Tier 1 — Participation
TBA
Annual membership fee · pricing not yet finalised
An entry point for commercial diving contractors wishing to engage with ICDA, contribute to industry dialogue and follow the development of its standards and guidance.
MEMBERSHIP / CONTRACTORS
Progressive participation.
Credible assurance.
ICDA is developing a three-tier contractor pathway, from initial engagement through to independently assessed conformance with a defined standard.
MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMME IN DEVELOPMENT
THREE-TIER MODEL
A pathway, not a shortcut.
Working tier descriptions are shown below. Final names, criteria and benefits will be determined before launch.
Tier 2 — Recognition
TBA
Annual membership fee · pricing not yet finalised
A proposed enhanced pathway for contractors able to demonstrate defined commitments to ICDA requirements. Recognition criteria and verification arrangements remain under development.
Tier 3 — Independent Assurance
TBA
Annual membership fee · pricing not yet finalised
A proposed audited pathway involving independent assessment against published criteria. Audit arrangements, assessor impartiality, decisions and ongoing surveillance requirements are not yet finalised.
No ICDA contractor recognition, audit approval or certification is currently being awarded. Membership and assurance services are not yet open.
A PATHWAY FOR EVERY CONTRACTOR
Standards, not company size.
A one-person contractor and an international diving business could both qualify for the same proposed assurance status. Assessment effort would be proportionate to each contractor’s scope, complexity and risk.
- ◎BasicEngage, access resources and understand expectations
- ↗StandardBuild systems and prepare evidence
- ✓AssuredIndependent assessment and separate ICDA decision
These are proposed participation options, not compulsory sequential steps. Eligible businesses could apply directly for assurance.
MEMBERSHIP COMPARISON
Choose the right level of engagement.
| Proposed benefit | Basic | Standard | Assured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual membership fee | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Member resources and updates | Planned | Planned | Planned |
| Enhanced implementation resources | — | Planned | Planned |
| Independent assessment | Not included | Not included | Required; separately scoped |
| ICDA assurance decision | — | — | Required |
| Assured recognition | No | No | Only if approved |
No ICDA assurance or recognition is currently available. Audit fees would be separately determined according to scope; membership payment would not guarantee approval.
VALUE TO CONTRACTORS & CLIENTS
Making professional commitment visible.
The intention is to help contractors communicate how they approach safe, competent and well-managed diving operations.
For clients, a clearly defined and independently administered assurance pathway could support more informed contractor selection. Any future recognition must be based on transparent criteria and should not be confused with statutory approval or regulatory certification.
BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION
Interested in the future of ICDA?
Membership is not yet open. We welcome expressions of interest from people and organisations who would like to learn more as our plans develop.
NEXT STEP
Interested in contractor membership?
Register your interest in Basic, Standard or Assured. This is an enquiry only; no fee, membership or recognition is conferred.
COMPARE THE PROPOSED PATHWAYS
Contractor membership at a glance
The distinctions below are illustrative and subject to approval. All tiers are intended to be accessible based on evidence and criteria, not company size. Fees and final entitlements remain to be confirmed.
| Proposed feature | Basic | Standard | Assured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation in ICDA community | Proposed | Proposed | Proposed |
| Access to member resources | To define | To define | To define |
| Evidence of defined requirements | Entry-level | Enhanced | Assessment-led |
| Independent contractor assessment | Not included | Not included | Required, subject to criteria |
| Annual fee | TBA | TBA | TBA |
These are proposed membership concepts, not active awards, certifications or assurance claims. Paying a fee would not guarantee recognition.
Register contractor interest ↗