being put into the scuba divers cylinder.

The course consists with a  morning of academic theory lessons and afternoon of practical hands on filling and then concludes with a written exam. Dylan progresses tomorrow on to his Gas Blender course where he will use his skills again to fill nitrox cylinders.

In addition to this the rest of the team have been busy servicing regulators and equipment in preperation for the start of the next tech course which starts bright and early tomorrow for 4 eager future technical divers.

Today Big Blue Tech conducted the first TDI Compressor Operator Course ever. This course was attended by Ash Dunn, Andy Cavell and Mark Slinn and conducted on Koh Tao island in the south east of Thailand. Big Blue Tech authored and submitted this course as a custom written certification and received authorization from TDI HQ to start teaching. We have been told that TDI plan to develop their own Compressor Operator course based on our outline.

The TDI Compressor Operator course is designed to introduce the safe operation and handling of scuba diving compressors and air bank systems. The students learned the proper checks, safety and hazards, minor maintenance and operation of 2 different compressors including the combination of a large air bank system. On our next Khao Sok expedition later this month they will also be operating a portable petrol powered compressor in the jungle.

Big Blue own over 10 compressors around thailand, on Koh Tao alone we have 2 Coltri Sub MCH16’s, 2 Bauer Mariner 1, 2 Bauer 250, 1 LW 450 and 1 Bauer Junior (for cave and remote diving). In Khao Lak we have 2 Bauer Mariner 250 and 1 Coltri Sub MCH16, which gives our students a lot different compressors to practice with and become familiar.

After our time in the shop and on the boat we filled all the twin sets and air systems in the shop giving the students ample time to practice and learn using a compressor un-aided. The students will later evolve their diving skills with future TDI Nitrox Gas blender and TDI Advanced Gas blender courses.

The certification earned will give the students the recognized ticket to operate scuba diving compressors in government controlled diving areas.

For those TDI instructors interested in teaching this course, feel free to contact us for authorization to teach this distinctive specialty course.

Today began the slow and steady process of creating Compressor Operators and Gas Blenders for Dive Master Interns Corey, Colin and Simon.

Today’s main goal was to get them familiar with the basics of compressed air systems including cylinder visual inspection, regulator servicing and compressor operator whch is above and beyond the standard gas blender course.

The morning started out by emptying 3 of the twin sets for cleaning and servicing. The lads stripped every part down, cleaned it in ultrasonic fluid and inspected it for wear and tear. The cylinders had a bit of build up around the neck but nothing to worry about. The cylinders were re-asembeled ready for filling tomorrow during the air compressor portion.

Unfortunately the first aid kit had to be broken out a few times as corey kept slipping off the wrenches and slicing his knuckles. Only one way to learn.

While this was going on, Oskar was replacing the bungees on some OMS wings getting the extra gear ready for high season.

We even got a Suunto Favor working, we found sitting at 30m at a dive site. Some before and after servicing pictures.

Below are some pictures from today, tomorrow we’ll be on the boat discovering the benefits to twin compressors, air bank systems, compressor theory and compressor maintenance.

On February 25th we will be conducting our signature Gas Blender - Compressor Operator course.

Certification: DSAT Gas Blender / PADI Distinctive Compressor Operator

The course will cover the following.

- Compressor Use
- Compressor Operation
- Air Filling Methods
- Oxygen Cleaning
- Continuous Flow Blending
- Partial Pressure Blending
- Cylinder Visual Inspection
- Oxygen Handling

This is a 3 day course where you will operate a compressor for a total of 6 hours (3 air and 3 nitrox). This is a crucial element missing from the course as many learn the theory but don’t get enough hands on experience. At Big Blue Tech we fill that gap with our in house gas compressing station.

Manual and certification included. Contact us for course price and availability.